Women United

  Our Mission: EMPOWERING the women of Charlotte County in the areas of education, financial stability, and wellness.

lunch

8th Annual Women United Lunch Recap

The 8th annual Women United lunch hosted by the United Way of Charlotte County (UWCC) took place this week after months of meticulous planning led by Jill Swan, the Family Empowerment Director, and her dedicated committee. The event showcased the announcement of the Woman of Courage and Woman of Distinction, with their intersecting lives and inspiring stories shared among a room full of compassionate women.

In tradition, our Woman of Courage tells her story, the real story, not often told, the one that rests within the protected walls of her heart, clamoring to be expressed and needing to be heard. Hearing this story each year is intended to be a cathartic “hear me roar” moment for the woman of courage, reframing their trauma to a charge for the future. But it is also intended to spur action among those who hear the story.

As Brianne Edmundson shared her journey with trauma and addiction, she claimed, “This didn't just start with me. Most of the time it doesn't start with us as children. In the beginning, as toddlers, we don't know what's right and wrong, or who's black and white, what's bad and good, or even what manners are. It's our parents or our caretakers that are supposed to teach us love and everything we know…. Unfortunately, a lot of us don't get to learn that stuff.” Every single person attending the lunch honored her with their listening ear. We listened for the walking angels and the missed opportunities, of which there were many. 

Just as the room didn’t know what to do with their emotions after hearing from Brianne Edmundson the 2024 Woman of Courage, the announcement for the 2024 Woman of Distinction was to be announced. Kelly J. Evans of Smugglers Enterprises & Foundation was recognized for her years of commitment and investment to not only the staff she employs but to the many philanthropic investments of the Foundation. Kelly was also scheduled as the keynote speaker and she actually did not know she would be receiving the award. Her keynote message at the lunch, left each of us hungry for what makes this big-hearted woman tick, captivated us with her compassion, lived experience, and her love for our community.

To read the full column in the Charlotte Sun, click here

Woman of Courage & DisctinctionWomen United Lunch 24

Leading the Charge. Inspiring the Change.

Women United focuses on women’s initiatives to build a stronger community in Charlotte County, Florida. Together, we can create lasting change on a scale that no single individual or organization could achieve on their own.

Women United is open to all women interested in sharing their talents and passions. Our participants are women of all ages, backgrounds, and career paths who offer their time, talent, and treasure in a way that meets their individual philanthropic needs.

Women United mobilizes women who strengthen our community by investing in and promoting programs that positively impact our community’s children, families, and future. Members engage with one another and participate in events and volunteer projects to learn, share, and grow.

Why Women United?

  • Learn about critical issues impacting women and their children in our community
  • Be a part of a community of like-minded women who contribute their personal passions, best ideas, and unique strengths to the mission of empowering women
  • Network, collaborate, and form new partnerships with area women while working together to enhance the lives of others
  • Volunteer alongside others looking to create significant, long-lasting positive change for women and children in Charlotte County

With administrative support from United Way of Charlotte County and through a collaboration of community partnerships, this group of women can make a measurable impact in our community.

2024 Platform: Empowering Mothers to Raise Healthy Children

This is done through assisting the Kids Thrive Circle of Parents peer support group, women who are raising children exposed to early childhood trauma. By surrounding themselves with like-minded women, these mothers are setting themselves and their children up for success through the ups and downs of life's journey. To read more about Kids Thrive, click here.

For more information about membership and program sponsorships, contact Jill Swan at empower@unitedwayccfl.org.

Women United Leadership

Leadership Council Co-Chairs: Geri Waksler and Katelyn Weston

Fundraising Chair: Open

  • Committee:  Kelly Pomerville, Shannon Vianello, Patrice Weston

Friend-raising Chair: Open

  • Committee: Kellie Dunson Allen, Cara Reynolds

Impact Chair: Shannon Vianello

Correspondence Chair: Laura Frantz

Board Liaison: Cara Reynolds, Kelly Carr, Claudette Smith 

2024 Women United TRANSFORM Sponsors

Crews Bank and Trust      HCA Fawcett Hospital   Shorepoint    Smugglers    The Waksler Family