When Caring Women Unite
We are a diverse, vibrant group bound together by the mission to improve the future of our youngest central Iowans. We raise our voices to represent our community’s children. We roll up our sleeves to give our youngest learners the best start. We leave a legacy of change that makes central Iowa better for everyone.
Women United—formerly known as Women’s Leadership Connection—is for any woman who believes that all children deserve quality early care and learning opportunities from birth. Each year, we invest more than $1.6 million in research-based strategies and programs that create a lasting impact on the next generation.
Since 2002, we have raised more than $21 million to improve the network of care and learning that ensure young children are ready to succeed in school. More than 700 of central Iowa’s most generous and influential women give their time, voice and resources to support quality early learning and provide opportunities for those who need it most.
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Joining Women United
Nothing is more important to our community than ensuring that every young person is on a path to success from the start. Your investment directly impacts central Iowa students for their entire lives.
As a Women United member, you can also enjoy these benefits:
- See firsthand how your investment improves young children’s lives.
- Share your talents on committees and by volunteering.
- Network with like-minded women and community leaders.
- Be part of an internationally recognized group of dedicated female philanthropists.
- Gain new business and career opportunities by demonstrating community leadership.
Women United Step-up Program
Enjoy the benefits of Women United membership by joining a three-year step-up program.
| Member ($1,000) | Lead Woman ($2,500) |
Woman of Tocqueville |
|
| Year One | $500 | $1,500 | $5,000 |
| Year Two | $750 | $2,000 | $7,500 |
| Year Three | $1,000 | $2,500 | $10,000 |
Member Levels
Member: Invitations to Women United events, where you can connect with some of central Iowa’s most influential women; regular emails with information about your investment and volunteer opportunities
$1,000 Level: Membership in the Leadership Circle—a group of more than 3,500 local leaders contributing $1,000-9,999 to United Way—published online
$2,500 Level - Lead Woman: Annual photo recognition in the Des Moines Business Record.
$10,000 Level - Woman of Tocqueville: Full membership in the Tocqueville Society
If your employer runs a United Way campaign, please give through your workplace to take advantage of any donor matches or other incentives.
If not, you can give to Women United online today.
Women United leads the charge to improve children's lives
Women United members leave their fingerprints on a legacy of change that benefits an entire generation. Each year, we invest $1.6 million to support 17 child care centers, 200 in-home providers, professional development for teachers, and targeted education- and health-focused programs.
Here's what we've accomplished in the past year:
Eh Moo carried all the books she had received in Book Buddy program in her backpack all year, so she could read them to her little brother after school. By the end of the year, her bag was stuffed with 25 books.
After a childhood spent in foster care, Cecelia got pregnant while still in high school. Scavo's Teddy Bear Town, funded by Women United, provided high-quality child care to Ezequiel while she earned her diploma.
Women United's Smile Squad visited Lam's elementary school to provide free dental screenings. Since her family didn't have insurance, Smile Squad connected her to a clinic where she could get cavities treated for free.
" More people in this world should have the opportunity to drop their kids off and pick them up at the end of the day and know that they will be safe, cared for, and have a great day. By lifting up all families, we are enhancing the experiences of our own children as well. "
" I don't know that my family was ever in a position to give, but I felt I was on the receiving end of a lot of things, so now I'm in a position to give back. "
" I feel good knowing that the dollars I contribute to Women United support young children in our community and put them on the right path to be ready to start kindergarten. "
Advisory Committee
Comprised of the chairs of each Women United committee, members share updates on each area, discuss strategic direction, and assist with on-going communication and explore ways to highlight Women United successes and early childhood issues.
WOMEN UNITED CHAIR
Jem Gong-Browne
Director of Corporate Strategy,
Principal
Advocacy Committee
Monitor and engage in legislative activities related to early childhood learning including interaction with legislators and hosting advocacy-related educational sessions for WLC members.
ADVOCACY CHAIR
Ashley Bohnenkamp
Publisher,
WriteBrain
Investment Committee
Develop new investment strategies, monitor current investments, make annual funding recommendations and provide quarterly updates to UWCI Executive Committee.
INVESTMENT CHAIR
Jess McCulloh
Vice President, Talent Acquisition Strategy & Delivery,
Wells Fargo
Engagement Committee
Plan and execute special events for WLC members including networking, education, and recognition of child care providers reaching milestones.
ENGAGEMENT CHAIR
Lonnie Dafney
Director of Human Resources,
Federal Home Loan Bank
Campaign Committee
Provides input to determine annual WLC fundraising goal and reaches out via personal phone calls and written communication to assist with renewing and prospecting members.
CAMPAIGN CHAIR
Jenene Armstrong
Community Volunteer
Ka'Meka Lowery
Women United Director
