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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Already a Young Leaders Circle member?
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Five Qs With: Anthony Botelho
Providence Business News
Anthony Botelho serves as senior vice president of commercial banking and team leader for the commercial and industrial group at The Washington Trust Co. He was recently appointed to lead the bank’s commercial lending growth in Connecticut, where the company recently opened a New Haven commercial lending office. Anthony also serves on United Way of Rhode Island's Board of Directors.

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.
Final Pitch Event for Nonprofit Innovation Lab Set for Feb. 1
The stage is set. On Wednesday, Feb. 1, the latest Nonprofit Innovation Lab will culminate as 10 Rhode Island organizations make their final pitch for a chance to secure seed funding to help bring their unique program idea to life. The program showcase and pitch night will be held at The Guild in Pawtucket beginning at 5 p.m.
Local Nonprofits Can Register Now to Participate in 401Gives
After a record-breaking year that saw more than 13,000 Rhode Islanders come together to make donations totaling $3.1 million in support of hundreds of local nonprofits, 401Gives is gearing up for a return on April 1 with sights set higher than ever. Nonprofits that wish to participate and raise funds for their work are invited to register now.
Nonprofit Executives Complete United Way Learning Circle
Leaning into an innovative opportunity to better their organizations and… strengthen the ability of the state’s nonprofit sector to serve Rhode Islanders, a group of 11 nonprofit leaders recently completed United Way’s Executive Director Learning Circle… The fellows spent a year in the program, and their achievement was celebrated on Dec. 16 during a gathering at United Way’s Providence office.
UPCOMING EVENTS
EITC Awareness Day and RI VITA Program Launch
Join us on Friday, Jan. 27 from 10 - 11:30 a.m. at United Way of Rhode Island in Providence to learn how the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low- to moderate-income workers & families get a tax break. Individuals who earn under $60,000 can use the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to receive free federal & state tax return preparation. Please register by Wednesday, Jan. 25.
Nonprofit Innovation Lab Impact Showcase & Pitch Night
Join United Way of Rhode Island and Social Enterprise Greenhouse for our Nonprofit Innovation Lab Impact Showcase & Pitch Night on Wednesday, Feb. 1 from 5 - 7:30 p.m. at The Guild in Pawtucket. 11 nonprofits have been fine-tuning their innovation ideas for several months and are now preparing for the culminating pitch event, where $90,000 in prizes will be awarded to the three most compelling projects.