“If you want to see things happen at a global level, start at the village level. Give women the tools and education and they will drive the change.” - Melinda Gates.
Women United, formerly known as WLC, here in Southeast Louisiana has been the driving force of change to improve the lives of women and children throughout our region. Over the past 15 years, Women United has invested $2.4 million to benefit programs critical to the well-being of women and children in our community.
Women United focuses on philanthropy, advocacy, and volunteerism. 
As a leadership group of United Way Southeast Louisiana, Women United has supported the transformation process of United Way over the past few years and works to direct all allocations towards United Way’s mission of eradicating poverty in our community.
In 2017, Women United reinvested more than $325K directly back into programs that help women and children thrive in our community. For a full list of investments, click here.
Women United members are also active in their support of United Way’s Public Policy Agenda, “United Against Poverty.” Issues addressed included: High Quality Early Childcare Education; Increasing State Match for Earned Income Tax Credits; Improved Systems for Care of Children Aging Out of Foster Care; Pay Equality; Domestic Violence Prevention; Expanded Coverage of 2-1-1; and, Increased Funding to Support Victims of Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking.
If you or anyone you know is in interested in joining, there are different levels of giving and ways to be part of Women United:
Women United, $250+ designated to Women United
Women’s Leadership Council (WLC), $1,000+ designated to Women United
Women of Tocqueville, $10,000+ given to United Way, with a minimum of $1,000 designated to Women United
For the past 15 years, Women United has worked to Unite Women across Southeast Louisiana to inform and empower its membership to actively enhance the lives of every woman and child in our community.
Women United is proud to celebrate 15 years of philanthropy, advocacy, and volunteerism in our community. Yesterday evening, we hosted our kickoff event at the NOPSI Hotel and we have several events planned through the spring of 2018. Become part of this passionate and inspiring group of women and learn about how we fight for the education, health, and financial stability for every person in every community.
Michelle Clarke Payne
Senior Director, Investor Relations
United Way of Southeast Louisiana