THE EMERGING LEADERS SOCIETY IS A NETWORK OF PHILANTHROPIC YOUNG PROFESSIONALS SUPPORTING SPOKANE COUNTY UNITED WAY'S VISION THROUGH NETWORKING, VOLUNTEERING, AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
About Us
Members of the Emerging Leaders Society contribute their time, talent, and treasure annually to the community, and to Spokane County United Way. ELS members attend events focused on networking and professional development, as well as have hands on volunteer experience with local non-profit agencies. Members of ELS gain leadership experience by serving on their committee of choice (Events, Marketing, Membership, Spokane Philanthropy Awards, Strategic Planning, Volunteer).
To create measurable community impact by engaging and developing philanthropic leaders through our partnership with United Way.
The Emerging Leaders Society (ELS) was established by Spokane County United Way in 2013 to provide early-to mid-career professionals an opportunity to develop leadership skills, network with community-minded individuals, and elevate their commitment to making a difference in the community. Spokane County United Way saw the need to educate, develop, and invest in young professionals and the role they play in the future success of the Spokane community, thus the Emerging Leaders Society was born.
ELS Events and Registration
All Events moving to the Third Thursday starting in September
ELS events take place on the Third Thursday of each month. Additional information on specific events is below – we look forward to seeing you soon!
- Thursday, July 20, 2023- Beers with Peers
- Thursday, August 17, 2023- Leaders on the Lanes
- Thursday, September 21, 2023- Serving with Spokane Leadership
- Thursday, October 19, 2023- Spokane Philanthropy Awards
- Thursday, November 16, 2023- Serving with Spokane Leadership
- Thursday, December 21, 2023- Jingle & Mingle
Ongoing, Virtual: ELS is proud to present Off The Cuff, an interview series that will give a glimpse inside the leadership, careers, and passions of some of Spokane's most influential leaders. This series aims to connect our community with some of the most prominent leaders in Spokane. Follow us on Facebook to catch up on who we have already interviewed and keep an eye out for new interviews on the 2nd Tuesday of every month.
Serving with Leaders offer the opportunity for ELS members to donate their time to community nonprofits while also engaging and learning from local speakers. The events promote direct volunteer service, networking, and leadership skill-building within ELS membership.
Save the Date: Upcoming dates are:
- Thursday, September 21, 2023
- Thursday, November 16, 2023
More details will be posted on Volunteer Spokane as they become available.
In partnership with The Spokane Journal of Business, the Emerging Leaders Society presents the Spokane Philanthropy Awards. The Spokane Philanthropy Awards are intended to highlight and celebrate those who are making a significant impact in addition to their public/private sector employment and/or retired status.
This is a no cost networking event. Space is limited to 50 people!
Are you new to ELS or interested in learning more? Come hang out for a night of fun activities with existing members!
Emerging Leaders Society Board Members 2023-2024
Kelly Hewson
Keller Williams Realty
Spokane Philanthropy Awards Chair
Justin Reed
Spokesman- Review
Board Co-Chair
Cody Hines
Numerica
Chelsea Updegrove
Edward Jones
Volunteer Chair
Charles Kunkel
Enel X
Board Treasurer
Magdalena Zlatanova
Mediabus
Liza Kovalenko
Witherspoon Kelley
Board Chair
Jourdyn McClain
Avista
Membership Chair
Buffy Nustad
STCU
Jillian Robison
Eide Bailly
Events Chair
Amanda Richards
Mercer
Marketing Co-Chair
Katie Schiefelbein
Ignatium ABX Orchestration
Marketing Co-Chair
Carolyn Krassowski
Transitions
Events Co-Chair
Matt Wetzel
PacificSource Health Plans
United Way Board Liaison