United Way Women's Initiative: Girls Today, Leaders Tomorrow

United Way is Turning Girls into Leaders

(Philadelphia, PA) In an effort to help girls in the Philadelphia region realize their potential as young leaders in their communities, United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania's Women's Initiative hosted thirty young girls from a variety of neighborhoods, backgrounds and skill levels, to participate in the Girls Today, Leaders Tomorrow Program.

The kick-off of the year long program was an exciting Leadership Retreat. Activities during the three-day event focused on team-building, health and wellness, self-image, etiquette, public speaking, diversity, and relationships. Members of United Way's Women's Initiative including Angela Dowd-Burton, the Manager, Local Government Relations at Rohm and Haas Company and Co-chair of United Way's Women's Initiative, were also on hand to share their experiences as a female leaders with the promising young ladies.

"I was truly moved by the level of energy, enthusiasm and excitement generated by the girls and members of the Women's Initiative. This event marks a turning point in each of our lives. The Women's Initiative members stand for the success of these girls and these girls acknowledge their potential with the power of their commitment to excel. I look forward to sharing in their growth and development during this formative time in their lives," said Ms. Dowd-Burton.

United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania's Women's Initiative is devoted to responding to the needs of adolescent girls through public education, advocacy, volunteer mobilization, and funding of the Girls Today, Leaders Tomorrow Program for girls in 6th through 8th grade, which helps them develop and maintain core values that will protect them from negative influences.

"The United Way Girls Today Leaders Tomorrow Program helps to build a foundation for these girls to achieve in school and in life," said Alba E. Martinez, President and CEO of United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania.

This retreat is the first part of an ongoing program to benefit girls in the region. Following the retreat, participating girls will reconvene on a monthly basis to share their experiences and take part in workshops, peer mentoring and field trips. During the program, the girls who participate will help to host the United Way Women's Initiative Annual Gala on March 13, and after they complete the program they will have the chance to peer mentor the next group of leaders!

To learn more about United Way's Women's Initiative, or to donate or volunteer, call 215-665-2534 or visit www.uwsepa.org

United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania
Founded in 1921 by the business community, United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania improves people's lives by mobilizing the caring power of donors, volunteers and communities. United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania is one of the region's largest non-profit organizations and one of approximately 1,400 affiliated United Ways nationwide. Each United Way is independent, separately incorporated, and governed by local volunteers.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• united
• way
• of
• southeastern
• pennsylvania
• philadelphia
• girls
• today
• leaders
• tomorrow
• women's
• initiative
• self
• image
• camp

[cottoncandycurls]

this is awesome!