United Way’s Multicultural Leadership Society

—HELPING PEOPLE WHERE IT’S NEEDED

WHEN 10-YEAR-OLD MARIA* IMMIGRATED TO THE ST. LOUIS AREA FROM MEXICO WITH HER FAMILY, SHE HAD TROUBLE EXPRESSING HERSELF. LIMITED IN ENGLISH, SHE STRUGGLED TO MAKE FRIENDS AND FIND A SENSE OF BELONGING.

Maria was connected to a United Way safety net partner whose focus is to help immigrant and refugee families acclimate to their new lives. With their support, Maria began engaging in activities and building friendships. She quickly gained confidence in speaking English and now thrives in school.

The ability to help someone like Maria is the fuel that drives United Way’s Multicultural Leadership Society (MCLS). Formed in 2009, MCLS brings together a diverse group of leaders with a common desire to give back to the St. Louis Region by creating a place where all can thrive. With over 700 members, the Society represents a myriad of cultures and ethnicities and is the strongest multicultural philanthropic group in the entire region.

Annually, United Way helps 1 in 3 people in our region; and in 2021, approximately 22,710 people who identified as Hispanic or Lantinx received assistance. Since its inception, the Society has raised over $23 million and invested in the community to impact areas focused on: basic needs; early childhood and youth success; health and wellbeing; jobs and financial mobility; and community stability and crisis response. United Way supports a network of more than 160 nonprofit agencies to provide a safety net for the region. Sixty-eight of these partner agencies serve a multicultural population. These programs help feed children and families with a warm meal, provide a safe place to call home, a chance to grow and opportunities for a brighter future.

In addition to helping those who need it most, the Society provides a platform for diverse professionals to network and have access to other key leaders in the community. Members have the unique opportunity to learn about community issues that concern them the most and work together to find creative solutions. Member events hosted throughout the year offer opportunities to gain new business and career connections with like-minded individuals who embrace diversity. Because of this rich diversity, members inevitably learn new cultural traditions from each other.

The Multicultural Leadership Society is one of five United Way Leadership Giving affinity groups where members give $1,000 or more to help those who need it most. Members can choose to join one or more groups and connect through professional development events, exclusive networking and volunteer engagements, and other unique opportunities. United Way also brings together the next generation of local leaders and philanthropists who are 35-years-old and younger through the United Young Leaders group.

United Way of Greater St. Louis celebrates a centennial milestone this year — recognizing 100 years of making an impact in our community. “Our mission is to help people live their best possible lives and we strive every day to accomplish it,” says Michelle D. Tucker, President and CEO. To get involved or learn more about our Leadership Giving societies, visit our website, www.helpingpeople.org.

* Name has been changed to maintain confidentiality Greater St. Louis