Women United hosted its 2025 Fall Membership Social last week at the Omni Charlottesville, where we celebrated the impact of women in our community uniting to create change.
Ravi Cooper, United Way of Greater Charlottesville President & CEO shared welcoming remarks where she touched on this impact: “What began 20 years ago with eight visionary women has grown into a vibrant community that has awarded nearly $875,000 in grants to 36 local organizations.”
Existing Women United members also had the chance to welcome and get to know those who have recently joined as well as community members interested in learning more about the group’s work. Suzanne Brooks, one of the eight founders of Women United, shared her “immense pride” in what the organization has grown into today. She also introduced Michele Carroll, Women United Chair, who shared that her experience in the role “has been one of the greatest honors of my life.”
Click here to see all the photos from the event.
As so many purpose-driven women from across our community connected and shared stories, the energy in the room grew warm, welcoming, and inspiring. Amanda Litchfield, Incoming Women United Chair, also took a moment to welcome new faces who joined and tell them more about Women United: “Women United is more than a giving circle–it’s a community of changemakers.” The group’s main tactic to create change is through collective giving that empowers and uplifts organizations supporting women and children in Greater Charlottesville. However, Women United also supports members to participate in volunteer service projects and local advocacy work.
Simona Holloway, Women United Events Lead, wrapped up the event with a toast “to the founders who lit the spark, to the members who keep the flame burning, and to the new faces who will carry it forward.”
Thank you to all who were able to join us for the moving and celebratory evening! Click here to learn about becoming a member of Women United and join us in making our vision of “a thriving, empowered community” a reality. We know that when women unite to create change in our communities, we can building a brighter, more equitable future—together.
Women United is a program of United Way of Greater Charlottesville.