United Way of the Big Bend’s Women’s Leadership Council, Women UNITED (WU) represents an influential force of women philanthropists who give, advocate, and volunteer to impact the lives of women and children throughout the Big Bend.
Each WU member contributes an individual annual gift of $1,000 or more to United Way of the Big Bend.
If you are interested in becoming a Women United member, please contact Molly Lord at molly@uwbb.org.
Membership in WU provides a way to invest in and impact the community to make it a better, stronger place in which to live, work and raise a family. There are many benefits to becoming a member.
Women United Founder: Susie Busch-Transou
2016/17 Chair: Karen Walker
Past WU Chairs:
Diana Cureton – 2016
Flecia Braswell – 2015
Tanya Wilkins – 2014
Nan O’Kelley – 2013
Brooke Hallock – 2012
Mia McKown – 2011
Monesia Brown – 2010
Karen Walker – 2009
Liza McFadden – 2008
Robin Safley – 2007
Martha Barnett – 2006
Throughout the year, Women United raises money for early literacy efforts. WU focuses on early literacy in the community with the vision of getting kids reading on grade level before they reach third grade. WU members host a one-of-a-kind kickoff event and numerous parties at local businesses to raise awareness and money for UWBB’s Education Initiative. These events help fund and support evidence-based programs, ReadingPals, and READ UNITED.
ReadingPals focuses on intervention and reading readiness. Caring adults are matched one-to-one with a student who has been identified as a struggling reader. Using a developed curriculum, ReadingPals commit one hour a week for the school year to read to the same child and work on literacy skills. Each student takes home a brand new free book every week.
This year on May 2-6th, UWBB’s sixth annual READ UNITED initiative will provide volunteers an opportunity to share the love of reading with thousands of first grade students in the Big Bend region. The Cat in the Hat, Curious George, and many other childhood favorites will be read and distributed to every first grade student, resulting in countless smiles and widespread inspiration for reading. Sign up to be a volunteer today!
