By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
Michelle Merriweather, President and CEO at the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle (ULMS) was recently named the CEO of the Year by Urban League of Metropolitan Saint Louis. Chosen from among the 92 Urban League affiliates from across the country, the award outside of being recognized by the National Urban League is one that recognizes the hard work and impact that other Urban League affiliate CEOs are having across the country.
Established in 1918, The Urban League of Metropolitan Saint Louis (ULSTL) is one of the most prominent Urban League affiliates in the country. With a budget of over $50 million, ULSTL manages over 60 programs, has 350 employees operating at 22 locations and was the first Urban League affiliate to be awarded a Five-Star Rating.
According to Merriweather, who joined ULMS in 2015, the award is an acknowledgment by her peers that she is indeed carrying out the mission of the Urban League that is both meaningful and impactful in the community that she serves.
“It means a lot. St. Louis Urban is literally the gold standard, they are the largest urban league in the country and for Michael McMillan, their CEO, to see me and recognize the work we are doing truly meant a lot,” said Merriweather.
“The growth we have experienced has put us on the map both here in Seattle, and across Washington state,” continued Merriweather. “When I first came on as vice president there were 12 of us, and now we have a team of about 130 and growing in less than 10 years.”
In terms of advocacy, ULMS has seen tremendous growth in the areas of housing, education, employment, public health and homelessness. All things that help improve the quality of life for people living in the Pacific Northwest and provide people with the assistance needed to stabilize underserved communities in the area.
“I think it kind of surprises people that little bitty Seattle up there in the corner of the United States is doing some remarkable things to help Black folks and marginalized communities in our region, and I think people are starting to pay attention that Black folks are here in the Pacific Northwest,” said Merriweather.
One of the stabilizing factors for both the Urban League and the community is the Urban League’s recent acquisition of property on 23rd and Rainier Ave. for the future home of the Urban League and site to build affordable housing.
“There will be close to 200 units of low-income rental units, about 30 affordable condos for sale, and if all goes to plan, a childcare center inside the home of the Urban League,” said Merriweather. “We will be able to provide all of our services under one roof, and I think securing this space for our community is significant because the block is where South Seattle and the Central Area meet, so we are still representing where we were historically in the Central Area, but also recognizing where we are now in South Seattle.”
Being a firm believer in generational wealth, and working with women like Linda Taylor, ULMS Vice President of Housing & Financial Empowerment, Merriweather says that the ULMS housing services provide a great opportunity for people interested in buying a home to make sure that they are ready, able and informed when it comes to the biggest financial decision that many people will make during their lifetime.
“We make sure that we are building pathways for folks to own, whether it be a home or a small business. Beginning to build and create wealth and sustainable pathways to wealth for their families, is something we can help with,” Merriweather said.
“I love how Linda phrases it that everyone can be on the pathway to home ownership if they choose to be, and we can help you get there from right where you are,” continued Merriweather. “It may not be tomorrow, for some it may not be next year, but if you’re on that pathway, we can get you there, and even here in expensive Seattle, in King County, home ownership still is for everyone.”
Another priority for Merriweather and ULMS is to make sure that the best possible support for the education of kids, including entrepreneurship programs/opportunities and exposing them to careers in the field of technology, and pathways to secondary education.
“We are in several high schools ensuring that our kids are receiving the support they need to graduate and go on to do great things,” said Merriweather. “The world is your oyster. If you want to go to college, we can get you there, if not, there are other opportunities we can help provide.”
Following the Pandemic, public health was a huge concern, and Merriweather says that is was important for her team to expand their efforts, particularly in preventive care. In addition, they also increased their support and outreach efforts to address homelessness in the area.
“We must be supporting our neighbors that are experiencing homelessness, and securing the new property for affordable housing is a great start,” Merriweather said. “Just making sure that they have the support for permanent safe housing where they can build community and feel safe is important to us.”
Winning CEO of the Year was a true honor for Merriweather, and it allowed her to reflect on the incredible work being done at the ULMS. She is even more honored to be recognized amongst her peers, like Linda Taylor.
“Lately, I feel like we have had lots of recognition because we are doing amazing work, but receiving recognition among your peers meant a lot,” Merriweather concluded.
Taylor agrees and says that Merriweather’s vision for the Urban League has provided them with the leadership and direction to proudly serve the community each and every day.
“On behalf of the [Urban League’s] Housing and Financial Empowerment Department, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Michelle Merriweather for being named by the ULSTL as CEO of the Year. Michelle’s dedication, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to equity and community empowerment inspires us all,” said Taylor. “Under her guidance, the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle continues to break barriers and create meaningful change for those we serve. This well-deserved recognition is a testament to the incredible impact Michelle has made not just here in Seattle, but nationwide.”