Women United
LEADING THE CHARGE INSPIRING THE CHANGE
Women United provides women in our community the opportunity to give back, serve others, and foster unity. Our local group is open to all women in West Michigan who are passionate about creating change, building meaningful relationships, and becoming part of a network of women.
Members dedicate themselves to empowering and enhancing the lives of women and teen girls in our community with confidence, resources, and skills to achieve their life goals. By doing so, we’ll help strengthen the leadership, power, and voices of women in West Michigan.
Since 2017, Women United has invested hundreds of volunteer hours and more than $300,000 into our community to help create a better life for all.
our mission & focus
Women United mobilizes a powerful and diverse network of women leaders to provide opportunities for women and teen girls in Kent County.
Through partnerships with local nonprofits, we equip women and teen girls with resources to fulfill their basic needs and achieve financial empowerment in neighborhoods of focus through positive connections and opportunities.
annual FEMININE HYGIENE DRIVE
Every year Women United hosts a feminine hygiene collection drive to provide dignity, comfort, and self-esteem to girls across our community through personal kits assembled at a day of service!
With your contribution, each kit will include pads, tampons, wipes, and an uplifting note to extend our care and encouragement.
Drive opens June 1
Volunteering
Mentoring
Supporting United Way initiatives
Serving local agencies
Fundraising
Community Grant Fund
Signature fundraising event
Collection drives
Networking & Personal
Development
Member meetings
Speaker Series
Social events
BE PART OF THE CHANGE
As a member, you’ll gain access to this committed and passionate network of West Michigan women. Membership is open to women who contribute at least $100 annually.
When you give to United Way, we put your money to work through our Community Grant Fund to support Women United’s mission and do the most for local women and teen girls in need. You can make a one-time gift, donate monthly, or use payroll deduction through your United Way workplace campaign.
If you have any questions about becoming a member, email Suzanne Moody.
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• Deepen your understanding of our area’s most critical issues and contribute to real change
• Empower teen girls and help them build self-confidence to break through barriers
• Access a strong network of like-minded women and business and community leaders through networking and social events
• Receive recognition at United Way’s events, online communications, and annual report
• Plus, get stylish Women United swag, including a t-shirt
A GLOBAL NETWORK OF WOMEN LEADERS.
Women United is a global, growing force of more than 70,000 women leaders in six countries dedicated to creating a world of opportunity for everyone. Since 2002, Women United members have invested $2 billion across 165 communities, including right here in Kent County.
OUR IMPACT
Volunteer Opportunities and Collection Drives
Hygiene Drive: Thanks to a $7,500+ donation from Mercantile Bank and Meijer, Women United provided 12,836 feminine hygiene products for women and teen girls.
Bring the Basics: This annual drive provides toiletries and cleaning supplies for families in need, and Women United contributed nearly 200 items toward our total of 4,000+ donations.
Summer Stock Up: During this large-scale drive that collected 9,000 lbs. of food, members unloaded vehicles and organized/prepared donations for local food pantries.
Stuff the Bus: Women United collected items for young students experiencing menstruation and puberty for this community-wide school supply drive that supports 5,500+ students.
Stuff the Sled: Each year, members contribute to this drive that provides holiday gift bags to more than 1,500+ children enrolled in Head Start for Kent County programs.
OUR INSPIRATION
Speaker Series and Events
My United Tribe with Candace Matthews: During a time when we need connection and each other the most, her words motivated and inspired us.
Grit and Grace with Shannon Blackmon Gardner: Growing up in a culture of empty cheers motivated her to hurdle multiple barriers, stampede significant challenges, and value vulnerability.
Authentic Leadership with Meredith Bronk: Meredith spoke about managing authenticity in times of uncertainty.
Unite to Ignite: We held a networking and self-empowerment event with several inspirational speakers in downtown Grand Rapids at Studio Park.
leadership
Lisa Knight, Chair
CEO, DV Apple Logistics
Heather Schuch
Senior Analyst at Amcor
Karyn Sagorski
Initial Purchasing Manager, Bissell Homecare, Inc.
Lisa Rene-Norris
Suzanne Moody, Staff Liaison
Executive Assistant
to Michelle Van Dyke
Email Suzanne