After eight years of service, Nick Still is stepping up to lead the next generation of changemakers as this year’s new chair of United Young Leaders (UYL). With a passion for philanthropy, volunteerism and leadership, he will help early-career professionals support the United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) Community Campaign and build a stronger future for our St. Louis region.
Leading the next generation
Nick grew up in a small town in Illinois called Mount Sterling where neighbors helping neighbors was a way of life. His local YMCA introduced him to service through youth leadership clubs, sports assistance, event support, and community projects. He carried those experiences into adulthood after moving to St. Louis, working and volunteering with several nonprofits, including UWGSL partner agency, Gateway Region YMCA.
In 2018, Nick joined UWGSL corporate partner, Edward Jones. He quickly discovered the firm’s culture of community service and its longstanding partnership with UWGSL. The partnership’s reach—and UWGSL’s focus on helping neighbors and strengthening communities—reflected the values he learned growing up.
“Edward Jones is very community-minded, and in our firm we have what’s called a Core Causes Campaign, which is largely centered around United Way,” said Nick. “Being new to this organization, I got to learn about how United Way helps the community and how we all can get involved.”
Nick discovered UYL through Edward Jones and attended a speed-mentoring event where he met other young professionals and heard senior leaders discuss career goals, leadership and philanthropy. The experience showed him that UYL could be his path into the UWGSL community.
“Hearing senior leaders share career and leadership lessons showed me how United Way connects community-minded people,” Nick said. “With United Way of Greater St. Louis, I realized that the impact I could make here is so much greater because there are so many more lives to touch.”
That realization deepened his commitment. Nick joined UYL, participated in volunteer and networking events, and became a cabinet member in 2023. In that role, he helped shape fundraising goals and develop ways for others to pledge their time, talent and treasure to the St. Louis region.
A passionate runner, Nick also turned a personal goal into a community fundraiser. He organized a local Couch to Marathon effort benefiting United Way and used social media, including TikTok, to recruit runners and donors.
“It had always been a personal goal of mine to run a marathon,” Nick said. “I knew I needed another big goal to challenge myself, but I didn’t want to do it just for myself, I wanted to help better my community as well. With my involvement with United Way, I wholeheartedly trust their expertise in assessing and addressing community needs.”
Nick set an initial fundraising goal of $1,000. By the time he crossed the marathon finish line, he had raised nearly $1,500 for United Way.
As chair, Nick hopes to inspire more creative initiatives, expand UYL’s membership and create a welcoming space for young professionals who want to make a difference. His appointment is one of his most significant United Way leadership roles to date—and an opportunity to help the next generation shape the region’s future.
“The main thing we’re looking to do is not only increase the number of individuals involved with United Young Leaders, but also make sure other young professionals’ voices in St. Louis are heard and they are able to start shaping where our community is going,” Nick said. “We want to do our part in making our community a better place because we are the future of United Way and of the Greater St. Louis region as well.”
Take action now:
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