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United Way by the Numbers:
Greater Houston Disaster Alliance
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What is The Greater Houston Disaster Alliance?
The Greater Houston Disaster Alliance draws on more than 35 years of combined experience from United Way of Greater Houston and
Greater Houston Community Foundation. Together, they lead disaster recovery efforts aimed at improving our region's capacity to
respond to disasters and efficiently allocate resources to help our most vulnerable neighbors recover. Founded in 2023, the
partnership ensures the region has the networks and systems in place to facilitate effective and equitable recovery in times of
disaster. The Disaster Alliance, supported by initial investments from Enbridge and Phillips 66, plays a crucial role in fostering
both public and private partnerships. Ensuring a continuous focus on disaster preparedness and resilience will help reduce the
impact of disasters on our most vulnerable residents.
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$181 million distributed in disaster relief support through 5 funds over the past five years.
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300+ grants awarded to non-profit partners.
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700,000 individuals in more than 268,700 households supported through recovery.
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$5.5M raised through the Hurricane Beryl Recovery Fund effort.
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$2.8 million invested through multiple non-profit partners to provide emergency financial assistance and home repair grants
after the May Derecho recovery effort.
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$6.5 million+ provided in flexible emergency and home repair assistance to qualifying households in the aftermath of Hurricane
Beryl.
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Visit Greater Houston Disaster Alliance to learn more and to see the impact you are making as a donor.
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Meet Women’s Initiative Members
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Kelly Cobb
Partner, U.S. Business Immigration Law
Jackson Walker, LLP
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Gena Helm
Financial Consultant
Williams
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Meet United Way Staff Member
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Barbara L. Walker, CFRE
Assistant Vice President, Principal Gifts
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2024 was a successful year of coming together and supporting the community.
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In February, Rice University and
Paula Gilmer Desroches hosted a reception featuring
remarks by Ruth Lopez Turley, Director of the Kinder
Institute for Urban Research.
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In March, we had the “Women Who Rock” event with guest speaker, Jade Simmons, and the ever-popular “Chocolate and Wine Reception”!
Also, WI member Ann Deaton was kind enough to welcome us into her home for a social hour.
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In April, WI members joined the
“Alexis de Tocqueville Society Appreciation Dinner” at
The Museum of Fine Arts Houston.
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In May, an “Appreciation Breakfast and Mother’s Day Event” was held benefiting United Way Bright Beginnings Childcare
Centers and the Women’s Initiative “23/24 Campaign Final Celebration” was held at the Houston Zoo Galapagos Islands Exhibit where we
all made new friends with the wonderful animals and enjoyed the exhibits.
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By June 2024, United Way of Greater
Houston had raised more than $56 million for the
2023-24 Community Campaign and raised an additional
$7M in revenue from foundation and government grants,
bequests, and sponsorships, exceeding our goal!
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Then in July, Hurricane Beryl made
landfall and damaged the Greater Houston area and
surrounding counties. 211 came to the aid of many as
we worked to rebuild and return our communities to
normal.
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By September, UW Women’s Initiative
was hosting the annual Luncheon at the Junior League
of Houston to kick off the 24/25 campaign and featured
guest speaker Jean Becker. Ms. Becker was the Chief of
Staff for George H.W. Bush and shared her unique
experiences at this event.
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In November, WI members were climbing
to new heights for “Rappel for a Reason” and gathered
for an intimate conversation with Dr. Ruth Simmons at
Rice University. Dr. Simmons is a trailblazer in
education and leadership.
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In December, festive cheer filled the air at the WI “Wrap and Wine Volunteer Project” where over 900 books for
students in the Bright Beginnings program were beautifully wrapped as presents for the kids. Also, our own
Dr. Angel Harris was featured on Houston Life and a joyful
WI ADT holiday party was held to close out the year.
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From the bottom of our hearts at United Way, thank you all for helping to make this such an incredible year. We cannot wait to see
what 2025 has in store!
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Women’s Initiative Happy Hour
in Montgomery County
(rescheduled)
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Join us for a happy hour at member Renee Havrilla’s
home in Montgomery County.
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Thursday, February 13, 2025
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Renee Havrilla’s Home
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Women’s Initiative Chocolate and Wine Reception
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Women's Initiative members are invited to attend
this event to celebrate the achievements of female
winemakers, sommeliers, and chocolatiers at the
Texas Wine School.
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Thursday, February 20, 2025
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Texas Wine School
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Join us for the Annual Read Across America
Celebration! Each year, volunteers join United Way
for an exciting day of encouraging students in the
Greater Houston area to grab a book and read for
fun.
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Tuesday, March 4, 2025
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
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Join the Women’s Initiative at this year’s United
Way Women Who Rock luncheon! This exciting event
honors deserving parents and raises funds for
childcare scholarships, helping them pursue
education while ensuring quality care for their
children. So far, 50 scholarship recipients have
graduated thanks to this support.
Hear from keynote speaker Roshanda Pratt, a
communications leader with over 20 years of
experience. In her book, “Visibility is Power,” she
highlights the significance of being “seen and
heard.” Join us for an inspiring talk that empowers
you to stand out!
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Friday, March 7, 2025
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
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Women's Initiative and Women of Young Leaders:
Financial Planning
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Women's Initiative members, women Young Leaders
members, and guests are invited to our Financial
Planning event! This event will feature Kathy
Mikells, CFO at ExxonMobil
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Tuesday, March 11, 2025
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
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Women's Initiative and All Young Leaders: Career
Planning Through the Ages
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Women's Initiative and Young Leaders are invited to
hear from author Pattie Dale Tye on career planning
through the ages. Pattie Dale Tye has over 30 years
of experience helping private and public
organizations achieve greater success. Learn more
about Pattie at www.pattiedaletye.com.
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Friday, March 28, 2025
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
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The Wiz Reception and Show
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This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz
changed the face of Broadway—from its iconic score
packed with soul, gospel, rock, and 70s funk to its
stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place
in a contemporary world. Join us before the show for
a special private reception.
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Tuesday, April 29, 2025
6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
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Stay current on events and happenings, connect with fellow members, and learn more about the impact we make together in our
Women's Initiative LinkedIn group. The Women’s Initiative
Steering Committee is in the process of inviting all members to the LinkedIn page. If you have not joined yet, please do!
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Women’s Initiative brings passionate and influential
professionals and community leaders together to
support the work of United Way of Greater Houston.
This powerful network of women helps our neighbors
land on their feet—and stay there.
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