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
provides a month’s supply of diapers for 75 toddlers
provides a two-week hotel stay for a domestic violence victim needing immediate shelter
supplies five homebound seniors hot meals for six months

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.
Regional Business Council Step-up Program
The Regional Business Council (RBC) is pleased to offer a 3-step program for women and persons of color who want to become members of one or more Leadership Societies.
This initiative allows participants to unlock member benefits and recognition as Leadership Givers by matching all or a portion of their gifts over the course of three years until they reach the Leadership level ($1,000) without a match.
To participate in the RBC Step-Up Program, please complete this secure, online form.
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
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