Aspiring Leaders United Helping to Change the Story | United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region

Imagine a region where all children have access to a high quality education and the supports necessary to realize their full potential. At United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region (UWBCKR), we believe all people deserve opportunities to realize their full potential and we drive impact by leading shared efforts that engage diverse people, ideas and resources.

Aspiring Leaders United (ALU), an affinity group of UWBCKR, envisions a community of emerging leaders with a powerful, intentional, engaged voice in philanthropic activities. The mission is to improve the lives of individuals in the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo region by engaging a new and upcoming demographic of leaders in philanthropy by giving, advocating and volunteering.

Membership Criteria:

ALU hopes to engage passionate individuals under the age of 45. The following are the criteria need to initiate and maintain membership:

  • A minimum contribution of $250 or 10 hours of volunteer service or a combination of the two annually. One hour of volunteer service is equivalent to $25.
  • Attendance at a minimum of two ALU sponsored activities annually.
  • Must live or work in the Battle Creek-Kalamazoo region.

Member Benefits:

ALU Members have access to the following exclusive benefits:

  • Access to ALU sponsored and organized volunteer opportunities.
  • Access to a network of like-minded young professionals working in various industries.
  • Opportunities to connect with the region’s top business and community leaders.
  • Professional/leadership development training.

Additionally,

  • ALU provides equal opportunities to all individuals for membership without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, income or employment status.
  • Financial contributions and contributions of time are equally valued.

“I am extremely honored to be a part of ALU,” said Jennifer Purucker, business analyst with Ascension Information Services and chair of the ALU Council. “The Council is comprised of energetic and dedicated young leaders from across the region who want to be a powerful force for change. Simply put, our goal is to engage the younger population to volunteer and donate to the United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region in an effort to change the story for others. I am very excited about the future of ALU and look forward to working with young leaders to support United Way’s focus areas of Education, Income, Health and Basic Needs.”

United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region Aspiring Leaders United Council Members:

Chair: Jennifer Purucker- Ascension 

Vice Chair: Travis Cree- Zoetis

Kylee Alvord- PNC

Meli Gilbert- Abraxas

Erika Miller- Stryker

Angela Myers- Battle Creek Community Foundation

Kat Olsen- DeNooyer Chevrolet & Metro Imports

Kevin Roschek- Schupan & Sons

Brittany Shannon- EPI

Meghan Schrotenboer- EPI

For more information about Aspiring Leaders United, please email [email protected].