Communities are stronger when they work for everyone.
That’s why United Way East Ontario is launching our local chapter of Women United. Women United invites local leaders to join us and build a strong, healthy, safe community for all – starting with women and their families. Our mission is to change lives for the better by coming together to create a world full of opportunity for all women.
Members of Women United are part of a network of 70,000 inspiring women leaders in more than 165 communities. We’re so excited for the impact we’ll have on the lives of local women right here in Prescott-Russell, Ottawa, Lanark County and Renfrew County.
Together, members of Women United…
- Build a strong, healthy, safe community for everyone by investing in women and their families.
- Deepen their understanding and connection to issues facing women in our community through unique engagement
- Celebrate volunteerism, advocacy, and women leadership in philanthropy.
…and more.
What sets Women United apart?
Women United is a diverse, vibrant community of visionaries and change makers bound together by a powerful sense of belonging – to one another, to our community, and to our mission of transforming the lives of women.
Members make transformational change by connecting with other like-minded women and investing in the lives of women in need.
Leading the charge
Joan Highet has been a long-time supporter of women’s initiatives through United Way. Joan was a founder of the spark women’s giving initiative, which is now part of the broader work of Women United. Joan understands the value of joining a network of innovative and inspiring women in order to affect change.
Joan Highet, Chair, Women United
“I’ve been able to see the power of what happens when women come together and speak in one voice.”
Joan Highet, Women United member Tweet
“The intent of setting up the original initiative, spark, was so people could not only invest financially, but then also see the specific outcome of that investment.”
“This is key because it lets you appreciate how funds are directed, not only from an individual perspective, but from a collaborative, collective impact perspective.”
Being a part of Women United goes beyond just investing dollars in the community. Joan also noted there are different ways members can take on a leadership role and share expertise with others through volunteering, networking, mentorship and speaking opportunities.
“There are a lot of powerful women who hold leadership positions in or outside the home, in organizations or in small businesses or startups,” says Joan. Women United is where women who want to make a difference come together as decision makers and leaders for their communities and causes that matter.
Joan added with a laugh, “I know women like to get things done!”
Together, the members of Women United leverage our time, talents and funds to empower women in our community to build strong, independent lives. Together we can create a world full of opportunity for all women.