United Way WOMEN UNITED (formerly United Way Women’s Legacy Council) presented Women Who Rule, a fundraising event to help low-income women find dependable transportation.  The sold-out event featured three area executive and professional leaders who have excelled in their profession.  The three featured leaders were Heather Burge, founder and owner of BleuBelle; Dr. Cheryl Dozier, president of Savannah State University; Jenny Gentry, Savannah market president of Ameris Bank; and Tammie Mosley, clerk of Superior Court for the Eastern Judicial Circuit of Georgia. Each featured leader shared her personal story in overcoming challenges to excel in her field.

During the event, WOMEN UNITED honored Georgia Power’s Cathy Hill as Woman of the Year.  For United Way of the Coastal Empire, Hill truly embodies the spirit of leadership.  In 2009, she founded the local affinity group, Women’s Legacy Council (now WOMEN UNITED), to make a profound difference in the lives of women and children in our community. 

WOMEN UNITED mobilizes women to become powerful philanthropists through leadership, fundraising, and advocacy.  By leveraging skills, relationships, and resources in support of United Way of the Coastal Empire, they make a profound difference in the lives of women.  Since its inception in 2009, WOMEN UNITED has helped thousands of women in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty counties receive transportation assistance.  Members of WOMEN UNITED contribute to United Way at a leadership level of $1,200 or more annually.

Last year, WOMEN UNITED raised nearly $60,000.  Funds raised were used to provide bus passes, gas cards, and minor car repairs to more than 2,000 local, low-income women.  Having access to transportation has allowed women to help themselves and their families to improve their livelihood.  Many were able to find and keep employment and gain access to other programs and services in our community, such as a local food bank, health services, childcare, and life skills training classes.