WOMEN UNITED
20 Years of Women United: A Legacy of Compassion and Action
Twenty years ago, a group of women came together with a united vision: to remove barriers and create opportunities for everyone in our community to thrive. That passionate group began as the Women’s Philanthropic Network, and in 2017, became Women United. Although the name changed, the heart of our mission has remained the same.
Over the years, members have been the hands, voices, and hearts behind so many meaningful efforts. We recognize and honor every woman who’s given her time, shared her voice, and believed in the power of community.
What We Do
Women United is a group of passionate individuals working to remove barriers for Utah kids and families.
We
ADVOCATE
for more quality preschool slots and full-day kindergarten.
We
ORGANIZE
drives to provide supplies both in and out of the classroom.
We
VOLUNTEER
as mentors and tutors.
We
GIVE
to fuel brighter futures and lasting change in our community.
Want to Become A Member?
Join Women United in taking bold action to create a better future for our community. As a Women United member, you will make a lasting difference by empowering women, eliminating barriers, and strengthening communities.
Women United members invest $1,500 or more annually in United Way of Salt Lake. For more information about Women United, or to learn about step-up options for membership, contact Adrienne Smith at adrienne.smith@uw.org.
United Way of Salt Lake
Women United
History of Success
Women’s Philanthropic Network (WPN) is formed
2005
2008
Immigrant and refugee integration is chosen as focus for WPN
Hser Ner Moo Center is established in South Salt Lake to facilitate refugee integration
2010
2014
Volunteers mentor and tutor with a focus on college and career readiness
WPN is renamed Women United (WU) and turns focus to afterschool programs and girls in STEM
2017
2022
WU members mentor refugee high school students to improve English language skills and close the graduation gap
WU members successfully advocate for statewide full-day kindergarten
2023
2024-25
WU forms a committee to support and help launch the Promise Baby & You program
WU celebrates 20 years of community involvement, engagement, and advocacy
2025
Engage with Women United
"When I moved to Salt Lake City, I was searching for a way to build genuine connections and become part of the community. United Way and Women United gave me the opportunity not only to meet inspiring women but also to give back on a large scale and make a meaningful impact. Being part of this group allows me to combine purpose with community, which has been incredibly rewarding."
Lindsey Bader
Women United Executive Committee Member
Director of Recruitment and Selection,
Northwestern Mutual
"Women United make meaningful impact addressing our community’s needs through collaborative efforts by engaging mind and heart."
Amber Gracanin
Member, Women United Global Leadership Council,
SVP, Director,
Business Banking West of Hillcrest Bank
“I think it's important for us and others in financial services, to play and active role in helping people of all backgrounds understand the fundamentals of financial literacy and financial wellbeing. The first thing we did was reach out to United Way and figure out how to partner with them.”
Jamie Issowits
Women United Chair
SVP, Employee Experience Manager,
Zions Bancorporation
Our Community Faces Many Challenges
Women United is a group of passionate individuals working to remove barriers for the girls in our community and the women who support them.
