Leaders inspire and guide people towards a shared goal through their influence and actions – for decades, United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) Leadership Givers have been the epitome of this principle. Our Leadership Givers lead with passion, integrity and a commitment to addressing our region’s most pressing needs.
This group of over 7,000 community-focused individuals pledge annual gifts of $1,000 or more. They also regularly meet with fellow members of UWGSL’s six Leadership Giving Societies to fundraise, volunteer, engage potential donors, and determine better pathways for building stronger, more resilient communities where our neighbors overcome challenges, and everyone can thrive.
UWGSL Leadership Giver, Michelle Ko exemplifies what sound leadership looks like. For decades, Michelle has thrived in her professional career – breaking barriers for women while also lending her skills and expertise to make UWGSL stronger.
Michelle’s leadership qualities and commitment to helping others were instilled in her from an early age. Her parents were role models for what it meant to put your family and community first.
Her father embodied servant leadership – serving in the military, donating to UWGSL, and after a successful career in banking, took over the family’s small business.
“Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses, I learned the importance of relationships and a strong work ethic at a young age. I’ve made it my mission to pay it forward to the next generation,” said Michelle.
These values grew as she began to have more success and become more conscious towards the well-being of her local communities. In 2016, Michelle learned about the immense impact she could have in the St. Louis region by supporting UWGSL.
Through her employer, UWGSL corporate partner, Edward Jones, she learned about UWGSL’s mission, impact, and our Leadership Giving Societies, particularly the Women’s Leadership Society.
Throughout her professional career, she had always been passionate about connecting with and empowering women, and becoming a Leadership Giver would give her the opportunity to do that while also giving back to the community. After attending a Women’s Leadership Society community campaign kickoff event and experiencing the comradery and energetic philanthropic spirit of her peers, she knew she wanted to be a champion for UWGSL.
“As I’ve gotten more engaged with the Women’s Leadership Society, it has inspired me to want to engage even more and give back. I have seen and felt that throughout my professional career as well as when I’ve engaged in different community and philanthropic efforts,” said Michelle. “It feels good to do good and do it with other like-minded servant leaders. What I find with United Way is that our [Leadership Givers] are passionate, they’re from various generations and backgrounds, and they all show up to serve our community.”
Michelle went on to become a Women’s Leadership Society cabinet member and co-chair, has hosted the Society’s Let’s Do Lunch event for almost a decade, and helped design and roll out their new mentorship program in 2022.
Michelle’s parents passed their spirit of generosity to her, and she hopes to do the same for her children. As we enter the holiday season, Michelle will bring them to volunteer events with her to teach them the values of community service in hopes that they will someday be leaders in the volunteer and philanthropic space someday just as she has.
Multiple generations of Leadership Givers is what UWGSL’s success was built on, and this continued commitment will be crucial to making this year’s community campaign a historically special one that we can all be proud of.
UWGSL hopes to leverage their passion and leadership skills to garner more support for our mission to help people live their best possible lives. Michelle is especially passionate about supporting UWGSL’s campaign this year and she hopes others will be as well.
“Our community has been impacted by the May 16th storms and different uncertainties in the economy, but their continues to be power in being a part of something that will continue to grow and respond,” said Michelle. “I want to continue to be a part of the community that shows up to fund the needs of today and tomorrow. Through gifts with the Leadership Giving Societies, we can make the community safer, healthier, and better equipped to support future generations.”
Take action now:
- Become a UWGSL Leadership Giver.
- Make a donation to UWGSL’s Community Campaign.
- Share this story with family and friends.
