Philadelphia

Women Paying It Forward: United Way’s 2013 Women’s Initiative Gala

March 19, 2013 by HughE Dillon

On Wednesday, March 13, 2013 the United Way hosted the 2013 Women’s
Initiative Gala at the Crystal Tea Room. 

The Women’s Initiative mobilizes women to give,
advocate and volunteer in support of at-risk women and girls in our
region. It plays an important role in supporting United Way’s efforts to
improve the lives of young girls through out our region to learn how to
develop and maintain healthy relationships and enhance their leadership
skills. Laurisa Adorno, “I’m a leader because I speak up when I believe someone or something goes against what I feel is right, volunteer to make a difference in my community and encourage others to work to achieve their dreams.” Stephanie Astimbay-Sosa, Julissa Bermudez-Rivas, Marnay Blackwell, Dariel Burton, Abigail Campoli, Ansela Corney, Tatana Divine, Leticia Ezekiel-Lundy,Zaria Fatal, Samiyah Finger, Sabrina Ford, Rashay Gambrell, Johnnya Gibson, Breyance Gilyard-Butts, Saviona Goode, Asia Goodwin, Ashnay Graham, Samira Guzman, Delainie Hain, Stephanie Hanton, Jaiannah Hardy, Janiya Hicks, Nasirah Huff, India Johnson, Kishia Johnson, Madison Jordan, Aniyah Levertte, Nickol McKeown (wants to be an actress someday.) Antoinette Moss, Keyonna Mungin, says a leader makes smart decisions, Samira Nash Cook, Cassandra Pittman, Bryana Presock, Cheyanne Ricks, Ah”Niya Rome, Anyah Ryan, Shakrya Streater, Nydia Truehart, Kennee Walker, Imani Weeks, Bobbie S Xayamoungkhoun, Kalhima Young, wants to work in Childcare Services.

The 2013 Women’s Initiative Honoree this year was long time volunteer
Mary Stengel Austen, (2nd from right) President and CEO of Tierney. Another honoree was
the presenting sponsor, Independence Blue Cross. Their continuous
support of the United Way’s work in the areas of Education, Income and
Health has made an indelible impact on the lives of hundreds of at-risk
women and girls. Jill Michal, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, Chris Cashman, Independence Blue Cross, Amy
Fraizer, Managing Director, Marketing & Sales Leader, PwC, LLO, Nancy Threlfall, President Threlfall Marketing Group

Joy Slabough and Liz Tammaro
Christine Bonfigilo, Christen Cohen and Chrissy Baxter
 Rev. Bonnie Camarda, director of partnerships for The Salvation Army of
Greater Philadelphia and Councilwomen Blondell Reynolds- Brown
Michael Starker, Trish Cashman and David Yadgaroff
Char-Elle Vassall, Jaiannah Hardy, a participant in the “Girls Today,
Leaders Tomorrow” program, Grace Geci and Frannie O’Connor
Amy Nelson, Beth Huston, Carolyn Sherry and Jane Ulrich

William Carter told me he admires what the United Way has done with this program
where it’s inspired the young girls and matched them with role models to emulate, with Teralyn Carter

Betty, United Way and Sara Ward at the United Way Celebrating 10 Years of
Women Leaders in Philanthropy and Volunteerism at Crystal Tea Room

Josh Belle (who is my 2nd cousin-in-law) and Charlie Young at your service at the United Way
Celebrating 10 Years of Women Leaders in Philanthropy and Volunteerism
at Crystal Tea Room

Barb Doyne, Erin Charey and Brian Taylor, were excited to be here to see the young ladies of the 2013 recognized for the growth them made over the past year in this program.

Renée Cardwell Hughes, CEO of the Southeastern Pennsylvania chapter of
the American Red Cross at the United Way Celebrating 10 Years of Women
Leaders in Philanthropy and Volunteerism at Crystal Tea Room

Rachel Walker and Sarah Lack
Meredith Setzman, Hersha Hospitality and Courtney Flanagan, Tierney
Over the last five years, United Ways has partnered with a number of local agencies that share their commitment to improving the lives of children throughout the region.
Lynne and Ellie Utter 
They include the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Philadelphia
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia, Congreso, Discovery Charter School, Education Works, Excell Community Development Corp, Foundation for Pottsown Education, Girl Scouts of Eastern Pa, Greater Philly and SNJ, Healthy Communities Initiative, Inc, Phila Anti-Drug/Anti-Violence Network, Phila Department of Human Services, Phila Prevention Partnership, Public Health Management Corp, Say Yes to Education, The Wellness of Young, United Communities of SE Pa, and YWCA Tri-County Areas.
Alona Karpuzi and Victoria Ivery

Lori Wilson, Anchor NBC10 Philadelphia, took time away from her vacation
to host the United Way Celebrating 10 Years of Women Leaders in
Philanthropy and Volunteerism at

Jill Michal, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey

Tatyana Divine and Shakyra Streeter tell the guests how the “Girls
Today, Leaders Tomorrow” (GTLT) program has changed their lives.

Amber Martin GTLT alumni, said when she came to the program she was angry and withdrawn, but now she’s outgoing and confident with big plans for her future in college.

Amber Martin GTLT alumni, Mary Stengel Austen, President Tierney accepts
the 2013 Women’s Intitiative Award, Jill Michal, President and CEO of
United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, at the
United Way. It’s really one of my favorite programs that the United Way offers. If you want information on how you can help contact the United Way