Your twenties and thirties are about more than building a career-they're about building a life, finding your people, and making a difference.
That's what Young Leaders Society (YLS) is all about.
YLS brings together passionate young professionals ages 21 to 40 who want to make the Midlands stronger while growing personally and professionally. As an affinity group of United Way of the Midlands, YLS provides opportunities to connect with like-minded peers, develop leadership skills, and create lasting impact in our community.
More Than Networking
There are plenty of young professional groups in Columbia. What makes Young Leaders Society different?
Purpose.
Through United Way, YLS members gain firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities facing our community. Members don't just hear about issues-they become part of the solutions.
Joining YLS means gaining:
- Access to community leaders and meaningful experiences.
- Professional growth through leadership development and learning opportunities.
- A strong network of peers who support one another personally and professionally.
- Community intelligence that helps you understand local needs and where you can make the greatest difference.
- Collective impact, leveraging your time and resources alongside others who care.
- A sense of belonging-being part of something bigger than yourself.
Because when you invest alongside others, your impact multiplies.
Give Back. Have Fun. Grow Together.
YLS members enjoy exclusive opportunities throughout the year to connect, serve, and celebrate, including:
- Volunteer projects that create real change.
- Professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Networking events with fellow young professionals.
- Signature events like the YLS Oyster Roast and Cocktails & Conversations.
- Experiences that deepen relationships and strengthen connections across the Midlands.
Whether you're new to Columbia, growing your career, or looking for ways to engage more deeply with your community, YLS offers a place to plug in and make meaningful connections.
Supporting Early Literacy Through Be a Book Bunny
One of the signature ways YLS members give back is through Be a Book Bunny, a literacy initiative supporting children served by the Midlands Reading Consortium.
Research shows that children who grow up in homes filled with books achieve stronger academic outcomes later in life. Through Be a Book Bunny, YLS members help provide literacy bags to more than 500 students, helping children build personal libraries and develop healthy reading habits that can change the trajectory of their futures.
Because reading really is fundamental-and every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.
Why Young Leaders Society?
Because community matters.
Because relationships matter.
Because leadership matters.
And because making a difference is more rewarding when you're surrounded by people who share your values and want to see you succeed.
YLS is a place where friendships are formed, careers are strengthened, and generosity becomes a way of life.
How to Join
Young Leaders Society welcomes professionals ages 21-40.
Annual Unrestricted Investment
Ages 21-29
$250 annually
-or about $21 per month-
Ages 30-40
$500 annually
-or about $42 per month-
Your investment supports United Way's work across the Midlands while connecting you to a community of emerging leaders committed to creating lasting change.
Because leadership isn't just about where you're going.
It's about who you're bringing with you-and the community you're building along the way.
