Emerging Leaders

Philanthropic leaders who serve collectively, connect meaningfully, and develop professionally.

Emerging Leaders

Changing Lives

The Emerging Leaders network is a dynamic community of professionals who demonstrate leadership with purpose. Members blend career success with a deep commitment to philanthropy to create lasting impact in the community. The Emerging Leaders are a driving force behind United Way and its key initiatives. They passionately promote community change through volunteerism, advocacy, special events, and financial contributions.

Member Benefits

You can be part of creating lasting change in our community for so many in need. In addition, you can:

Grow your professional network, build new relationships, and partner with like-minded philanthropists and community leaders
Attend special events such as:
- Philanthropic 5 Awards, which recognizes community leaders that have made extraordinary commitments to our local nonprofit community through their contributions of leadership, volunteerism, and philanthropy.
- Leadership Events, which offer networking opportunities for professionals to learn valuable knowledge from philanthropic executives in our local community.
- Day of Action, a global volunteer event that occurs annually where thousands of people in more than 400 communities across the world volunteer with their local United Way.

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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Emerging Leader Council Co-chairs

Lindsey Ashenden Professional Photo

Lindsey Ashenden, ManpowerGroup

Professional Photo of Alex Lackore

Alex Lackore, EY

Headshot of Jacquelin Whelan

Jacqueline Whelan, Chorus Community Health Plans

Emerging Leader Council Members

Thomas Carini, Deloitte LLP

Christopher Eichner, Froedtert Health

Sarah Erdmann, Quarles

Maricha Harris, City of Milwaukee

Nathan Imfeld, Foley & Lardner LLP

Brian Jacobs, Baird

Lee Katschke, BMO

Emily Mason, Northwestern Mutual

Sean Miller, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

Felipe Noboa, BMO

Allison Parra, Baird

Kelsey Schanke, Godfrey & Kahn S.C.

Danielle Schmitz, Johnson Controls

Josh Smith, A.O. Smith Corporation

Matt Smith, Marcus Hotels & Resorts

Zach St. Martin, WEC Energy Group

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Happenings & Impact

image of headshots of participating panel

Executive Panels

Join Emerging Leaders to connect and learn from philanthropic executives in our local community.

Philanthropic 5 Awards

Nominate a leader in their 20s, 30s, and 40s who is making extraordinary commitments to our local nonprofit community.

Day of Action

Join United Way's Emerging Leaders to celebrate the annual nation-wide volunteer event.

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Related Blogs

Meet the 2025 Philanthropic 5

Meet our 2025 award winners: Mayra Alaniz, Betty Hill, Erik Kennedy, Tyler Odeneal, Tim Patterson, and Philanthropic Youth winner, Phin Clarkin.

Meet the 2024 Philanthropic 5

Meet our 2024 award winners: Dr. Victor Amaya, Alejandra Anastas, Graham Anderson, Alexis Outlaw, Tristen Shorter, and Philanthropic Youth winner, Drea McAlister

Photos of group of 2023 Philanthropic 5 award honorees

Meet the 2023 Philanthropic 5

Meet our 2023 award winners: Ayrton Bryan, DeShanda Clark, Robyn Ludtke, Sharlen Moore, Micah Ogé, and Philanthropic Youth winner Deisy España.

Photos of group of 2022 Philanthropic 5 award honorees

Meet the 2022 Philanthropic 5

Meet our 2022 award winners: Katie Cummings, Marquayla Ellison, Rachel Hunter, Angela Pecoraro, Nick Welle, and Philanthropic Youth winner Amira Adams.

Picture of Margy Stratton with a student and a book.

Helping Children Cultivate a Lifelong Love of Books

Margy Stratton founded Emerging Readers, a program to connect kids with books.

Meet the 2021 Philanthropic 5

Meet our 2021 award winners: Mark Boergers, Caitlin Cullen, Clintel Hasan, James Madlom, Bob Van Himbergen, and Philanthropic Youth winner Anya Ramos.

Meet the 2020 Philanthropic 5

Help us celebrate these individuals at our awards event on Thursday, August 8.

Meet the 2019 Philanthropic 5

Help us celebrate these individuals at our awards event on Thursday, August 8.

Meet the 2018 Philanthropic 5 Winners!

Each year, United Way's Emerging Leaders honor five community leaders and one Philanthropic Youth winner for their commitment to the community through the Philanthropic Five awards.

It’s Never too Early – or too Late – to Start Volunteering!

Jason Parry and his family have made a summer tradition of volunteering at United Way's annual Day of Action.

Meet United Way Board Chair Cory Nettles

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.