The goal of the Women’s Leadership Giving Society is to encourage, educate and energize women in the ways of philanthropy to make a difference in our community.

Purpose of The Women’s Leadership Giving Society
The Women’s Leadership Giving Society was organized by United Way women in 1998 as a celebration of the power of women to bring about positive change in our community through philanthropy and service. It specifically promotes initiatives that support women and children in Summit County. The goal of The Women’s Leadership Giving Society is to educate, energize and empower women to impact and enrich our community in these important areas.

Who is Eligible to Join?
Female donors, giving at the leadership level of $1000 and above (alone or combined with their spouse), are automatically a welcome member of The Women’s Leadership Giving Society. All female leadership donors will receive information on activities upon commitment to a leadership pledge.
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Women Philanthropist of the Year Award
The Women’s Leadership Giving Society honors women in Summit County by annually selecting the recipient of and presenting the Women Philanthropist of the Year Award.  Past recipients of this prestigious award are:
2004 - Carol Yassine
2005 - Laura B. Culp
2006 - Susan M. Summerville
2007 - Elizabeth Bartz

Power of the Purse Luncheon
The Women’s Leadership Giving Society's most visible event is an annual luncheon that is held each July.  The "Power of the Purse" luncheon has featured wonderful and inspiring keynote speakers like Ann Brennan and Vanita Oelschlager.  It is also at this annual luncheon that the Women Philanthropist of the Year Award is presented.
See photos from the 2007 event

Born Learning
The most exciting new project before the Women’s Society is to bring United Way of America’s Born Learning program to Summit County. Designed to be localized and personalized, Born Learning is a public engagement campaign to help parents, caregivers and communities create early learning opportunities for young children. It is built on awareness, education and action. Educational materials, public service advertising and a content rich website give parents, grandparents and other caregivers easy, “doable” action steps to help young children learn.  Members of the Women’s Society are involved in creating and implementing a strategic plan to localize the Born Learning campaign to meet our community’s school readiness needs.

Benefits of Membership
The Women’s Leadership Giving Society provides women an opportunity to:

• Network and form new partnerships with area women business and community leaders while working together to enhance the lives of others.
• Participate in The Women’s Leadership Giving Society special events held throughout the year, enriching seminars and events, United Way agency tours and special volunteer opportunities.
• Increase the value of women’s philanthropy in Summit County.
• Become educated on community issues, agencies and programs receiving United Way support.
• Receive recognition in United Way’s annual Leadership Giving directory.

The Women’s Leadership Giving Society is about more than just raising funds.  It’s about giving women a greater voice in our community.

The Women’s Leadership Giving Society recognizes that women are an emerging force in philanthropy and seeks to deepen their involvement through United Way of Summit County.

For more information on The Women’s Leadership Giving Society, contact the Leadership Giving Director at 330.643.5519, or e-mail clesperance@uwsummit.org.