Young Leaders United

We are Young Leaders United.

Young Leaders United is a group of young, influential professional leaders in the Tri-County who support the mission of Trident United Way, foster a spirit of philanthropy and volunteerism and help members take their career development to the next level. 

Our Values

Authenticity

We lead with honesty, integrity and a committment to being true to ourselves and other

Empowerment

We create opportunities for young leaders to grow, contribute and make meaningful change

Strategic Impact

We focus our efforts where they matter most, driving measurable change in our community

Teamwork

We work collectively, knowing that stronger connections lead to stronger outcomes

Member Benefits

• Invitations to networking and social events
• Opportunities for volunteer projects and community engagement
• Professional and personal development events
• Access to philanthropic community leaders

Steering Committee 2025-2026

Ready, Set, Thrive School Support Drive

In partnership with PULSE, Young Leaders United is hosting Ready, Set, Thrive School Support Drive. We're collecting essential items to help fill school supply closets with much-needed food, hygiene products and extra clothing to support families through the summer months. We’re also gathering back-to-school supplies to ensure students start the new school year confident and prepared.

The drive has now closed - thank you to everyone for your support!

2025 Cocktails & Conversations

Sip, Strategize, Succeed: Conversations on Career Growth

Trident United Way Young Leaders United hosted the 2025 Cocktails & Conversations on April 2 at the Segra Club at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. Attendees networked and connected prior to participating in four rounds of table discussions led by established business and community leaders. 

Thank you to everyone who attended the event! We were thrilled to see so many engaging discussions and new connections being made throughout the event. 

Special thanks to our incredible keynote speaker and table hosts for sharing their invaluable insights with participants.

Keynote Speaker

Cindy Brams, Shareholder and Not-For-Profit Industry Leader at Elliott Davis

Table Hosts

• Cindy Brams, Shareholder and Not-For-Profit Industry Leader at Elliott Davis
• Francine Christiansen, Owner and Principal at Christiansen Consulting
• Stephan Christiansen, Strategic Business and Nonprofit Consultant
• Tosha Connors, Chief Executive Officer at My Sister's House
• Herbert Drayton, Venture Capitalist and Advocate
• Walter Fiederowicz, President of the Board of the Charleston Literary Festival
• David "D.J." Hampton II, J.D., President & CEO at Trident United Way
• Wendy Kopp, Senior Vice President Wealth Management Advisor at Fifth Third Bank
• David Stasiukaitis, Chief Executive Officer at Low Country Case & Millwork

Thank you to our generous event sponsors

2024 Young Leaders United Social Hour: Crafting Community

Thank you to everyone who attended the YLU Social Hour! We loved seeing new and familiar faces, and look forward to gathering again soon.

2024 Young Leaders United Lunch & Lead: Breaking Barriers to Financial Stability

Thank you to everyone who attended the event!

Panelists at the Young Leaders United Lunch & Lead: Breaking Barriers to Financial Stability shared insights into the challenges of financial hardship that our friends and neighbors are experiencing in the Tri-County area and our efforts to assist families through the TUW Resource Connections Centers and 211. It was an incredibly engaging conversation, with many thoughtful questions asked by attendees to learn more about the challenges as well as opportunities to help households in our community.

Thank you to our generous sponsors:

The Bank of South Carolina

2024 Young Leaders United Back to School Supply Drive

Thanks to your generosity, over $20,000 of backpacks and school supplies were donated through the TUW Young Leaders United Back to School Supply Drive!

Volunteers sorted, organized and packed backpacks and supplies in early August and delivered the items to nonprofit partners and schools for distribution to students - including Cainhoy Elementary, Cross Middle High School, College Park Elementary, Septima P. Clark Academy, Neighbors Together and North Charleston Youth Resistance.

These donated backpacks and supplies will help ensure over 1,000 students across the Tri-County have the tools needed for the school year.

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to this drive and to the volunteers who helped with packing and delivering!

Thank you to our event sponsors for their generous support

Click here to view information and photos from previous Trident United Way Young Leaders United School Supply Drives!

2024 Young Leaders United Lunch & Learn

Learn about Food Sustainability & Feeding Our Community at the 2024 Young Leaders United Lunch & Learn

Trident United Way Young Leaders United and Donor Network members participated in a panel discussion led by Maria Kelly (Amor Healing Kitchen), Sam Haab (Charleston Parks Conservancy) and Kelly Duane (FoodShare South Carolina), moderated by YLU Chair Travis Frank (South Carolina Ports Authority). Attendees learned about the impact of access to nutritious food, community gardens and the concept of food as medicine.

We are incredibly grateful to our panelists who shared a wealth of knowledge and insights into food access and sustainability!

L to R: Kelly Duane, Sam Haab, Maria Kelly, Travis Frank 

For more information, or to join Trident United Way Young Leaders United, contact Brooke Chhina at bchhina@tuw.org.