Multicultural Leadership Society

The Multicultural Leadership Society (MCLS) has helped United Way create an infrastructure for our community to lean on during disasters and crises. With your support, we can continue ensuring that when people need food, shelter, care, counseling or respite, we are there to help.

Diversity

We know our differences and unique perspectives are what make our community vibrant. Together, we celebrate our region’s diversity by engaging and uniting individuals from all cultures and recognizing professionals who value the importance of philanthropy. 

Equity

Members are committed to making our region a better place to live, work and thrive for everyone. They align themselves with United Way and help create a place where children and families thrive and neighbors care for each other.

Leadership

The Multicultural Leadership Society offers an outlet for leaders from across the region and every industry sector to connect over a shared cause. Membership in the Society demonstrates community leadership and provides opportunities to develop as leaders for change. 

Your Dollars at Work

$1000

provides a month’s supply of diapers for 75 toddlers

$2500

provides a two-week hotel stay for a domestic violence victim needing immediate shelter

$5000

supplies five homebound seniors hot meals for six months

Leadership Giving Society Benefits

$1,000 – $2,499 Champion

$2,500 – $4,999 Ambassador

  • Monthly newsletter
  • Invitations to United Way donor programs and events
  • Bi-annual volunteer projects
  • Get on Board: Taking your Board Service to the Next Level
  • Networking workshop
  • Multicultural Leadership Society annual gathering
  • Newsletter spotlight

$5,000 – $9,999 Leadership

  • Monthly newsletter
  • Invitations to United Way donor programs and events
  • Bi-annual volunteer projects
  • Get on Board: Taking your Board Service to the Next Level
  • Networking workshop
  • Multicultural Leadership Society annual gathering
  • Newsletter spotlight
  • Workshop: Your Donor Journey

Leadership Giving Society Benefits

$1,000 – $2,499 Champion
$2,500 – $4,999 Ambassador
  • Monthly newsletter
  • Invitations to United Way donor programs and events
  • Bi-annual volunteer projects
  • Get on Board: Taking your Board Service to the Next Level
  • Networking workshop
  • Multicultural Leadership Society annual gathering
  • Newsletter spotlight
$5,000 – $9,999 Leadership
  • Monthly newsletter
  • Invitations to United Way donor programs and events
  • Bi-annual volunteer projects
  • Get on Board: Taking your Board Service to the Next Level
  • Networking workshop
  • Multicultural Leadership Society annual gathering
  • Newsletter spotlight
  • Workshop: Your Donor Journey

group hug

Ready to Join?

A gift of $1,000 or greater gives you access to join one or more Leadership Giving Societies and helps people in the St. Louis region live their best possible lives.

Step-Up to the Next Level

Are you seeking to take the next step in your charitable giving journey? There are several ways to incrementally increase your giving level over a few years while immediately unlocking benefits through our Leadership Giving and de Tocqueville Societies.

We would be delighted to assist you in achieving your philanthropic objectives through our Step-Up Programs. To learn more, please contact our team at donorservices@stl.unitedway.org or (314) 539-4041.

2023 Multicultural Leadership Society Cabinet Members

Dr. Gireesh Gupchup, Southern Illinois University, 2023 Chair 

Oscar Berryman, Bayer, 2023 MCLS de Tocqueville Chair

Bhavani Amirthalingam, Ameren

Ram Batchu, Caleres

Santiago Beltran, Build-A-Bear Workshop

SiSi Beltran, Build-A-Bear Workshop

Tina Bhakta, Bayer U.S. LLC

Sherry Bolling, Edward Jones

Anita N. Hansen, Regions Bank 

Amal Mansuri, Edward Jones

Sal Martinez, Employee Connection 

Santiago Navarro, Bayer U.S. LLC 

Jaclyn Norono-Rodriguez, DHL 

Pradeep Rajendran, The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis 

Prasenjit Shil, Ameren

Gilbert Torres, Caleres 

Past Multicultural Leadership Society Chairs

2022: Bhavani Amirthalingam, Santiago Beltran and SiSi Beltran

2021: Bhavani Amirthalingam 

2019-2020: Karlos Ramírez and Gabriela Ramírez-Arellano 

2016-2018: SiSi and Santiago Beltran 

2013-2015: Ninoska and Patrick Clarkin 

2012: Arindam and Shanna Kar 

2010-2011: Arindam Kar 

2009: Aida Fuentes