North Charleston, SC— More than 150 community leaders, philanthropists and changemakers gathered for the 2025 Women United Annual Awards Luncheon, an afternoon filled with inspiration, empowerment and celebration of the women who are transforming our community region through service and leadership.
Hosted by Trident United Way’s Women United, the annual luncheon shines a spotlight on extraordinary women who exemplify service, dedication and lasting impact across the Tri-County region. This year’s theme, "Building Legacies: Investing in Ourselves, Our Families and Our Communities," served as a powerful backdrop to recognize the honorees and inspire attendees to create legacies of their own.
The event featured a dynamic keynote address by Wendy Brewer, Private Wealth Financial Advisor, Director with the Roseate Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, who shared practical strategies for building financial confidence, investing wisely and creating long-term security.
The 2025 Women United Award Recipients include:
• Nonprofit Leader of the Year: Dr. Aretha Polite-Powers, CEO of Fetter Health Care Network. Under her leadership, FHCN’s women’s health program has quadrupled in size, expanding access to care for women across the Tri-County area.
• Hands-On Hero of the Year: Kathleen Stevens, Community Relations Specialist at Elliott Davis. A tireless volunteer and advocate, Kathleen supports nonprofits across South Carolina through impactful initiatives like school supply drives and large-scale community volunteer efforts.
• Role Model of the Year: Kenya Dunn, Managing Partner at Equity Impact Partners. Kenya leads transformative corporate and civic partnerships focused on stakeholder engagement, economic development and long-term social impact.
“This event is more than just a lunch. It’s a rallying call for everyone, myself included, to recognize their ability to impact the world around us,” said Leah Moore, Director of Donor Engagement at Trident United Way. “We want all our attendees to walk away feeling celebrated, seen, valued and most importantly, inspired. Whether it’s through giving, mentoring, volunteering or leading in their own circles, everyone can leave behind a legacy that echoes through generations.”
“Each of our honorees embodies what it truly means to lead with both purpose and heart,” added DJ Hampton, President & CEO of Trident United Way. “They don’t just show up, they uplift, they invest, they serve and they inspire those around them. Their stories remind us that impact doesn’t stop with one person, it lives on in the lives they touch.”
For more information on Women United or to get involved, visit www.tuw.org/womenunited.
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About Trident United Way
Trident United Way has been a catalyst for measurable community transformation in education, financial stability and health in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester Counties.
Trident United Way has a proud history of developing community-wide initiatives, including partnering with dozens of local nonprofit organizations, leading the creation of our community’s 211 Information and Referral Helpline and establishing the Berkeley and Dorchester County Resource Connection Centers.