Natalie Gemberling Webb ’12
Collinsville, Illinois

Serving others is the common thread that runs through the career of Natalie Gemberling Webb. “I believe that Natalie’s vocation — ignited during her time at Wartburg College — is working with others to make the world a better and more just place,” wrote Daniel Richter, one of her nominators. “How that has manifested itself has changed over time, but her commitment is ongoing.”

While at Wartburg, that meant leadership roles in service trips, residential life, new student orientation, and campus programming. Since graduating, Webb’s list of volunteer activities has only grown, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Red Cross, work at homeless shelters, and other nonprofits based in St. Louis.

After graduating from Wartburg, she joined AmeriCorps, where she contributed to recovery after Superstorm Sandy and tornadoes that devastated Metropolis, Ill. She now works at LifeWise StL, which helps underserved members of the community of all ages, and has earned her master’s degree in social work from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. Webb has previously received a St. Louis Community Champion Award and the distinguished honor of Focus StL’s Women in Leadership.

At LifeWise, Webb manages numerous initiatives, including grant applications, match-savings and credit-building programs, a low-cost food market, a holiday market, and an annual back-to-school event. She has spearheaded the development of a financial education program for Somali women, working with interpreters to understand Islamic financial customs and tailor the program specifically for them.

“The Somali IDA is only possible due to Natalie’s thoughtfulness, compassion, and ability to connect with individuals despite cultural differences,” said Rachel McBeath, another of her nominators.

For consistently going above and beyond in service to others, the Wartburg College Alumni Board is pleased to present a 2024 Young Alumni Award to Natalie Gemberling Webb.