Women United
When women UNITE, our community is stronger. ACTIVATE and join the Women United movement!
When women UNITE, our community is stronger. ACTIVATE and join the Women United movement!
Our Mission
A network of passionate women who support United Way by giving, advocating, volunteering, and inspiring others to create lasting change in our community to support children and families in Maricopa County.
Who We Are
We are philanthropists, volunteers, and leaders within our community.
We are problem-solvers, hand-raisers, and game-changers.
We lead the charge and inspire change.
We mobilize the power of women to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our community.
We have gone after some of our community’s toughest challenges: Poverty and Food Insecurity.
We work with United Way and our community partners to turn potential solutions into action.
It’s not easy, but Women United does not give up. Ever.
We are committed to helping children get a strong start in life so that they are equipped for success in school, work, and life.
Women United faces our future fearlessly, with determination, no matter the obstacles that come our way.
We invite you to join us. Invest in our efforts. Become part of our Team.
With you, we are Women United.
Benefits of Joining
As a valued member of Women United, you'll:
- CONNECT with community-minded women while expanding personal and professional opportunities
- ENGAGE in volunteer events geared toward United Way’s work in ACTIVATING change
- SERVE as an Ambassador for United Way through advocating, speaking, and volunteering
- GIVE $1,000 annually to help address hunger, homelessness, financial stability, education and the emerging needs of our neighbors
Members give an annual gift of $1,000 designated to one of Valley of
the Sun United Way's community objectives. The Arizona Charitable Tax Credit*
or the Step Up Program, which is a $500 gift in year one, $750 in year
two and $1,000 in year three are also options for participation with
membership engagement on day one.
* Direct up to $800 to United Way’s Arizona Charitable Tax Credit. Contributions may qualify for the Credit for
Contributions to Qualifying Charitable Organizations. Taxpayers filing
as “single” and “head of household” status may claim a maximum credit of
$400; taxpayers filing as “married filing separate” may claim a maximum
credit of $400; taxpayers that file as “married filing joint” may claim
a maximum credit of $800. Consult your tax advisor.
Our Local Impact
During our first virtual event, we raised $7,381 through our first text-to-give campaign.
51,074 bottles of water donated!
We raised $1,197 and distributed 1,960 snack packs to school children in the Valley.
Collectively we raised $481,000 to support children and families in our community.
1,000’s of books distributed through Read Across America Weeks, School Readiness Kits, and to Murphy School District.
ACTIVATE and Join Today!
Upcoming Events
Past Events and Photos
Steering Committee
Co-Chairs:
Nina Mullins
SRP
Jen Scrivner
Goodmans Interior Structures
Vice Chair:
Bobbie J. Fox
CopperPoint Insurance Companies
Steering Committee Leaders:
Dr. Melanie Abts
Rio Salado College
Dawn Blocker
Edward Jones
Latasha Causey
U-Haul International
Paris Davis
WaFd Bank
Sabrina Freiberg
Nationwide
Diana Gomes
Ernst & Young
Jacki Grainger
Bank of Arizona
Myshell Gresham
Willis Towers Watson
Kimberly Hall
Circle the City
Naoma Holmes
Mercy Care
Leslie Lewis
Univar Solutions
Jennifer Mellor
Greater Phoenix Chamber
Stephanie Mitrovic
SmithGroup
Lucy Ray
Alliance Bank of Arizona
Kristy Smith
Community Leader
Kate Sweeney
Ace Sandblasting
Kerryann Tomlinson
Playworks Arizona
Nancy Ung
Enterprise Holdings
Sarah Zelhart
Make-A-Wish America
Member Profiles
Say hello to Jennifer Swanton! Jennifer is a passionate community leader and advocate for causes that are near and dear to her heart, and incredibly personal. Read more about this awesome Women United member!
Meet Kristy Smith, one of Women United’s original members, and an integral part of our Steering Leadership Team. Kristy volunteers her time and gives back to our community in so many ways, and keeps everyone around her laughing all the time!
Get to know Elizabeth Mahoney, a Women United member who supports us by actively understanding community needs, volunteering, and sponsoring our ‘We Are United’ luncheon. She is a business owner and the Principal at EverVest Financial.
Get to know Leslie Lewis, a Women United Steering Committee member who started her journey with United Way as a member of Generation United. Leslie is a champion for all things Women United and we are grateful for her community leadership!
Get to know Mary Contreras, a Women United member who supports our cause by sponsoring the Community Leadership Breakfast each year. Mary runs Mary Contreras State Farm Agency, is passionate and driven, and embodies the spirit of Women United!
Get to know Paris Davis, our newest Women United Steering Committee Member and active volunteer. Paris is the Senior Vice President, Northwest Arizona Retail Division Manager with Washington Federal Bank.
Stay Engaged
Join our Women United LinkedIn Group and visit our volunteer portal for opportunities to connect, engage, and learn more about how we activate change.
For more information about Women United, please contact Kelli Fawcett, Director, Donor Relations, at kfawcett@vsuw.org or 602.631.4843.