United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County proudly announces Dr. Jeanette Mitchell as the recipient of the 2024 Linda McFerrin African American Nonprofit Leadership Award. A trailblazer in Milwaukee's leadership landscape, she rose from telephone operator to become Wisconsin Bell's first African American female district manager in her 30-year corporate career. The award is being presented posthumously; Dr. Mitchell passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2024.
The Linda McFerrin African American Nonprofit Leadership Award was established by United Way’s 2019-20 Board Chair Cory Nettles, founder and managing director of Generation Growth Capital, Inc. and his wife Michelle Nettles, chief people and culture officer at ManpowerGroup, in recognition of Linda McFerrin, retired vice president of resource development, and her 42 years of leadership and service to United Way.
The recipient of this annual award is chosen by United Way’s Diversity Leadership Society, and a grant is made to the organization they represent. Diversity Leadership Society consists of leaders working to close the gaps for our community's diverse populations, ensuring every family has the opportunity to thrive.
“Dr. Mitchell had a long and distinguished career as a nonprofit professional,” said Cory Nettles. “As a strategic thought leader, Dr. Mitchell was always focused on system level change. Her goal was to address systemic inequities and get at the root cause of our community’s biggest challenges. She fully embodied Linda McFerrin’s legacy of nonprofit leadership.”
During her 30-year career, her dedication to public service included eight years on the Milwaukee Public Schools board, where she served three terms as president. Her drive for positive change led her to earn multiple degrees, including a doctorate from Cardinal Stritch University.
Dr. Mitchell then established the Leadership Center there, creating transformative initiatives like the African American Leadership Program, which has nurtured and empowered over 200 Black leaders in the city. In 2019, she founded the African American Leadership Alliance Milwaukee (AALAM) to advance racial equity through cross-sector leadership development.
Known affectionately as 'Dr. J.', Jeanette inspired countless individuals by embodying servant leadership with authenticity and vibrancy throughout her life. She leaves behind a legacy that will shape Milwaukee's future for generations to come.
The Linda McFerrin African American Nonprofit Leadership Award will be celebrated at the United Way Annual Meeting on February 27, 2025, at Foley & Lardner.
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