Women's History Month

Posted February 25, 2021

At the end of 2020, United Way of Palm Beach County was honored to receive outstanding recognition and a $10 million gift from national philanthropist MacKenzie Scott who is committed to supporting nonprofits that have “strong leadership teams and results, with special attention to those operating in communities facing high projected food insecurity, high measures of racial inequity, high local poverty rates, and low access to philanthropic capital.” Ms. Scott’s recent $4.1 billion investment in nearly 384 organizations across the country demonstrates the power of women in philanthropy to be catalysts for long-lasting change. Watch the latest update on this gift.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we are excited to acknowledge local female leaders who are shaping our community through their compassionate hearts, dedicated philanthropic interests, and meaningful impact. Their work is helping United Way make Palm Beach County into a place where everyone can reach their full potential.

Shattering Glass Ceilings in the Philanthropic Sector

Our President & CEO, Laurie George, Ph.D. has made history at our local United Way in countless ways. Watch to hear from Laurie about her journey to becoming the first female President & CEO of United Way of Palm Beach County in its 90-year history, her professional advice for other women, and how local philanthropic leaders can get involved in United Way’s work.

Also within United Way of Palm Beach County’s team, female leaders are being recognized for their hard work, strategic insights, and commitment to making a difference locally, regionally, and nationally by serving on a variety of boards and committees.

Laurie George, Ph.D. | President & CEO

  • United Way Worldwide’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

Tula Hudson-Miller | Senior VP of Finance and Operations

  • Girls Scouts of Southeast Florida Board of Directors | Treasurer

Julie Kreafle | VP of Hunger Relief

  • Meals On Wheels for Kids (MOW4Kids) National Collaborative
  • Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Food Security Advisory Committee

Donna Pulda | VP of Volunteer Services

  • United Way Worldwide Strategic Volunteer Engagement Committee
  • PBC Community Services Securing Our Futures Initiative (SOFI)

Donna Quinlan | VP of Community Impact


Engaging Female Philanthropists

Research shows that women are more likely to both give and give more across all charitable sectors. United Way of PBC is dedicated to harnessing the incredible talents and power of women to bring about positive change in our community through philanthropy and service.

Did you know United Way of Palm Beach County proudly hosts a group of 400+ local women who are dedicated to empowering the next generation of women through fundraising, volunteering, networking, and learning opportunities?

 

This powerful, passionate network of Women United members create impactful change in our community through the focused investment of their time, talent and resources. With annual gifts of $1,000 or more to United Way, they raise critical funding to help our community have access to basic needs and engaged in supply drives and volunteer projects to give middle school girls the tools they need to see themselves as the empowered future leaders that they are.

“I am proud to lead this group of female philanthropists who exude passion for seeing our community thrive! Whether we are hosting a workshop on positive body image for middle school girls or reading to kids in celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, we are equipping young people with the skills they need to succeed in life,” – Geeta Singh, Women United Steering Committee Chair


Inspiring Younger Generations of Female Philanthropists

Age is not a factor in whether you can become a philanthropist. Each dollar and volunteer hour is a philanthropic investment in PBC. United Way’s Emerging Leaders Society (ELS) rallies 300+ early to mid-career professionals who are ready to address tough issues like hunger and homelessness through hands-on volunteer experiences. ELS Steering Committee Chair Danielle Skorski Basinski, Director of Membership and Leasing Administration at The Breakers Palm Beach, shared:

“It is inspiring to see so many other young women (and men!) involved in United Way’s initiatives in PBC. Together we are creating a future where investing in our community is part of our weekly routines and being apart of solutions to important issues is the norm.”


Share Your Heart for PBC

Women of all ages are invited to join United Way’s movement of giving back, inspiring change, and creating a better tomorrow for all of Palm Beach County. Learn more about all of our Affinity Groups here.

Join us for our upcoming Women United event on March 8! In celebration of International Women’s Day, Women United is hosting a virtual discussion on “Making the Invisible Visible” – identifying hidden barriers for women that must be made more visible to all and three key levers to move women forward in their careers. Register here!

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