UNICEF NextGen Leadership Council: Leading with Purpose
From grassroots advocacy and creative fundraising to strategic partnerships and storytelling, the philanthropists, activists and creators who serve on the UNICEF Next Generation Leadership Council have been at the heart of the movement, showing what’s possible when passion meets purpose.
Working together to build a better world for children
As UNICEF continues to confront a global polycrisis for children — from displacement and conflict to education disruption and climate-related emergencies — the need for strategic, purpose-driven leadership has never been more urgent.
The NextGen Leadership Council is answering that call. And as the movement evolves, so does the way NextGen leaders show up to drive impact.
Meet today's Leadership Council members
A powerhouse of high-impact supporters, members of NextGen's Leadership Council continue to show up — not just as donors, but as advocates, bridge builders and thought partners. Alongside their peers, NextGen Leadership Council members are not just supporting UNICEF’s mission, they are helping to shape it.
“I want to make the most change and I want it to be long lasting, and there’s no other place to do that but with UNICEF,” says Chandler Garcia, a global pediatric ICU nurse, MPH, advocate and NextGen member since 2019.
Through values-driven philanthropy, Council members, who identify as global citizens, contribute directly to advancing UNICEF’s global work. They achieve this not only by committing to personal giving, but also by taking part in a range of other activities related to strategic fundraising, mission awareness and brand amplification, including:
- tapping into their personal and professional networks to unlock new partnerships and raise critical funds in support of children
- serving as mission builders — amplifying awareness of the challenges children face and sharing UNICEF’s story with their communities, both online and in person
- using their voices and platforms to advocate for children’s rights and helping to advance UNICEF’s public policy priorities at the local and national levels
- sharing their skills across the NextGen community and beyond
“I realized that I had to be a part of UNICEF and specifically NextGen because I knew that I had a responsibility to give back,” says Lisle Richards, a New York-based entrepreneur and NextGen board member since 2015.
"When I see the UNICEF data and the developments that have happened, it gives me hope that we’re doing things that truly benefit children,“ says Lauren Taylor, founder of an eco-friendly cleaning products company and one of the newest Council members. "I believe we will have a brighter future based on what we’re able to do now.”
What inspires these advocates? Watch the video:
"Together, we are not just envisioning a better world for children — we are actively co-creating it," says Louise Ulukaya, another new member who leads her own foundation and sustainable kids' clothing line, among other projects. “When I see all the members, when I see all the work that UNICEF has been doing for so many years, that gives me hope and this is why I want to be part of it."
Danielle Simmons, a founding and managing partner of a Los Angeles-based law firm, joined NextGen in 2009. "I've continued to stay with it for two reasons," she says. "No. 1: it's a community of people who inspire me every day with the things they do in the world to make it a better place. And No. 2: UNICEF staff. When we do get the opportunity to meet the people on the ground, they inspire me every time."
Globally, UNICEF Next Generation members have collectively raised or influenced over $80 million in support of UNICEF programs around the world, driving impact for children in nutrition, child protection, maternal and neonatal health and more.
Learn more about UNICEF Next Generation and how to get involved
Become a NextGen member by making a monthly pledge and joining a dynamic network of change makers. Looking to take on a leadership role and maximize your impact? Email nextgen@unicefusa.org to inquire about the NextGen Collective.
HOW TO HELP
There are many ways to make a difference
War, famine, poverty, natural disasters — threats to the world's children keep coming. But UNICEF won't stop working to keep children healthy and safe.
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories — more places than any other children's organization. UNICEF has the world's largest humanitarian warehouse and, when disaster strikes, can get supplies almost anywhere within 72 hours. Constantly innovating, always advocating for a better world for children, UNICEF works to ensure that every child can grow up healthy, educated, protected and respected.
Would you like to help give all children the opportunity to reach their full potential? There are many ways to get involved.
