Young Leaders circle
Serve our community. Inspire change. Be a young leader.
The Young Leaders Circle brings the passion and philanthropic power of young professionals together to transform Rhode Island.
Young Leaders Circle provides robust opportunities to connect community-driven millennials who are eager to lead their peers, fundraise, and advocate to improve lives in our community.
A message from the Young Leaders Circle chair
The Young Leaders Circle is the largest networking group in the state for young professionals. However, what sets it apart from other professional organizations is the focus on philanthropy and community engagement.
Through our Learn with Leaders program, we have the chance to engage in small groups with these leaders at such major Rhode Island companies as FM Global, CVS, and Citizens Bank. Additionally, we have worked side-by-side with local leaders to give back to our community through volunteer work, advocacy projects, and fundraising events. Our volunteer work and philanthropy seeks to address some of the most challenging issues facing Rhode Islanders, including education and housing and food security.
The United Way, and the Young Leaders Circle specifically, have afforded me so many opportunities both personally and professionally, all within the context of giving back to the community. My favorite event is the annual Night is Young gala, where hundreds of young professionals join together each year to send students to the Summer Learning Program.
It is together that we will make Rhode Island a great place to live and work for everyone. I welcome you to join us.
Jacqueleen Mazick
Chair of the Young Leaders Circle
Benefits of Young Leaders Circle membership
Connecting with leaders
Grow personally and professionally by meeting a wide range of civic and business leaders through our events and Learn with Leaders series
Advocating for change
Learn about issues facing our community and join us in advocating for change
Engaging with others in a meaningful context
Connect with your community through year-round volunteer activities
Having fun while making a difference
Help host the Night Is Young, one of United Way’s largest fundraisers, to support summer learning
Which Young Leaders Circle level is right for you?
Young Leaders Circle Levels and Benefits
| Monthly Contribution to United Way of Rhode Island |
General Free |
Community Supporter $25 |
Community Investor $50 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional development with community leaders | |||
| Networking with community peers | |||
| Social events | |||
| Hands-on volunteer opportunities | |||
| Pre-event networking opportunities | |||
| Invitations to special Young Leaders Circle-only events | |||
| Advance access to ticketed events | |||
| Invitations to exclusive United Way sneak-peek events | |||
| Private table for you and your guests at events | |||
| Access to Impact Network events |
Young Leaders Circle members who contribute $80 or more per month ($1,000 per year) to United Way of Rhode Island automatically become Impact Network members.
There's no better time than the present to start making a difference.
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Rethinking how one of R.I.’s largest nonprofits can grow
The Boston Globe
In October, [Idrees "Lanre"] Ajakaiye was appointed the new chief development officer at... United Way of Rhode Island where he'll be in charge of helping... United Way achieve its current strategic plan, which outlines the nonprofit's investment of $100 million over five years to help achieve racial equity.
City Council gives final approval to $10M reparations budget
Providence Business News
A two-yearslong effort to bring racial reparations to Providence achieved a milestone Wednesday... The approved funding largely mirrors recommendations set forth by a city panel based on community input, but with one major change that shifts some money into a COVID-19 Equity Fund to be managed by United Way of Rhode Island.
How you can save money amidst Rhode Island Energy rate hike
ABC6
With rates rising starting Oct. 1, Rhode Islanders have many ways to save money and energy this fall... [For] anyone... need[ing]... financial assistance... United Way of Rhode Island’s 211 service may help... 'We’re here to help the community navigate resources,' said Courtney Smith, director of... 211... The service is available online at 211 United Way of Rhode Island or over the phone.
New Survey of R.I. Nonprofits Highlights Dire Need
As Rhode Islanders… prepare to participate in Giving Tuesday, the results of a new survey paint a stark picture of the challenges facing the state’s nonprofit sector. Local community-based organizations continue to provide services for communities still facing pandemic-level needs, while facing inflation-driven costs and inadequate staffing caused by the physical and emotional toll of the last two years.
United Way of Rhode Island Appoints Four to Its Board of Directors
Four community leaders have been appointed to the United Way of Rhode Island Board of Directors… Elected for three-year terms are David Bonenberger, president, Rhode Island Energy/PPL Corporation; Anthony Botelho, senior vice president, team leader, Washington Trust; Courtney Hawkins, health and human services industry executive, Salesforce; and Yahaira “Jay” Placencia, senior vice president, private client advisor, Bank of America.
I. Lanre Ajakaiye Joins United Way of R.I. as Chief Development Officer
Following a broad, competitive search for its chief development officer, United Way of Rhode Island has hired a community leader known to be an innovative changemaker. The organization has chosen Idrees “Lanre” Ajakaiye, who brings a deep, diverse range of experience to United Way’s work to transform the future by building racial equity and creating opportunities for all Rhode Islanders.
UPCOMING EVENTS
401Gives Open House
Join us for a 401Gives Open House on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Rhode Island College. Learn about Rhode Island's statewide day of giving and how your fabulous nonprofit can be a part of it.
Information sessions will be held at 4:45 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided.
This event is free and open to the public.
The State of the RI Nonprofit Sector
Join United Way of Rhode Island and Grantmakers Council of Rhode Island for a virtual conversation about The State of the RI Nonprofit Sector on Friday, Dec. 16 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Together, we'll explore the challenges facing Rhode Island nonprofits. We'll also discuss opportunities to build capacity and support nonprofit work in 2023.
This event is free and open to the public.