Smiling and laughing mother and son high five

Leadership Society

There is still time to make an impact!

The 2021 Community Campaign is almost complete, thanks to generous donors like you! We set an ambitious goal of $55.5 million this year to drive strategic impact in health, education, and financial stability. If you have not yet made your pledge, there is still time! Please consider making your investment today by visiting UnitedWayGMWC.org/Leader-Gift. Every single gift makes a difference.

Whether you've been a life-long donor, or this is your first year giving – thank you for being part of the United Way family! Thanks to your generosity:
  • Tasha received the support she needed to overcome addiction and strengthen her family.
  • Bertha found purpose in a job she loves by completing her High School Equivalency Degree.
  • Chao is thriving in school and fulfilling his parents’ dream of an excellent education for their son.
If you have already given, please visit our thank you page to verify your recognition information and learn more about the benefits of giving at the Leadership or Tocqueville levels. For questions about your recognition or how you can make your 2021 pledge, please get in touch with Lizzie Hoeppner.


2021 Community Campaign Update

Co-Chairs holding Let's Celebrate sign

Join us for our Campaign Closing Celebration

Tune in to our Campaign Closing Celebration on December 15 as we unveil our 2021 fundraising total, announce the Give & Win Sweepstakes winners, and thank all who have helped make a difference in our community! Register for our Community Campaign Celebration here! Thank you to our event sponsor, Network Health.


Emerging Leaders

United Way thanks our 2021 Emerging Leaders Council co-chairs Maricha Harris of Dominican Center, Dante Houston of AMN Healthcare, and Leslie Plamann of EY!

Kids reading and laughing

Share a story!

Make a difference and help purchase books for over 350 children at seven agencies across Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties. Your donation of any amount to Emerging Readers will promote a love of reading for local kids and teens. Ten dollars buys one book – and we recommend a donation of $50 to ensure children have stories to inspire them all year. To learn more and donate, click here. We encourage you to include a note of encouragement that will be included in the donation of the books. Books will be bought from Martha Merrell's Books & Toys in Waukesha.

Fall Leadership Panel

Fall Panel play button
The Emerging Leaders and Technology United Fall Leadership Panel on November 3 was a success! Special thanks to Robert Cordova of the Milwaukee Bucks, panelists Mary Dugan of Clarios, Kathy Henrich of Milwaukee Tech Hub Coalition, Antony Minessale II of SignalWire Inc., and moderator Denise Thomas of The Effective Communication Coach, LLC for sharing their experience, insights, and energy. If you missed the event, you can watch the recording here. If you'd like to learn more about Emerging Leaders, contact Brea Stevenson.


Diversity Leadership Society

United Way thanks Diversity Leadership Society Council co-chairs Grady Crosby of Johnson Controls, Jasmine Johnson of iHeartMedia, and DeVona Wright Cottrell of GMR Marketing!

Linda McFerrin

2021 Linda McFerrin Nonprofit Leadership Award nominations

Don't miss your chance to nominate a nonprofit leader for the 2021 Linda McFerrin Nonprofit Leadership Award!

The deadline to nominate is December 8.

Barbara Cerda

Project LEAD applications open

The Spring 2022 Project LEAD application is now open! This seven week training prepares community members for leadership roles on nonprofit boards and committees, with an emphasis on recruiting participants from underrepresented board populations (women, racially and ethnically diverse individuals, and young professionals).

Applications are due February 21, 2022. Apply here.

Get your last-minute holiday shopping done at Cream City Print Lounge!

Cream City Print Lounge and United Way logos
Through December 31, Cream City Print Lounge is donating $1 of their single item sales and 5% of their bulk order sales to United Way's Reducing Barriers to Employment & Advancement initiative. Thank you to our minority business partner, Rachaad Howard!


Women United

Julia Currie headshot

Welcome, Julia Currie

Please welcome Women United's incoming co-chair Julia Currie of Direct Supply. When asked about her passion for Women United, Julia shared: "Women United has a tremendous, twenty year base of accomplishments to build on. Coming out of the pandemic – hopefully! – I'm thrilled to work with the council and United Way to set our future direction and continue to demonstrate our global leadership."

