June 18, 2024
Being a leader in philanthropy means focusing on building stronger, more inclusive, and equitable organizations and communities. It means empowering and celebrating those around us. We are fortunate to witness the impact of these individuals every day within our community.
Each year, United Way's Emerging Leaders recognizes and honors community leaders in their 20s, 30s, and 40s who are dedicated to giving, advocating, and volunteering for positive change. We celebrate the contributions of these inspiring individuals through our annual Philanthropic 5 and Philanthropic Youth awards. The Philanthropic Youth award recognizes outstanding youth community leaders under 21 years old.
Thank you to our longtime event sponsor, BMO, and our media sponsor, Milwaukee Business Journal!
Meet our 2024 award winners: Dr. Victor Amaya, Alejandra Anastas, Graham Anderson, Alexis Outlaw, Tristen Shorter, and Philanthropic Youth winner, Drea McAlister.
Join us at this year's event on Thursday, August 1 at The Ivy House! Register here.
Dr. Victor Amaya
“Dr. Amaya's philanthropic leadership and initiatives have left a profound impact on the local community.”
Dr. Victor Amaya is the President and Executive Director of Data You Can Use, driving strategies and operations to make a positive impact on the community's well-being with the goal of democratizing data. Prior to his role at Data You Can Use, Dr. Amaya was the Managing Director in the Impact Division of City Year Milwaukee and served as the organization’s Interim Executive Director. Additionally, Dr. Amaya is the Principal and founder of Limitless Mindset, LLC, a consultancy firm dedicated to coaching and developing individuals and organizations to achieve success.
Dr. Amaya’s mission revolves around creating opportunities, investing in individuals, and tearing down barriers that perpetuate inequities, especially for those most adversely affected. He serves as the Founding Director of Techqueria – Milwaukee Chapter, as an Executive Board Member for the National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership, and also serves as President on multiple boards, including the Southside Organizing Center and Your Move MKE. In these capacities, he leverages his leadership and passion to drive positive change in his own community in the Southside of Milwaukee.
Alejandra Anastas
“Alejandra's personal journey fuels her passion for advocating for marginalized individuals and empowering youth.”
Alejandra Anastas is a passionate advocate and educator committed to shaping a more equitable Milwaukee. As the Career and Internship Coach at Alverno College, her multifaceted expertise and personal journey intersect in her dedication to fostering a promising and equitable future for Milwaukee's youth and emerging professionals. Alejandra channels her diverse background in education, performance arts, fund development, community organizing, and career development to strengthen her commitment to community. As a driven individual with lived experiences as an undocumented student, she actively works towards providing opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Beyond her professional life, Alejandra finds joy in the moments spent with her family, drawing endless inspiration from the strength and love they share. Her deep, personal connection to her community, coupled with the family values instilled by her grandmother, fuels her ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life for young residents and in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Graham Anderson
“Graham's philanthropic leadership and initiatives have left a lasting legacy of positive change and social empowerment.”
Graham Anderson is a passionate member of the Milwaukee community, active in both community and professional pursuits. As the Group Manager of Digital Products at Milwaukee Tool, Graham is responsible for the strategy development, investment, and go-to-market execution of multiple commercially facing digital products. Prior to joining corporate America, Graham started his career in Africa, where he helped start Africa’s first fair trade mass-production garment facility in Accra, Ghana.
Graham has a long history of community involvement, from riding his bicycle across America to support affordable housing, to sitting on multiple Boards in Milwaukee focused on workforce development. Graham is a recipient of the Milwaukee Business Journal’s 40 under 40 award, serves as a One Young World sustainability ambassador, and was selected to the first Milwaukee cohort of Harvard Business School’s Young American Leaders program. Most recently, and as a proud father, Graham was successful in passing legislation in Madison to help make infant and childcare more affordable and accessible for working families across Wisconsin.
Alexis B. Outlaw, MSM, SHRM-CP
“Alexis works to help uplift and financially support others. She uses her voice to do great things.”
Alexis B. Outlaw, MSM, SHRM-CP, serves as an Assistant Professor of Business Administration and Human Resources at Mount Mary University. Prior, she was appointed to be a Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in a shared leadership model at Alverno College, and was the Director of Admissions & Enrollment at St. Joan Antida High School. Her experience in board service, executive-level recruitment, talent acquisition, diversity equity and inclusion, programmatic design and employee incentive programming has helped shift the organizational culture and capacity of a variety of organizations. She is also a graduate of Cohort 12 of the African American Leadership Program.
Alexis is passionate about service to the community, as she currently serves as the College Relations Director for Wisconsin State SHRM Council, is Vice President of Membership for the Milwaukee Chapter of the National Association for African Americans in Human Resources (NAAAHR), teaches and mentors students to SHRM certification, is the Vice-President of Exfabula, and serves as the Board Secretary of Exploit No More. In service to the boards she serves on, Alexis provides consultation through the lens of Human Resources.
Tristen Shorter
“It only takes one conversation with Tristen to know she has a huge heart. She is a giver through and through.”
Tristen Shorter is the Director of Communications at the Milwaukee Parks Foundation. In her role, she is dedicated to enhancing the accessibility and vitality of Milwaukee's park system through storytelling and public education, recognizing its crucial role in community health, safety, community development, and overall well-being. Her commitment to fostering community engagement is evident through her professional journey, including roles at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, Kane Communications Group, and the Milwaukee Brewers Community Foundation.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Tristen is deeply committed to volunteerism and community service. She has contributed her time and expertise to several organizations including Pink Umbrella Theater Company, Marquette University Black Alumni Association, the Pauline Redmond Coggs Foundation, and MKE Black. Her dedication to advocating for equity, eliminating silos, and serving the community in impactful ways underscores her belief in the power of collective effort to drive positive change. Through her work and volunteerism, Tristen continually strives to create opportunities for individuals to leverage their skills and knowledge for the betterment of their communities.
Philanthropic Youth - Drea McAlister
“Drea’s community involvement as a teen and young adult has shined a light on social justice issues and uplifted efforts of youth mental health awareness.”
Drea McAlister is a performance artist, poet, creative, and educator. In 2021, she joined Alverno College as an Art Therapy Major, with a specialization in Community Engagement and Activism with hopes to help people heal through creative art forms such as visual arts and poetry.
While she is studying to complete her degree, Drea is also a member of the second cohort of Bowman Scholars of the Thea Bowman Institute of Excellence & Leadership, a full-tuition scholarship program for Black women who attend Alverno. The scholarship is rooted in service, sisterhood, and mentorship from a black lens. Drea is active in campus programs and activities as she currently serves as the President of both Alverno Student Government and Black Student Alliance. Her thoughtful communication, use of a variety of artistic mediums, and bright and bold personality has positioned her to be an emerging leader in the community and beyond.
Join us at this year's event on Thursday, August 1 at The Ivy House! Register here.