Let’s Talk Impact Podcast Conversation with Michelle Tucker from United Way
Introduction
In a world increasingly driven by technology and rapid changes, it is refreshing to hear from leaders who value community, collaboration, and the power of human connections. In an insightful episode of Let’s Talk Impact, Michelle Tucker, President & CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis, shares her journey from East St. Louis, IL. to leading one of the most influential nonprofit organizations in the region with Justyna Kedra, Founder @ WERULE. Through her experiences, Michelle sheds light on leadership, mentorship, and the collective impact that communities can make when they work together.
This article dives deeper into Michelle’s career, her leadership philosophy, and the powerful role that United Way of Greater St. Louis plays in fostering positive change. Whether you’re an aspiring leader, someone looking to make a difference, or simply curious about the impact of nonprofit organizations, Michelle’s story offers valuable lessons for all of us.
From East St. Louis to CEO: Michelle Tucker’s Journey
A Childhood Rooted in Leadership
Michelle Tucker’s story is not one of a straightforward career path but rather a journey marked by growth, learning, and a deep desire to help others. Growing up in East St. Louis, Michelle was surrounded by a diverse set of role models—teachers, doctors, attorneys—all of whom represented a world of possibilities. While she didn’t know exactly what she wanted to become, she always knew that her passion was to teach, to guide, and to make a difference in the lives of others.
“I always wanted to be a teacher,” Michelle shared during the podcast, reflecting on her early aspirations. Her desire stemmed from a deep-rooted sense of helping others through their own personal journeys. This desire to help, to guide, and to mentor would later become a defining trait in her career as a leader.
Shifting Gears: From Banking to Nonprofit Leadership
Michelle’s career didn’t follow a linear trajectory, and that’s what makes her journey even more inspiring. After college, Michelle entered the corporate world and spent 20 years in banking. Her time in corporate America was instrumental in shaping her leadership abilities and her understanding of organizational dynamics. Rising to the position of senior vice president, Michelle’s career was fast-tracked by the support of her mentors, who helped her navigate the complex world of banking.
However, her calling to make a more direct impact on her community pulled her towards the nonprofit sector. In 2017, Michelle made the bold decision to transition to the nonprofit world, taking on a leadership role in an organization dedicated to supporting children and families.
In 2019, she became the President & CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis. Reflecting on this move, Michelle emphasized how her previous experiences—from banking to corporate philanthropy—helped her understand both the needs of the community and the complex mechanisms required to address those needs. Today, as the CEO of United Way, Michelle finds herself in a position that combines all of her previous roles—leadership, mentorship, and community outreach.
United Way of Greater St. Louis: A Legacy of Impact
The Mission and Vision of United Way
United Way of Greater St. Louis is one of the most established and respected nonprofit organizations in the country. Serving a 16-county region, the organization reaches over a million people annually, impacting a wide range of areas from basic needs like food, shelter, and utilities, to longer-term services such as education and job training.
Michelle highlighted the mission at United Way of Greater St. Louis is centered on helping people live their best lives, with a focus on ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they need. The organization does this by providing vital funding and training to a network of over 160 nonprofits,creating a safety net for the region. Over its 100+ year history, United Way has been a vital player in helping individuals and families overcome setbacks through long-term support, crises, including natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, and operates the largest Volunteer Center in the region.
“It’s about more than just providing immediate relief; it’s about creating long-term solutions,” Michelle explained during the conversation. Through a combination of fundraising campaigns, community partnerships, and strategic investments, United Way aims to address root causes of social issues rather than just symptoms.
Key Campaigns That Make a Difference
Michelle also spoke about Community Campaign and how it helps define United Way’s work, programs, and initiatives in the region:
- The Community-Wide Campaign: This campaign raises funds that support the nonprofit safety net, ensuring that essential services remain available to the community throughout the year. Last year, individuals and over 1,000 companies across the Greater St. Louis Region came together and raised $67 million, demonstrating the region’s strong commitment to philanthropy.
- The 100 Neediest Cases a Holiday Assistance Program: Running for over 100 years, this holiday assistance program helps thousands of children, individuals, and families in need during the holiday season. From utility assistance to providing gifts for children, this initiative plays a significant role in helping families during one of the most challenging times of the year. In 2024, the program raised over $1.5 million, helping over 11,000 people.
These campaigns embody the collective spirit of St. Louis, where individuals, companies, unions, and organizations come together to make a lasting impact. The power of community collaboration is evident in the success of these efforts.
The Role of Collaboration in Creating Impact
The Power of United Impact
Michelle stressed that one of the greatest strengths of St. Louis is its strong sense of community. St. Louis has a culture of collaboration, from businesses to nonprofits, local leaders understand that it is only by working together that real change can be achieved.
“We can do more together than we can apart,” Michelle stated. This collaborative mindset is not limited to individuals and organizations, but also extends to partnerships between various sectors, from government to private companies. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, United Way played a pivotal role in organizing resources and coordinating efforts to help those most affected by the crisis.
Mentorship: A Key to Developing Leadership
Another key theme from Michelle’s conversation was the importance of mentorship. Throughout her career, Michelle has been supported by mentors who have not only helped her navigate her career path but also empowered her to lead with confidence.
