Women United® empowers women to drive positive change through philanthropy, advocacy and volunteerism, advancing financial stability across the Trident Region.
We are Women United.
As an integral part of United Way, Women United focuses on the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. We are a vibrant community, bound together by a powerful sense of belonging - to each other, to the organization’s mission and to the communities we call home. Our powerful, global network of women leaders, over 55,000 strong, lives united against the most critical issues facing more than 165 communities in six countries.
Our Values
Empowerment through Philanthropy
We leverage our collective strengths, resources and passion to empower women, inspire change and build stronger communities.
Collective Voice for Change
At Women United, we amplify the collective voice of women to drive meaningful change in our community.
Building Strong Communities
We inspire, educate and encourage women to effect change in our community with a focus on enhancing the lives of women and children
Lifetime Learning and Growth
We believe that the pursuit of knowledge, personal growth and continuous improvement is essential to creating a more informed, capable and adaptive community.
Steering Committee 2024-2025
Brianna Johnson, Berkeley Electric Cooperative, Chair
Kim Davis, Elliot Davis LLC, Vice Chair
Dusti Annan, Medical University of South Carolina, Immediate Past Chair
EmmaMarie Broome, St Andres's Family Fitness Plus!
Francine Christiansen, Christiansen Consulting
Emily Mungo Frank, McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture
Laura Ganci, Pattison's Academy
Madison Hancock, The Bank of South Carolina
Wendy Kopp, Fifth Third Bank
Ashley Mancini, HireQuest Inc.
Mary Mauldin, Medical University of South Carolina
Missy Parker, Community Volunteer
Sydney Stowe, Community Volunteer
Jennifer Wadford, Santee Cooper
Amanda Wagner, Fast Track Workforce Solutions
2025 Women United Awards Luncheon
Over 150 friends, family members, colleagues and community leaders gathered at Trident Technical College on May 6, 2025, to celebrate the remarkable efforts of the 2025 Women United Awards Luncheon award winners and nominees. It was inspiring to hear about each award winner's passion and commitment to help create a brighter future for our Tri-County community.
We were also thrilled to hear from keynote speaker Wendy Brewer, who used her personal experience and professional expertise to highlight the value of financial stability and building wealth for the future.
Congratulations to the 2025 Women United Award Winners
• Nonprofit Leader of the Year: Dr. Aretha Polite-Powers, Chief Executive Officer at Fetter Health Care Network
• Hands on Hero of the Year: Kathleen Stevens, Community Relations Specialist at Elliott Davis
• Role Model of the Year: Kenya Dunn, Managing Partner at Equity Impact Partners
Project Undercover
Thank you to everyone who supported Project Undercover! $328 worth of undergarments were donated both in person at the Women United Awards Luncheon and online through the Amazon Wishlist.
Through this year’s Project Undercover we collected new underwear, socks and bras to support children in grades K-12 through the Annual School Support Drive through our partner donor networks, Young Leaders United and PULSE.
If you would like to make a donation to the School Support Drive, please visit the Ready, Set, Thrive School Support Drive page!
Thank you to our generous event sponsors!
Empowerment Sponsor
Impact Sponsors
Resiliance Sponsors
Questions? Email Leah at LMoore@TUW.org.
2025 Women United March Social
Volunteers gathered at Lowcountry Food Bank on March 26, 2025, to pack food boxes to help fight hunger in our community. Following the volunteer activity, the group toured the facility and enjoyed time to connect and celebrate our impact together!
A huge THANK YOU to all our amazing volunteers for showing up and making a difference, and to the Lowcountry Food Bank for providing us with the opportunity to give back!
Please contact Leah Moore at LMoore@tuw.org for more information.
2025 Women United Awards Submissions
Each year at the annual Awards Luncheon, Women United recognizes women in the Tri-County area who embody TUW's core principals. Submissions are open through March 8. For more information contact Leah Moore at LMoore@tuw.org.
Hands on Hero of the Year
Nonprofit Leader of the Year
Role Model of the Year
Nominations are now closed. Thank you to everyone for your incredible and well-deserved submissions. We look forward to recognizing the award recipients at the Women United Awards Luncheon.
2025 Women United Lunch & Learn Her Health Matters: Medical Professionals on Women's Health Issues
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the Women United Lunch & Learn: Her Health Matters! It was an engaging and informative event, filled with insightful discussions on women’s health.
A special thank you to our incredible panelists for sharing their expertise and to all attendees for your thoughtful participation. Together, we’re empowering our community with knowledge and resources for healthier lives!
Panelists:
Alyssa A Rheingold, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Professor, Associate Director at the National Crime Victim's Research at the Medical University of South Carolina
Dr. Christine Holmstedt
Professor of Neurology & Director of Clinical Stroke Services at the Medical University of South Carolina
Alisa Turner
Health and Wellness Coach
Dr. Reshma Khan
Director of National Health Services at ICNA Relief USA, founder of Shifa Free Clinic and board-certified Ob/Gyn.
Moderator:
Angela Johnson
Director of Health at Trident United Way
2024 Women United October Social
Thank you to everyone who attended the 2024 Women United October Social at Edmund's Oast Brewing Co.! We loved seeing new and familiar faces, and look forward to our next gathering.
For more information, or to join Trident United Way Women United, contact Leah Moore at (843) 740-7748 or lmoore@tuw.org.