News and Events

Upcoming Events

Stay tuned for new events, coming soon!

Past Events

2nd Annual Cocktails and Starfish: A Night at the Aquarium

Thank you for a wonderful evening of food, friends and festivities.  A special thanks to our sponsors, each of which are listed along the right side.

The Fall Prom may be over, but it was an overwhelming success!

Dressed in neon, glittery gowns, and tuxes, nearly 200 Emerging Leaders donned corsages and danced the night away.  Guests reminisced about their most memorable high school moments with peers, colleagues and new friends as they supported Youth Venture, and current high schoolers.

A sincere thanks to our sponsors, Brown Brothers Harriman and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP.  Because of their support, the event raised nearly $8,000 in support of Youth Venture.

What’s next? Sign-up to volunteer for Youth Venture, and see where the Prom proceeds are going!

Emerging Leaders events allow young professionals to meet other likeminded, driven individuals from varying industries and diverse backgrounds. They provide the opportunity to network and socialize with peers.

Leadership Roundtable, Winter 2009

Sandy Edgerley, United Way Board Member and Community Activist, hosted the Emerging Leaders for a Roundtable discussion in January.  Sandy sits on the Board for United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston. She discussed her early involvement in charitable giving, and balancing her career with her role as a mother. Additionally, as an active member of United Way’s Board, she spoke in great depth about the interaction between Boards and non-profit organizations.

Leadership Roundtable, Fall 2008

P. Steven Ainsley, publisher of The Boston Globe, hosted a Leadership Roundtable in early November, 2008. Mr. Ainsley, a United Way Board Member, sat down with a group of Emerging Leaders to discuss his career path and involvement in United Way.  The engaging conversation focused on current events and the state of the economy, along with the future of the press. The group even got a tour of the globe’s press room and printing press.

The Leadership Roundtable series provides Emerging Leaders with the opportunity to personally interact with some of greater Boston’s most respected business and community leaders and partake in a discussion about professional history and personal philanthropy. Previous Roundtable Hosts have included:

• Michael Durkin, Chief Executive Officer of United Way
• Geri Denterlein, Founder and President of Denterlein Worldwide
• Robert Mahoney, Executive Vice Chairman of Citizens Bank and 2007 United Way Board Chair

Cocktails and Starfish, A Night At The Aquarium

It was a wonderful evening of mingling and adventure...On April 26, 2008, United Way Emerging Leaders hosted a gala at the New England Aquarium in celebration of the Youth Venture Program. The event was a festive occasion, and a wonderful opportunity for socializing and learning about Youth Venture Program. >> See photos from the event.

Leadership Roundtable, Spring 2008

United Way CEO Mike Durkin hosted a group of Emerging Leaders to discuss his new role with United Way, and rich history with the organization. The group heard about Mr. Durkin’s career history and previous work in management positions with United Way’s in Atlanta, Georgia; Portsmouth, New Hampshire; Lawrence, Massachusetts; Boulder, Colorado; Columbia, South Carolina, and his most recent role as CEO of Mile High United Way in Denver, Colorado. Mr. Durkin also answered questions about the organization’s commitment to Emerging Leaders, and vision for the future.

Leadership Roundtable, Winter 2008

In February, a small group of Emerging Leaders gathered to meet and converse with Denterlein Worldwide President and founder, Geri Denterlein. Ms. Denterlein discussed her history with the public affairs firm, and the road that led her to a career in this industry. Additionally, she touched upon her motivation for writing her recently published book entitled, “Power Chicks’ Guide to Boston: In Their Own Words”, and welcomed questions from the group regarding personal career advice. The Emerging Leaders are currently working to secure the next roundtable host, and look forward to equally enlightening and inspirational conversation later this spring.

"Dream It. Do It." Youth Training

The introductory “Dream It. Do It.” youth training was held on January 12, 2008. The kickoff session introduced teams from local afterschool programs to Youth Venture and generated project ideas through a brainstorming session. The young people who participated were very engaged throughout the workshop, with one staff member telling us that their kids didn’t want to leave! Check out the photos below! >> See photos from the event

Youth Venture Selection Panel

Returning with creative and comprehensive plans, the agency groups presented their innovative ideas for social change on February 9, 2008. The kids were excited and prepared, and we’re happy to announce that we funded three of these ventures this spring. The agencies that participated in the event were Centro Presente, Sociedad Latina and South Boston Neighborhood House. Thank you to all the Emerging Leaders who volunteered as Social Entrepreneurship Advisors and as part of the Selection Panel. >> See photos from the event

What the Emerging Leader volunteers thought:

“I enjoyed working with the participants and thought there were many good ideas and much enthusiasm. I look forward to seeing these ideas progress and helping them develop them along the way.” “The energy from the participants created a positive environment in which ideas were shared and developed. I look forward to working further with Youth Venture in the future.” “Participants were inspired and inspiring. I could see the gears moving in their heads. They truly seemed to appreciate the freedom and empowerment that the Youth Venture opportunity offers.”