Michelle believes that mentorship is not just about offering advice—it’s about seeing potential in others and helping them grow. As she looks ahead to the future, Michelle is passionate about becoming a mentor herself and helping the next generation of leaders realize their potential.
“We all have a responsibility to lift others up,” Michelle emphasized. “Mentorship is about giving people the opportunity to succeed, just like others did for me.”
Addressing Community Needs: From Crisis to Long-Term Solutions
Post-COVID Community Challenges
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light some of the most pressing issues facing communities today, from mental health challenges to economic hardship. Michelle highlighted that many people are still dealing with the aftermath of the pandemic and that rebuilding community relationships is crucial to moving forward.
“People are eager to reconnect,” Michelle said, “but the reality is that many of us have been disconnected for a long time.” Rebuilding trust, rebuilding relationships, and rebuilding support systems are essential to ensuring that communities emerge from the pandemic stronger and more resilient than before.
Addressing the Needs of Underserved Families
A critical issue that Michelle touched on is the fact that nearly 40-43% of families in the 16 counties United Way of Greater St. Louis serves struggle to meet basic needs every month. Many families face tough decisions between paying for food, medications, or transportation.
United Way’s role in addressing these challenges cannot be overstated. By focusing on both immediate needs and long-term solutions, the organization works to ensure that individuals and families have access to the resources they need to thrive, not just survive.
Moving Forward: Michelle’s Vision for the Future
Michelle is passionate about building a future where communities are more equitable, resilient, and united. Her vision includes continued collaboration across sectors, innovation in solving social challenges, and a focus on human-centered solutions.
As for her own role, Michelle sees herself continuing to mentor others and help develop the next generation of leaders. She firmly believes that the work she does at United Way is not just a job—it’s a life’s mission to create lasting, meaningful change.
Key Takeaways
- Community Collaboration: Michelle emphasizes that true impact comes from collective efforts, not individual ones. Communities that collaborate can tackle challenges more effectively.
- Mentorship is Crucial: Throughout her journey, mentorship has played a vital role in Michelle’s career, and she now seeks to mentor others in return.
- Addressing Root Causes: United Way’s approach goes beyond providing immediate relief; they aim to address systemic issues that perpetuate poverty and inequality.
- The Power of Technology: While Michelle sees technology as an essential tool for efficiency, and stresses the importance of maintaining authentic human connections in the work of nonprofits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What inspired Michelle Tucker to become a leader? Michelle’s early experiences growing up as the youngest of three siblings shaped her leadership qualities. Additionally, her mentors—teachers and her parents—helped her realize her potential and encouraged her to step into leadership roles.
Q2: How does United Way support the community? United Way of Greater St. Louis supports the region by raising funds for over 160 local nonprofits. The organization provides both immediate relief and long-term solutions to issues such as poverty, education, and access to healthcare.
Q3: What is the role of collaboration in nonprofit work? Michelle believes that collaboration is key to creating a larger impact. By working together with other nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations, groups can address local challenges more effectively.
Q4: How can I get involved with United Way? United Way offers a range of volunteer opportunities and ways to donate. Individuals interested in getting involved can visit their website helpingpeople.org to learn more about current initiatives and how to contribute.
About the host
Justyna Kedra, the founder of WERULE, received her BFA degree from Parsons the New School where she now hosts the “Let’s Talk Impact” podcast for the Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative. Since then she worked in Public Relations with celebrities ranging from Jeremy Scott, Lady Gaga to Madonna at People’s Revolution under the wing of Kelly Cutrone. Justyna is also no stranger to the corporate world working for 6 years in financial services at American Express generating over 20 Billion in acquisitions for Centurion, Platinum, Green Cards as well features such as their most successful “Employee Card” treatment. She also served as an advisor to the American Express’ President of US Consumer Services on topics related to the team’s culture.
She is a mentor & a team member at The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative and a mentor at the Tory Burch Foundation, the AARP Foundation x Bridge for Billions program for aspiring founders over 50. Because of her work, she was recognized as the youngest Champion of Change at the United Nations. A book she co-authored with Erika De La Cruz, Editor in Chief at The La Girl, has become a bestseller across multiple categories and is available at Barnes and Noble.
Justyna also hosts a podcast, a collaboration between WERULE and The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative, called Let’s Talk Impact, which was in the top 5% most shared podcasts globally according to Spotify Wrapped.
About the Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative
The Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative (IEI) at The New School fosters a transformative approach to business and social change. We equip students with the skills to create innovative, inclusive, and sustainable ventures that address pressing global challenges. Through our interdisciplinary curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and strong community partnerships, we empower students to become agents of positive change and build a more equitable world.
About WERULE
WERULE is a global platform dedicated to connecting individuals with life-changing mentors. Founded in 2015, they started by sharing stories of successful female entrepreneurs, becoming a recognized resource for women seeking inspiration and guidance. Today, WERULE offers a wider range of resources, including an AI-powered mentorship app used by businesses and organizations worldwide. Their mission is to make mentorship accessible to everyone, regardless of background or stage in life. They believe in the transformative power of mentorship and strive to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.