Emerging Leaders

Emerging Leaders

Serve our community. Inspire change.

Mission

To equip early to mid-career professionals with the resources, experience, and networks to make meaningful change in communities across RI and become the next generation of philanthropic and community leaders.

Start making an impact today.

Emerging Leaders (EL) provides the avenue for early to mid-career professionals to take action and learn how to most effectively give back with their time, talent and resources to make the greatest difference in your community. At exclusive mixers, members CONNECT with other entrepreneurs, business people and executives who share a common goal: to make an impact. Membership creates opportunities to SERVE at volunteer projects and agency tours. By becoming a member of this select group, you will LEAD the way for others to become inspired about all the good United Way of RI does in the community.

Emerging Leaders Membership 

You are invited to attend a complimentary EL event. After getting to know our members and mission, we hope that you will become an official member with a minimum $250 annual donation to United Way of Rhode Island. Donations can be accepted through payroll deductions (for United Way affiliated companies), debited from your bank account monthly, or by making a one-time donation. You will become a steward of the community while expanding your professional network and taking the next critical step in your career.

Emerging Leaders Steering Committee

Committee Chair:
W. Bilal Shahzaib Muhammed - El Shabazz, Achievement First
Vice Chair:
Jaymee Woolhiser, Brown University
Secretary:
Donna Allen, Keller Williams Realty
Members:
Diane Davis, Loan Depot
Kathleen Rose, Brown University
Nancy Levesque, Rhode Island School for Progressive Education
Chelsea Love, FM
Shannon Leclerc
Marissa Aktchian, FM

Three ways to make a difference with your EL membership:

Leader for Change | $750 annually 

Take a leadership role in supporting communities across the Ocean State through a network of committed young professionals, impact-focused professional development, and volunteer service. Receive invitations to select events with Leadership Circle, Women United, Tocqueville Society, and UW Board members.

Your membership gift alone changes lives by providing critical support like a wheelchair, hospital bed, and lift for a traumatic brain injury patient. And that’s just the start of what you can do in EL.

Community Champion | $500 annually 

Help transform communities through networking and collaboration with other emerging leaders, professional development, and volunteer service, and receive an invitation to an exclusive event with the UWRI Board and CEO.

Your membership gift alone provides diapers for 120 families with children in need, taking one critical burden off the shoulders of busy parents.

Equity Advocate | $250 annually 

Help build a more equitable Rhode Island through a network of like-minded young professionals, unique professional development opportunities, and volunteer service.

Your membership gift alone provides hygiene kits for 104 people experiencing homelessness this year, when resources have never been more needed

If you already donate $250 or more to United Way through your workplace and would like to connect your contribution to an EL membership, click here.

For more information about Emerging Leaders, email Juniper Darrow.

UWRIO Featured (2)

United In Action Amid Chaos and Uncertainty

A message from Cortney Nicolato, United Way’s president and CEO


For generations, nonprofits have answered the call, stepping up to serve our communities despite being underfunded by the federal government.
 

(more…)

Untitled design (18)

Help the helpers: Rhode Island needs its nonprofits, and R.I. nonprofits need support amid chaos and uncertainty

The Boston Globe RI

While the memo from the Trump administration to freeze federal funds has been rescinded, the actions and intent have not, writes Cortney M. Nicolato the president and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island.

READ ON SITE

Larry Cover RIPHA

United Way’s Larry Warner named President of RI Public Health Association

Providence, R.I. (January 22, 2025) – As it continues its work to advance health equity in the Ocean State, the Rhode Island Public Health Association (RIPHA) has named a new president, appointing Larry Warner, DrPH, MPH, to a 2-year term. Dr. Warner is the Chief Impact & Equity Officer of United Way of Rhode Island, and previously served on the RIPHA board as an officer. (more…)

United Way Honors Local Champions at 98th Annual Celebration

It’s been a year of creating a stronger, more equitable Rhode Island, and as United Way used its 98th Annual Celebration to cast light on the change made possible when our community works together, the organization also honored local champions who have gone above and beyond in service.

United Way of Rhode Island Receives $20,000 from Point32Health Foundation to Support “United We Vote RI” Campaign

Providence, R.I. (October 15, 2024) – United Way of Rhode Island has received $20,000 from Point32Health Foundation to support its ongoing “United We Vote RI” campaign as the November election draws closer. The grant is part of a larger investment by the foundation to support advocacy work to promote policies that include the perspective of […]

United Way of Rhode Island Elects New Members to its Board of Directors

United Way of Rhode Island has installed a slate of five new members to its Board of Directors, each bringing a unique and powerful perspective to the organization and its mission to create opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. Read more.

UPCOMING EVENTS

National 211 Day Celebration 2025

Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, 10 a.m. at the
Rhode Island State House
Celebrate the vital work of 211 and Senior & Disability Services with us. Join us for a day of inspiration and impact!
Please register by Friday, Feb. 7, 2025

Join us at Power of Women: Leading with Purpose

Join us for Power of Women: Leading With Purpose, our reimagined celebration formerly known as Power of the Purse. This year’s event brings together women from across Rhode Island during Women’s History Month to connect, empower, and inspire each other during an elegant brunch.

📅 Thursday, March 20, 2025
⏰ 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
📍 Bally’s Twin River Lincoln
🎟 $150 per ticket | $1,250 per table of 10

GET YOUR TICKETS

Brunch will be served at 11 a.m. The speaking program will begin at noon.

Interested in sponsoring this event or discussing ways to support? Please contact Karen Alzate at karen.alzate@unitedwayri.org.

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