Need Help? 2-1-1 is here

Women’s Leadership Society

From CEOs to young women just starting out in their careers, United Way’s Women’s Leadership Society is for every woman in every stage of life. We believe in improving communities and are committed to making the St. Louis region a better place. Our Society is all about empowering women in their personal and professional lives by providing a space for them to connect through philanthropy and shared goals.

COMMUNITY

We are a growing community of over 3,600 women who collectively give their time, talent and treasures to help people in the St. Louis region. Our members network with fellow members through formal and informal events throughout the year. We use the power of our community to bring driven women together to address social issues.

PHILANTHROPY

We believe that there’s a real thrill to being part of something that helps to improve so many people’s lives in the St. Louis region. Women’s Leadership Society members gain access to rewarding opportunities to get involved in and help impact the many different issues facing our community, from education to financial stability to health.

LEADERSHIP

We strongly believe that every woman can harness the skills required to lead at work, in the community, and at home. Our members come from different industries and backgrounds, and use their unique experiences to inspire and challenge one another. Through the Women’s Leadership Society, we’re working to create a solid foundation for the St. Louis region.

History

Our Society was founded in 1996 by Ellen Sherberg, publisher of The St. Louis Business Journal as an avenue for women’s giving. What started as a small, dedicated society has grown to more than 3,600 members who collectively give their time, talent and treasures to help people throughout our region.

Watch our video

Ready to Join?

The annual membership commitment for the Women’s Leadership Society is a $1,000 donation to help people in the St. Louis region live their best possible lives. Through this donation, we are able to help our community while being a part of a dynamic woman’s organization that creates change through relationships.

Email to learn more Give Today

Women’s Leadership Society Cabinet

2020 CO-CHAIRS

Margaret McDonald, HOK 

Michelle Ko, Edward Jones

 

CABINET MEMBERS

Sheila Alsup, ICL Specialty Products Inc.

Andrea Barry, Deloitte

Jackie Behnen, Edward Jones

Rebecca Boyer, KellyMitchell Group, Inc.

Kim Brandon, Technology Partners

Julianne Callaway, RGA Reinsurance Company

Karen Dupske, Daugherty Business Solutions

Julie Erickson, Center for Hearing & Speech

Shannon Favazza, Edward Jones

Mary Fernandes, Bayer U.S. LLC

Kristin Guehlstorf, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

LaVicki Hart, Coldwell Banker Gundaker

Carrie Hermeling, Husch Blackwell LLP

Alexis Hershey, Midwest BankCentre

Amanda Hettinger, Thompson Coburn LLP

Cheryl Jones, Girls Incorporated of Saint Louis

Karen Jordan, Dentons

Susan Kidder, Safe Connections

Lori Knudson, Aegion Corporation

Nancy LeVault, Programs and Services for Older Person

Jane Martin, Coldwell Banker Gundaker

Angie Minges, Nestle Purina PetCare Company

Jamie Orf, KellyMitchell Group, Inc.

Christine Page, Missouri-American Water Company

Christy Sales, Edward Jones

Tracy Shepard, Edward Jones

Pamela Weston, Mercy Health

Ashley Wunderlich, Moneta Group

Mary Ann Wymore, Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C.

Patricia Zahn, University of Missouri – St. Louis

Past Women’s Leadership Society Chairs

2019: Sharon Price John, Michelle Ko

 

2017-2018: Ellen Theroff

 

2015-2016: Penny Pennington

 

2013-2014: Marilyn Bush

 

2011-2012: Cassandra Sanford

 

2009-2010: Deb Hollingsworth

 

2008: Jan Holloway

 

2006-2007: Ellen Sherberg

 

2004-2005: Merry Mosbacher

 

2002-2003: Patricia Mercurio

 

2000-2001: Linda Locke, Juanita Hinshaw

 

1998-1999: Francine Katz

 

1996-1997: Mary Ann Krey

 

 

We want to hear from you!

Do you have a real-life success story that happened because of the Women’s Leadership Society? We’re looking for examples of exciting opportunities – anything from new friendships to new jobs – that became possible because of your involvement with our Society. The Society is filled with dynamic, strong women who value building relationships and creating change through community, and we want to hear how these relationships and this community has impacted you! We can’t wait to hear your story.

Share your story