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United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County

Women United Counsel Group 2023

Women United

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Women leaders moving the needle on issues impacting women and girls.

 

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As one of the largest donor networks in the world, Women United brings together strong, passionate women, each sharing their unique experiences and expertise. 

Changing Lives

Over the past 20 years, Women United was key in supporting the Healthy Youth initiative, specifically the nationally recognized Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program. The Women United Endowment Fund still supports these evidence-based strategies that align with Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative in perpetuity.

Beginning in 2023, Women United is embracing the latest United Way initiative, Empowering Minds. The goal is to change the lives of high school students by focusing on prevention, equity, and access to mental health services.

Member Benefits

Over 1,600 members of Women United have raised over $240 million since 2002. You can be part of creating lasting change in our community for so many in need. In addition, you can:

 

Become a Member Today

If your employer runs a United Way workplace campaign, please give $1,200+ through your workplace. All other donors click “Donate Now & Join” to open a new page and start your online donation. You will need to create a username and password so you can make your gift today.

 

Donate Now & Join

 

Already a leadership donor, sign up to be a member now.

Council Members

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Women's Leadership Council Co-chairs

Headshot Photo of Lee Ann Conta

Lee Anne N. Conta, von Briesen & Roper, s.c.

Leslie Wininger headshot

Leslie Wininger, Advocate Health

Women's Leadership Council Members

Sandra Botcher, Northwestern Mutual*

Lori Bottoni, Enterforce

Krista Brookman, Northwestern Mutual

Patty Cadorin, Community Volunteer*

Sharon Canter, Community Volunteer

Cheryl Carron, Jones Lang LaSalle*

Stephanie Chedid, Luther Manor*

Lisa Cieslak, GMR Marketing

Rachael Conrad, Rockwell Automation

Julia Currie, Direct Supply

April Dunn, Milwaukee Women Inc.

Jane Durment, The Marcus Corporation - Retiree*

Jennifer Fahey, PwC

Lisa Fernandez, Deloitte LLP

Cecelia Gore, Brewers Community Foundation*

Linda Gorens-Levey, General Capital Group*

Ann Granitz, BMO

Kadie Jelenchick, Foley & Lardner LLP

Jasmine Johnson, Versiti Inc.

Rebecca Kennedy, A. O. Smith Corporation

Meg Kurlinski, Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.

Gail Lione, Dentons*

Christine Liu McLaughlin, Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.*

Linda Mellowes, Community Volunteer*

Amy O'Brien, Enterprise Holdings

Candy Pindyck, Community Volunteer*

Leslie Plamann, EY

Thelma A. Sias, We Energies - Retiree*

Erika Smith, Froedtert Health

Lynn Sprangers, 54 Hands Productions

Ann Stadler, University of Wisconsin – Whitewater

Mary Ellen Stanek, Baird*

Judie Taylor, DUECO Safecurity LLC

Anne Tidmore, Johnson Financial Group

Susan Waldman, Johnson Controls

Jennifer Westphal, MGIC Investment Corporation

Aimee Wiedmeyer, Community Volunteer

Stacy Williams, Baird

Melody Wolske, PwC*

Katrene Zelenovskiy, Quarles 

Jessica Zeratsky, Dykema

*Emeritus Member

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“They Teach Us Something, Too.”

When Oby Nwabuzor, a community volunteer, entered James Madison Academic Campus for her first Women United Mentoring Session, she intentionally went in without expectations. “I knew it wasn’t going to be about me,” remembers Oby. “It’s about the girls.”

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"Mentors helped me visualize what was possible."

As a member of United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council, Margaret has had the opportunity to pay it forward. Each year, Women United hosts a mentorship series for young women at James Madison Academic Campus (JMAC), a Milwaukee Community School.

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No matter how much time you have, United Way can help you make a positive impact on your community this month.

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Cory Nettles, founder and managing director at Generation Growth Capital, Inc., was recently named chairman of the board for United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County and will serve a two-year term. Cory, who has been involved with United Way for his entire professional life, took a moment to share his passion with us.

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Clean Your Closet for a Great Cause

As you’re cleaning out your closets this spring, we ask that you set aside your gently used women’s professional clothing to benefit the clients of our agency partners. A piece you bought but only wore once could be the confidence boost another woman needs to ace her job interview, or to start her new job on the right foot.

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Local, Women-Owned Retailers Live United

On Wednesday, November 9th, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County hosted it’s first-ever Women United Shopping for Change, or “SPREE,” event. This event provided a one of a kind luxury shopping experience with a collection of select, locally-based, women-owned retailers as well as a live auction. In total, the event raised $12,000, which will go to United Way’s Community Fund.

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400+ Women Gather for Leadership Bruncheon

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Q&A with Cheryl Carron

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Get Involved

For questions or more information about joining Women United, please contact Nancy Clarkin via email or at 414.269.1990.