June 12, 2025
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 2025 award winners: Mayra Alaniz, Betty Hill, Erik Kennedy, Tyler Odeneal, Tim Patterson, and Philanthropic Youth winner, Phin Clarkin.
Join us at this year's event on Tuesday, August 5 at the Milwaukee Public Museum! Register here.
Mayra Alaniz
“Mayra regularly shares her story with others; she is a role model for so many women, Latinas, first-generation students, intrapreneurs, and more. She is an outstanding young professional.”
Mayra Alaniz is a Senior Program and Policy Analyst at the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, where she leads the Workforce Innovation Grant program, advancing community-driven solutions and equitable access to jobs and training statewide. Her public service career also includes key roles with the City of Milwaukee, where she improved financial systems, partnered with community organizations, and supported Mayor Tom Barrett’s Summer Youth Employment Program to help connect young people with early career opportunities.
A proud first-generation professional, Mayra has dedicated her career to creating pathways for others and championing educational and economic mobility. She serves on the boards of College Possible Milwaukee and the Wisconsin 529 College Savings Program, and she co-founded the City of Milwaukee’s Latino Employee Resource Group. Mayra also launched Marquette University’s Career Closet to provide first-generation students with professional attire for interviews and internships. Across all her roles, Mayra is driven by a commitment to public service, equity, and opportunity.
Betty Hill
“Betty Hill is not just a leader; she is a movement. Her legacy is already visible in the lives she has touched, and she is only getting started.”
Betty Hill is the Director of Youth Development and Strategic Partnerships at MENTOR Greater Milwaukee, where she advances quality mentoring programs across the region. Her professional journey began in corporate America, followed by work in youth justice and case management. Since joining MENTOR in 2019, Betty has led youth development initiatives, built strategic partnerships, and supported mentoring program growth through advocacy, training, and community engagement. She is also the founder of Power Gurlz, a community organization empowering young girls and their families.
Betty serves as Board President of PRISM Economic Development Corporation, Board Member for Carmen Schools, and is involved with TEMPO’s Emerging Women Leaders and Sojourner Family Peace Center. A member of the 2023–2024 African American Leadership Program cohort, she has received multiple honors, including Milwaukee Business Journal’s 2024 40 Under 40. Betty holds a degree in Community Leadership and Development from Alverno College.
Erik Kennedy
“One of the best things about all of this is that Erik doesn’t ask for anything in return. He is constantly facilitating new friendships and support just for the sake of building the beloved community.”
Erik Kennedy is the Associate Director of Development for the Medical College of Wisconsin and Froedtert Hospital. Since moving to Milwaukee from Akron in 2008, he has championed inclusion and community empowerment, beginning his career with the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee and later serving in community engagement roles at Advocate Health.
Erik has received numerous community recognition for his leadership and service, including the Milwaukee Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and Power Broker, the Milwaukee BizTimes Next Generation Leadership Award and Milwaukee Notable BIPOC Exec, the NAAAP Milwaukee Community Leadership Award, and the Milwaukee Hmong New Year Bridging the Gap Award. With a deep commitment to civic engagement, he volunteers and serves on multiple boards addressing food access, workforce development, housing, and mental health. He co-founded ElevAsian to uplift AAPI voices in Milwaukee and was a contributing author to Asian & Loud: 70 Journeys–Healing in the Asian Community.
Tyler Odeneal
“Beyond Tyler’s achievements, he exemplifies integrity, resilience, and a true heart for service. Their work is not simply about checking boxes, it is about creating meaningful, lasting change.”
Tyler Odeneal is the Impact Manager at Safe & Sound, a Milwaukee-based nonprofit dedicated to building safe, empowered neighborhoods. In this role, he leads advocacy initiatives, collaborating with residents and partners to shape public safety policy. He also supports Safe & Sound’s grants and development work, helping secure resources to sustain prevention-based programming, youth-centered initiatives, and resident safety. Driven by a deep commitment to equity and healing, Tyler centers his work on uplifting under-resourced communities, advocating for justice-impacted individuals, and mentoring emerging leaders.
Beyond his nonprofit work, Tyler is a writer who utilizes storytelling as a tool of catharsis and liberation. His writing explores the complexities, joys, and resilience of Black life, informing the connection and growth of individuals. Through his advocacy, development, and creative expression, he remains steadfast in advancing a vision of community rooted in love, justice, and shared humanity.
Tim Patterson
“It has been an absolute pleasure to watch Tim develop leadership and advocacy skills as a lawyer and deploy those skills in the community as a leader for change. He is utterly proactive, endlessly passionate, and kind and thoughtful.”
Tim Patterson is senior counsel at Foley & Lardner LLP, a global law firm founded in Milwaukee, representing manufacturers and suppliers in complex commercial litigation across the United States. With over a decade of legal experience, Tim brings strategic insight and dedication to his national practice. Beyond his legal work, Tim is deeply committed to community service. He serves on Foley’s Milwaukee Pro Bono Committee and helps lead the firm’s long-standing partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee. Tim has served as Chair of Foley’s Street Law Legal Diversity Pipeline Program for the past three years, developing and leading a semester-long “mini law school” for high school students from diverse or low-income backgrounds – mentoring hundreds over the years.
A lifelong Wisconsin resident, Tim earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and his J.D. from Marquette University Law School.
Philanthropic Youth - Phin Clarkin
“Phin has an unmistakable devotion to helping others. She doesn’t just look for places to serve – she takes the initiative to create opportunities.”
Phin Clarkin is a rising senior at Wauwatosa East High School, where she serves as President of HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) and Vice President of MOM (Mind Over Matter), a student-led mental wellness group. Passionate about service and advocacy, she has volunteered with the Appalachia Service Project, helped rebuild homes in West Virginia and Kentucky, and served on her church’s Accountability Leadership Board.
Motivated by personal experiences with mental health, Phin actively fundraises for NEDA and NAMI and has twice advocated at the Wisconsin State Capitol for suicide prevention and increased mental health funding in schools. She is not only a dedicated student, being a member of Delta Epsilon Phi and Tri-M Music Honors Society, but is also a passionate advocate, with a deep desire to uplift others. She plans to pursue a career as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner to continue supporting and uplifting others.
Join us at this year's event on Tuesday, August 5 at the Milwaukee Public Museum! Register here.