Mary Lou Young accepts the Women Who Serve award from BMO Harris Bank's Raquel Filmanowicz
October 27, 2017
Written by Katie Kuhn, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County
As part of a long-standing commitment to helping the advancement of women, BMO Harris Bank’s Celebrating Women program follows BMO's second Catalyst Award win for its industry-leading work to accelerate diversity and inclusion in its workplace and dedication to gender equality.
The event honors exceptional local women for their remarkable contribution to business and the community in one of three categories: Women Who Serve, Women Who Lead, and Women Who Inspire. What started as a single event in Vancouver in 2012 has grown to 12 locations in Canada – the event in Milwaukee was the bank’s first U.S. event.
Mary Lou Young, president & CEO of United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County, was honored with the Women Who Serve award. Jud Snyder, President, BMO Harris Equipment Finance and member of United Way’s Board of Directors, nominated Mary Lou.
“I continue to be impressed by Mary Lou,” says Jud, “Not only has she transformed United Way into a driving force for social change, but she believes in championing women and believes that it is incumbent on all women that they provide career pathways for others.”
The committee who looked at the nominations were unanimous in its enthusiasm to ensure that Mary Lou was the recipient of this inaugural award.
“Mary Lou has been an admirable leader in the community for many years, and her unwavering service to this community through her work both with Rockwell Automation and United Way is exemplary to everyone,” says Patty Cadorin, Senior Advisor at BMO Harris Bank and member of Women United. “Her dedication to betterment of community is unsurpassed, and her passion for the women and children of this community makes her totally deserving of this recognition.”
The Bank (BMO and, before that, M&I) has been a supporter of United Way for nearly 100 years.
“I am honored to share the first BMO Celebrating Women award distinction with Danae Davis and Mary Burke,” says Mary Lou, “BMO is one of United Way’s best and longest-standing corporate partners in this community. Our relationship goes back to 1909 when James K. Ilsley agreed to serve as the very first United Way Board Chair. Being recognized by such a prestigious community partner is a career highlight for me personally. I’m very pleased and grateful for this recognition.”
On October 9, United Way announced the appointment of Amy Lindner as President of the organization, effective January 1, 2018, with Mary Lou serving as CEO until January 25, 2019, when she will retire. Throughout her 9.5 years of service to the community through United Way, Mary Lou has made a big impact.
“Mary Lou has always been an amazing role model to me,” says Patty, “I admire her passion, her intellect, and her ability to bring people together in order to achieve outstanding outcomes in our community.”
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