For 30 years, the United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) Women’s Leadership Society (WLS) has empowered women through community, connection, and philanthropy. Tens of thousands of women leaders have given their time, talent and treasure to strengthen WLS and the St. Louis region. Today, co-chairs Alexis Hershey and Amy Hunter help carry that legacy forward as WLS celebrates this 30-year milestone.
Alexis – A lineage of philanthropic leadership
Alexis grew up valuing generosity and helping those in need. Her mother regularly supported local nonprofits in Houston, Texas, and brought that same spirit of service with her when the family relocated to St. Louis.
Driven to strengthen her new community, she became a UWGSL Leadership Giver, setting an example for her family, including Alexis.
“My mom and I would go to [WLS] events together, and you just wanted to be in the room to hear inspirational stories from community and nonprofit leaders about why giving to United Way is so important,” said Alexis. “When I went to an event, I knew I would meet someone who inspired me.”
Alexis saw WLS as a unique way to give back and learn from leaders in business, nonprofit work, and philanthropy. Through Midwest BankCentre’s UWGSL workplace giving campaign, Alexis encourages colleagues to join her and invest in UWGSL to help business leaders make an impact beyond their professions.
Alexis has served as a UWGSL Employee Campaign Coordinator (ECC) since 2019. Thanks to her efforts to garner engagement and the generosity of Midwest BankCentre’s employees, they have consistently achieved more than 80% participation in their campaign over the past several years.
“As a businessperson, I seek the most efficient way to deploy my capital, and United Way gives me what I call a ‘Mutual Fund of Investment,’” said Alexis. “United Way invests where the community needs it most, so I know my giving supports a balanced range of needs.”
As her term as WLS co-chair ends this year, Alexis reflects on fond memories, lifelong friendships, pride in helping WLS reach its 30-year milestone, and excitement for its future.
“This 30-year milestone is remarkable, and it is just the beginning of the impact women can make in our community,” said Alexis. “We are an incredible group of women who can make a significant impact, and 30 years is just scratching the surface of what we’ll do in the future.”
Amy’s ambition to serve our region
Nonprofits like UWGSL play a critical role in helping families find success and stability. Now a successful business leader, Amy is proud to pay that impact forward through her generosity to UWGSL.
Amy leads inclusivity efforts at Caleres, where corporate philanthropy is a priority. Through its annual UWGSL workplace giving campaign, Caleres employees show strong support for the community and for values Amy holds dear.
Amy has been a UWGSL campaign cabinet member for the past four years, increasing her company’s consciousness towards helping our local neighbors through collective giving.
“I think this speaks volumes to who we are as a culture at Caleres, that we are thoughtful, caring, loving folks and that we deeply care about our community,” said Amy. “This is not only a responsibility, but a privilege to provide resources to the community because we get to be a part of efforts to build a stronger St. Louis.”
Amy’s support extends beyond work. After attending the WLS Power of the Purse event in 2002, she was inspired by its mix of fun, philanthropy, networking, and mentorship, and knew she wanted to stay involved.
With a deep commitment to strong communities, Amy saw WLS as a way to address community needs and help strengthen the region.
“There is power in women working collaboratively together for a common cause,” said Amy. “There’s nothing like working together to make our city better, and that is why I have enjoyed being a part of this Society that has been doing such great work.”
Amy joins Alexis this year as co-chair of WLS. She is excited about planned initiatives and ongoing events underway and hopes to help build on the Society’s 30-year legacy.
“I was so honored to have been selected to serve in this role, I honestly cried when I found out because I believe in the exceptional work that United Way is doing and I’m proud to be a part of it,” said Amy. “It is so beautiful to celebrate 30 years of women working together for the good of the community. Thirty years from now, we’ll be making an even bigger impact, and it brings me joy to know that I was somewhere along the way.”
Take action now:
- Make a donation to UWGSL.
- Learn more about our Women’s Leadership Society.
- Share this story with family and friends.
