March 2022

Building Strong Foundations

Spotlight on Teal and San

Still Time to Give

Lunch and Learn

Project Blueprint Builds Strong Foundations

Fewer than 23% of U.S. nonprofit board members are people of color and Greater Houston’s stats are no different. However, United Way’s Project Blueprint works to change that by training tomorrow's nonprofit board leadership who reflect the rich diversity of our community.

Project Blueprint is a two-month concentrated program that prepares emerging and current multicultural leaders for roles on nonprofit and public sector boards and committees. More than 900 professionals have graduated from the program since it started in 1988. Each class has about 25 members that regularly meet for lectures and events about board governance, fiscal management, resource development, and all other aspects of board service.

The spring 2022 Class XLI starts March 23 and a fall class is in the planning stages. If you are interested in applying or wish to refer a professional of color, visit Project Blueprint for details and contact Ronnie Hagerty if your organization would like to hold an on-site information session.

Meet Two New WI Steering Committee Members Who are Project Blueprint Grads

Teal Holden, SVP Memorial Hermann Healthcare System

Why did you apply for Project Blueprint (PB)?
I think PB is United Way’s best kept secret(!) and I learned about it from my cousin who works for Chevron. We applied together because we thought it would be a fun experience to do as a team. While only I was selected for Class 39, I quickly bonded with other classmates through our virtual classes and in-person volunteer events.

What key modules or learnings stand out?
The overall PB content made me feel even more confident with all the business management skills
I bring with me to board service. The analysis of the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population and the impact of the digital divide helped me better understand how I can be part of the solution to these issues.

What nonprofit boards are you serving on?
I serve on two. Comp-U-Dopt® is an organization that accepts donations of used computer equipment, then refurbishes and gives it away to low-income students. It’s a very tangible way to address the current digital divide.

I also just joined The Ensemble Theatre board through its participation in United Way’s virtual board fair. As a Houston native, I grew up attending plays and musicals there, so I’m excited to expand and create programs that bring African American theatre to more audiences.

Reach out to Teal on LinkedIn.

San Burnett, Senior Advisor, BHP

What made Project Blueprint so special to you?
It was a life-changing experience. Because I’m not a native Houstonian, it helped me learn more about the city and its unique needs.

Is there any PB lesson or experience that stands out?
I’m sure I’m joining everyone by saying that I was blown away by Dr. (Stephen) Klineberg (Kinder Institute for Urban Research). The way he explained Houston’s growth pattern since the 1960’s and it’s diversity made me appreciate the challenges and opportunities we have.

Tell us about your current board service.
I’m serving on the board of The Rose, which is the first nonprofit breast cancer organization based on the insured covering the costs of the uninsured. At the heart of The Rose is “risk management,” which is what my job at BHP is all about. I’m able to share my professional skills and my personal passion for getting health care services into underserved, diverse communities.

Reach out to San on LinkedIn.

There's Still Time to Give

United Way relies on financial support from you and other Women’s Initiative members to fund hundreds of programs and services that thousands in need rely on. Our 2021-2022 campaign officially ends March 31, with new program funding and investments starting this spring.

If you have not already done so, please renew your WI membership NOW to be counted in the campaign. And, if possible, consider increasing your gift to create more opportunities for people in our community to thrive.

If you have already donated, thank you. Your support helps shape the future of our community and sets an example of generosity and commitment for other to follow.

Lunch and Learn: Preventing Risky Behavior with Dr. Crystal Collier and Jessica Davison

Join other WI members via Zoom on Tuesday, Mar. 8, to hear Dr. Crystal Collier speak about brain development and the need for more mental health awareness and services.

Dr. Collier, herself a person in long-term recovery, is a therapist, researcher, and educator who has been working with adolescents and adults suffering from mental illness, behavioral problems, and substance use disorders since 1991.

Plus, we’ll hear from Jessica Davison, United Way’s Director of Learning, Analytics and Compliance on the Mission & Strategy team. She’ll speak about the behavioral health/mental health care aspects of United Way’s Integrated Client Journey and how these services can improve physical health, resolve individual or family mental health issues, and substance use disorders.

Reserve your spot today!
Tuesday, Mar. 8, 2022
12 noon – 1:00 p.m.
Zoom link to be sent week of the event to those who RSVP

Upcoming Events

Read Across America
Mar. 2, 2022
Event closed, but catch post-event highlights on WI LinkedIn and Facebook pages

Women Who Rock (Montgomery County)
HURRY! LAST MINUTE TICKETS AVAILABLE!
Mar. 4, 2022
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Woodlands Waterway Marriott
1601 Lake Robbins Drive
The Woodlands, Texas 77380

Preventing Risky Behavior with Dr. Crystal Collier and
Jessica Davison
Mar. 8, 2022
noon – 1:00 p.m.
Reservations
Zoom link will be sent the week of the event to those who RSVP.

In-Home Happy Hour – Galleria Area
RSVP
Becky Rush
Mar. 22, 2022
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
5403 Piping Rock Lane
Houston, TX 77056

Alexis de Tocqueville Society Appreciation Dinner
Tuesday, April 5, 2022
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m
The Ion

In-Home Happy Hour – Bellaire/West U
RSVP
Tara Nutik
April 14, 2022
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
3703 Jardin St.
Houston, TX 77005

In-Home Happy Hour – The Woodlands, Spring, North Houston
RSVP
Renee Havrilla
April 27, 2022
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
5 Cedarwing Lane
The Woodlands, TX 77380

WI Member Year-End Campaign Celebration
Reservations Only - Invitation to Come
May 26, 2022
Amegy Tower
1717 West Loop South
Houston, TX 77027

Women’s Initiative ADT Personally-Funded Trip
RSVP
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Hotel: La Fonda on the Plaza
Friday, July 8 – Sunday, July 10

Connect with Us

Stay up to date on events and happenings, connect with fellow members, and learn more about the impact we make together in our Women's Initiative Facebook and LinkedIn groups.

About the Women's Initiative

Women’s Initiative members enjoy engaging networking events, personal and professional development programs, and volunteer opportunities where they learn about community issues and the impact United Way programs make. Members make personal gifts of $2,500 or more annually and collectively contributed more than $4.7 million in 2020-2021.