What is sisterhood, and what does it mean for Southern Nevada? It means women coming together, using their collective power to make a difference and build a better community. It means women uniting to lift up Southern Nevada and lift each other up. To us, sisterhood has a name: Women United.
“A lot of women who are starting out in their careers or may be retiring from the workforce don’t necessarily see themselves as leaders, so we are changing our Women’s Leadership Council name,” shared Lori Algieri, Director of Major Gifts at United Way of Southern Nevada (UWSN). “We’re excited to share that we are now Women United, and we invite every woman in Southern Nevada to join us and make a difference as a member.”
Women United (WU) has been Southern Nevada’s premier philanthropic group for women since its creation. Members have invested $2.8M in the community for deserving organizations like Boys and Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada, Spread the Word Nevada, and The Shade Tree. Most recently, WU collaborated with UWSN to undertake an ambitious $1 million three-year funding commitment with seven partners working to support the community from cradle to career. Last year, members worked with UWSN to provide 1,257 early education scholarships, offer free tutoring to 2,089 students, help 519 students graduate high school, and provide job training to 478 adults.
In addition to their funding, WU members have committed over 6,500 volunteer hours since the inception of the group through events like their annual Suit Drive. “This is a tangible way for women in our community to give back and donate not only their resources but their time as well,” shared Algieri. Every year, over 10,000 items of professional clothing are donated to organizations with back-to-work programs for women to help them re-enter the workforce and find success in a new job.
While making an impact in the community is the main benefit of membership in Women United, members still make time for networking and engagement. Monthly events for members and their guests bring the group together for professional development opportunities, like social media training, or bonding and connection experiences like shopping events or visits to local community organizations. “We focus on building up our members, whatever form that takes,” said Algieri. “We want this group to be a way for women to connect with like-minded females to better our community and have fun together!”
A favorite Women United event is the yearly Luncheon Fashion Show, planned for March 2020 at the Bellagio Las Vegas. Women from across the city spend the afternoon viewing the latest spring fashions, enjoying a delicious meal, and hearing how their investment in the community has made a difference. The Luncheon Fashion Show is a celebration of how women are leading the charge and inspiring the positive change that Southern Nevada needs.
At its heart, Women United is a sisterhood of members coming together to strengthen each other and the community they call home. “We are truly uniting for the betterment of our community, which makes this change so appropriate,” said Algieri. “We are thrilled to show Southern Nevada the power of Women United.”