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United Way Women’s Initiative

United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania Women’s Initiative is an influential leadership network of women committed to philanthropy and volunteerism towards the positive development of character in girls - through impact, education and fundraising embodied in their Girls Today, Leaders Tomorrow program.

Girls Today,
Leaders Tomorrow

United Way’s Women’s Initiative is devoted to supporting adolescent girls (grades 6 and 7) through public education, advocacy, volunteer mobilization, and funding to help them develop core values that will protect them from negative influences and support their success as adults. Through our Girls Today, Leaders Tomorrow efforts, UnitedWay supports community and school-based activities that focus on helping girls build self-esteem, honor their bodies and maintain healthy relationships with their peers. The Girls Today, Leaders Tomorrow program supports attitudes and behaviors related to the “six pillars of character” – trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.

Support United Way’s Women’s Initiative
and the Girls Today, Leaders Tomorrow Program

Join United Way for the 2010 Girls Today, Leaders Tomorrow Gala Dinner hosted by United Way’s Women’s Initiative will be held on Thursday, March 18, 2010 at the Crystal Tea Room, with cocktails beginning at 5:30 pm followed by dinner at 6:30 pm.

Laurada Byers, Chair of the Byerschool Foundation, will receive the 2010 Women Caring About What Matters Award for her inspirational dedication to children in our community.

Laurada founded the Russell Byers Charter School (RBCS), which now serves 420 children through sixth grade from 41 different Philadelphia neighborhoods – 70% from low-income families. The school’s vision is to provide a rigorous education that cultivates self-assurance, love of fresh ideas and especially, a sense of joy. Laurada’s primary focus is fundraising for RBCS as the president of the Byerschool Foundation.

Prior to her involvement with the Russell Byers Charter School, Laurada founded Warthog Productions, which created products that use humor and compassion to educate and enrich peoples’ lives. She also co-authored a book, Book of Blessings– 52 Graces From Around the World, that features blessings from various religions and ethnicities worldwide.

Laurada finds the time to remain actively involved in other worthy endeavors. She was a pivotal influence in founding the Festival of World Cinema, which later became the Philadelphia Film Festival.

Over the years she has served in numerous leadership positions at Women’s Way. Laurada is currently president of the Pennsylvania Women’s Forum, a division of the International Women’s Forum.

Sponsorship Opportunities ranging from $1,500 to $25,000 are available for this event. Single tickets are available for $175.

For more information or to customize a sponsorship that is right for you or your company, please contact Mary Ann Milner at 215-665-2534.