Leaders United
Leaders United of Lake County is a network of community-minded changemakers.
Driven to give back
United to Inspire Change
Leaders United is a dedicated network of caring individuals who are passionate about making a difference for local youth. Together, we invest our time, talents, and resources to help students overcome challenges and build a strong foundation for success in school and life.
Since launching in 2019, Leaders United has contributed thousands of volunteer hours with dozens of local agencies and programs. Through United Way of Lake County’s Breakfast Club mentorship program, we’ve guided multiple cohorts of 8th-grade students, helping them build confidence, develop new skills, and prepare for success in high school and beyond.
Connect with Leaders United:
Driven to give back
United to Inspire Change
Leaders United is a dedicated network of caring individuals who are passionate about making a difference for local youth. Together, we invest our time, talents, and resources to help students overcome challenges and build a strong foundation for success in school and life.
Since launching in 2019, Leaders United has contributed thousands of volunteer hours with dozens of local agencies and programs. Through United Way of Lake County’s Breakfast Club mentorship program, we’ve guided multiple cohorts of 8th-grade students, helping them build confidence, develop new skills, and prepare for success in high school and beyond.
Connect with Leaders United:
Join the Movement
Membership Benefits & Opportunities
Leaders United is open to all community-minded individuals who contribute $250+ annually and want to make a lasting impact in Lake County.
Opportunities Include:
Providing direct mentorship to middle school students
Volunteering in support of community projects and partners in Lake County.
Developing and practicing leadership skills in a setting separate from your work.
Join with others who care about our community to make a difference through giving, advocating, and volunteering.
Leadership
Carolina Fabian, Co-Chair
IL State Board of Education
Barbara Galvan, Co-Chair
Community Volunteer
Liaisons
Bobbi Selvik, Co-Lead
Staff Liaison
Steering Committee
Tim Abbott, Takeda
Anastasia Anastopoulous, Medline
Jim Daubs, The Sheehan Firm
Joselind Manzano, Aon
Katie Martinez, United Way of Lake County
Anton Mathews, Brad Schneider for Congress
2025-2026 Event Calendar
View Full Calendar
Creating Impact
Programs, Initiatives & More
Leaders United makes an impact through mentorship, service, and connection.
Breakfast Club
A before-school mentorship program for 8th graders that provides academic mentorship, helps build their confidence and self-esteem, and teaches skills to be successful in their transition to high school.
Learn More
Volunteering
We offer diverse volunteer opportunities tailored for community members eager to make an impact. Whether it’s mentoring, volunteer leadership, participating in community-wide projects, school supply drives, mobile food banks, or literacy programs — there’s a role for you.
Learn More
Social Events
Throughout the year, members connect at social events that spark collaboration, build community, and inspire new initiatives to expand our impact in Lake County.
Learn More
Become a Member
Lead, Mentor, and Make an Impact
Join Leaders United to give back, build connections, and create meaningful change in Lake County.
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What People Are Saying:
"I would describe Breakfast Club as a place of safety. Breakfast Club has really brought me out of my shy side, taught me how to be more well-rounded and given me more opportunities for my future."
- Katherine Rivas, former Breakfast Club mentee
"This program is so important to me! As a Waukegan resident, I know the importance of mentoring our youth and inspiring them to relentlessly chase their dreams and goals! I’m thrilled to be a part of Leaders United!"
- Anton Mathews, Leaders United member
Breakfast Club
In partnership with Robert Abbott Middle School in Waukegan, Leaders United created Breakfast Club, a before-school mentorship program for 8th graders. Mentors support students academically while also building confidence, self-esteem, and essential skills for a smooth transition to high school.
A student survey highlighted three key reasons students love Breakfast Club: mentors, learning new things, and engaging special topics like mindfulness, self-care, difficult conversations, empathy, self-advocacy, growth mindset, and preparing for high school.
Middle school is a critical time for mentorship, as many 9th graders struggle early in high school. Programs like Breakfast Club help students develop a strong foundation for success.
Each session starts with a short icebreaker to encourage conversation before moving into academic support. Mentors find their time with students deeply meaningful, helping pave the way for their success.