The Emerging Leaders of the QC network was announced by United Way Quad Cities at a special event on Wednesday, Aug. 9, as a way to bring young business, nonprofit and community leaders together to address Quad Cities challenges.
The new network of young business, creative and philanthropic leaders are also charged with showcasing the Quad Cities as an exceptional place to live, raise a family and build a career.
“Emerging Leaders of the QC (ELQC) is more than a young professionals group; it’s a platform for tomorrow’s leaders to create tangible, lasting change in the Quad Cities,” the United Way Quad Cities said in a news release announcing the network. The group will include individuals united by common growth and giving-back goals and their goal is to inspire and support others to become leaders and change-makers, the agency said.
“As a young professional, I’ve witnessed firsthand the potential that lies in our generation,” said Ty Lewis, director of United Way’s Emerging Leaders. “Steering some of our community’s most enthusiastic and energetic individuals toward meaningful engagement to tangibly improve our community is what Emerging Leaders is all about.”
Josh Jepsen, John Deere’s senior vice president and chief financial officer, was among those attending Wednesday night’s launch, which was hosted by United Way’s Tocqueville Society.
The event featured about 125 20- and 30-somethings along with community leaders and seasoned philanthropists gathered to explore the role of community engagement in their lives and in the lives of the next generation, United Way said.
“United Way’s Emerging Leaders embodies the forward-thinking partnership that John Deere has cherished with our Quad Cities community,” Mr. Jepsen said in the release. “By activating the ingenuity and drive of young leaders, we’re not just investing in the immediate future; we’re cultivating a landscape where creativity and innovation thrive. Together, we’re nurturing the next generation to lead with confidence, vision and a profound sense of community commitment.”
During the private event, Molly Foley, chief marketing officer at IMEG Corp., also announced a three-year annual commitment of $20,000 each year by the Rock Island-based engineering firm to support the network and its impact on the education, financial stability and health of the Quad Cities.
“Developing and growing the next generation of leaders has long been a passion of mine,” Ms. Foley said. “I’m proud of the direction Ty (Lewis) is taking United Way’s Emerging Leaders to tap into the passion and creativity of those under 40 who are ready to step up and lead. They have the backing of our entire community and are ready to transform their potential into meaningful change right here at home.”
According to United Way Quad Cities, the Emerging Leaders network represents a united effort to tackle systemic challenges in education, income and health, creating a foundation for everyone in the community to live their purpose. It will offer networking, leadership and professional development, community involvement and volunteer opportunities throughout the year.
Attending the launch were volunteers with Emerging Leaders’ Advisory Committee, who represent different industries and backgrounds. The committee members are:
- Collin Nelson, co-chair
- Heather Waffle-Terrance, co-chair
- Lukas DeWitt
- Joanna Drake
- Kristin Enright
- Maxwell Gellerman
- Collin Guinn
- Erica A. Hill
- Alec J. Jensen
- Michi Lacefield
- Emily Marriott
- Samuel R. McCullum
- Daisy Cordelia Moran
- Ashley Perkins-Armetta
- Alyssa N. Rice
- Jordon R. Williams
Other Quad Citians, ages 22-40, who are interested in joining Emerging Leaders should visit www.unitedwayqc.org/emergingleaders. To learn more call 563-355-4310.