Next year celebrates 20 years of Women United! Please save the date for the Women United Bruncheon on May 19, 2022, at The Pfister Hotel. More details to come!


Retire United

United Way thanks Retire United Advisory Committee co-chairs Reid Engstrom, Bev Jurkowski, and Tom Littelmann!

Retiree packing kit

Join Retire United

If you aren't already a member, we encourage you to join United Way's Retire United network, a group of retired (or soon to retire) individuals who give, advocate, and volunteer around essential issues facing our neighborhoods. In 2021, we volunteered individually or in remote environments for the betterment of our community, including:
  • Packing home cleaning kits for older adults in low-income households.
  • Assembling flashcard kits for local students.
  • Donating supplies to United Way's Diaper Drive.
To learn more or join, contact Bev Arrowood.


LINC (Lead. Impact. Network. Change.)

Welcome, new co-chairs!

New co-chairs headshots
LINC extends a warm welcome to its three new co-chairs for 2022! We are pleased to announce the appointment of Diana Enciso-Lopez of EY, Emily Kneiser of Deloitte LLP, and Kaila Mitchell of Froedtert as LINC's new co-chairs. Each of these extraordinary women has been recognized as LINC members who continuously go beyond in their involvement with the network. We are honored to partner with them in the year ahead.

A special thanks to Chris Eichner of Froedtert, Joe Gibson of Morgan Stanley, and April Gianeselli of Harley-Davidson for their leadership as our previous co-chairs. We are grateful for your strong leadership and guidance these past few years! If you are interested in becoming a LINC member, reach out to Audrey Kanthack.


Pride United logo

Pride United

Will you join us?

Have you heard of United Way's newest donor network, Pride United, and the Pride United Equity Fund? We are LGBTQ+ leaders, allies, and advocates committed to addressing key issues that disproportionately affect members of the LGBTQ+ community. We give, advocate, and volunteer in issue areas in the Queer community that will drive measurable investment, change, and impact in our four county footprint. We continue to grow, and you can learn more about us here!

Care package

Care packages

The Pride United Council has put together care packages and notes of encouragement for the staff of our nonprofit partners that serve the LGBTQ+ community. Like all partners, these staff put in long and tireless hours to ensure the safety of our community during the pandemic.

Thank you, Pathfinders, Diverse & Resilient, and the LGBT Community Center for all you do!


Technology United

United Way thanks Technology United Council co-chairs Antony D'Cruz of HSA Bank, Tina Rock of Advanced Hires, and Samuel Zielke of Froedtert Health!

2022 CIO Forum

Technology United CIO Forum logo
Technology United's CIO Advisory Board members invite you to attend the annual CIO Forum, held virtually on February 18, 2022. Register today to hear panel discussions with CIOs and CISOs about key technology trends and strategies, as well as the opportunity to make valuable connections during the networking session. Learn more and register. If you are interested in sponsoring the 2022 CIO Forum or want to learn more about Technology United, contact Brea Stevenson.


Holiday Giving

Gift box

Do good with your dollars this Holiday Season

Looking to support local Black-owned, LGBTQ+ owned, and women-owned businesses? Diversity Leadership Society, Pride United, and Women United council members share the local small businesses they'll be supporting as they shop for gifts this holiday season.

Holiday Giving Tree

Share love and joy with neighbors in need this season with the Holiday Giving Tree. Your donation of $30 fills a gift wish for a local child, adult, or senior. Learn more and donate today.


Donate with an IRA gift!

Maximize your tax savings and create true, lasting change in our community by making a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA. You can make a gift even if you do not itemize your deductions. By making a gift through your IRA directly to United Way, you avoid paying income tax on your withdrawal, and your donation will immediately get to work providing hope to those who need it most. Please consult with your tax advisor to discuss your donation. To get the process started today, contact Francesca Kempfer, manager of major gifts and planned giving.


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United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County | 225 W. Vine St. | Milwaukee, WI | 53212 | 414.263.8100