The 2025-26 UWWI team has chosen to focus on Gratitude as this year’s theme. Join us as we become more mindful and take
advantage of the opportunities to express our gratitude to each other and ourselves.
“Gratitude is one of those rare things that speaks every language and belongs to no single belief or school of thought. It’s a
bridge between people; a way of saying, I see you. I am thankful for you. Whether we express it in prayer, in a handwritten
note, or simply by showing up for one another, gratitude changes the atmosphere. It turns ordinary days into blessings and
challenges into lessons.”
—Shared at the UWWI Kickoff luncheon by Sara Hallam, received from Sadia Sikander Awan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
New Program Announcement: Integrated Client Journey
Self-Service
|
|
|
-
Empowering clients to chart their own path.
The new self-service model allows individuals and families to access the Integrated Client Journey directly, creating a
personalized plan toward financial stability and well-being.
-
Accessible anywhere, anytime.
The mobile-friendly platform connects users to local nonprofit partners and resources that match their unique
needs—housing, job training, childcare, healthcare, and more—without needing to start over with multiple agencies.
-
A holistic approach, not a single program.
The ICJ weaves together services across United Way’s four impact areas—Financial Stability, Youth Opportunity, Health Care
Access, and Community Resiliency—to support the whole person and family.
-
From navigation to empowerment.
ICJ clients can still connect with trained Navigators who walk alongside them through the process. The self-service option
complements this by giving individuals more control, flexibility, and privacy as they explore support options on their own
terms.
|
|
|
|
Check out the easy-to-use format of the self-service ICJ!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spotlight on Excellence: Paige Martin
|
|
|
|
|
We're thrilled to recognize Steering Committee member Paige Martin for her outstanding dedication to Women's Initiative. Paige
has been an invaluable voice for our organization, bringing energy and authenticity to our corporate kickoff events as both a
panelist and speaker. As a six-year WI member, Paige's story resonates deeply with our mission. Together with her husband, she
has evolved from participant to passionate advocate.
Thank you, Paige, for your exceptional service and dedication to our community!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Meet Women’s Initiative Members
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Vice President, Ambulatory Services,
Post-Acute Care & Community Health
Memorial Hermann Health System
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Public Relations Manager
Comcast
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Relationship Manager, Women’s Initiative
United Way of Greater Houston
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UWWI Women’s Initiative Shines at United Way Community Campaign Kickoff
|
|
|
|
|
The kick off was out of this world at 713
Music Hall as the United Way of Greater
Houston launched this year’s Community
Campaign—and the Women’s Initiative was front
and center!
Our info table was a hotspot of excitement,
with co-chair Teal Holden enthusiastically
sharing the mission and impact of our group.
From meaningful conversations to new
connections, the Women’s Initiative made its
presence felt in a big way.
The evening was filled with inspiration,
thanks to powerful words from Amanda
McMillian, Campaign Chair Julie Sudduth, and
Dr. Angel Harris. Their messages lit up the
room and reminded us why we come together: to
serve, uplift, and connect people to
possibility.
💥 We loved meeting everyone who stopped by
our hangout and sharing how the Women’s
Initiative is making a difference right here
in our community. Looking forward to a great
2025-26 Campaign!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
United Way Women’s Initiative Kickoff Luncheon Ignites Energy and Purpose
|
|
|
|
|
The United Way Women’s Initiative Kickoff
Luncheon held on October 16th at the River
Oaks Country Club was a vibrant celebration of
community, leadership, and purpose. The room
hummed with energy as members and guests
gathered to launch the season’s initiatives
with enthusiasm and heart.
A highlight of the event was the inspiring
chat between Amanda McMillan, President &
CEO of the United Way and Nancy A. Meyer,
Publisher and President of the Houston
Chronicle. As the first woman to hold this
role in the Chronicle’s history, Nancy brought
a powerful perspective to the conversation.
Her remarks included the importance of
FDRK—Fairness, Dignity, Respect, and Kindness
in the workplace, emphasizing how these values
are not just ideals but essential practices
for building inclusive and thriving
organizations. She also spoke passionately
about the role of a free press in upholding
transparency and accountability, sparking
thoughtful dialogue among attendees.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the
incredible team who made this event possible,
especially Jasmine Trier, Angel Harris, Rose
Taylor and the entire Steering Committee. Your
dedication and coordination created a space
for connection, empowerment, and forward
momentum.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Looking forward to a season of impact and
continued collaboration!
Special luncheon highlight: All attendees
joined in singing a happy birthday to
celebrate our Vice President, Dr. Angel
Harris’s Golden Birthday!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UWWI Visits City Hall: A Day of Inspiration and Connection
|
|
|
|
|
The United Way Women’s Initiative had the
honor of visiting Houston’s City Hall, where
they were warmly welcomed by Mayor Pro Tem and
City Council Member Martha Castex-Tatum and
her exceptional team.
Mayor Pro Tem Castex-Tatum welcomed the group
and shared her deep passion for the Greater
Houston community and the impactful work she
and her team do every day. Her leadership and
message resonated with those in attendance,
inspiring continued commitment to service and
civic engagement.
A standout moment from the visit was Amanda
McMillian, President of United Way of Greater
Houston, signing City Hall’s guest book of
dignitaries—an honor that underscored the
significance of the occasion.
The tour of the historic City Hall building
was both enlightening and memorable, offering
insights into Houston’s rich history and the
vital role city leaders play in shaping its
future. UWWI looks forward to future
opportunities to collaborate with city
leaders, continuing their mission to serve the
community and connect people to possibility.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
With gratitude and admiration,
The United Way Women’s Initiative Leadership
Team
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Friday, November 14, 2025 | 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: DoubleTree Galleria
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rice Event: President’s House
|
|
|
The Rice Reception speaker will be
Dr. Kirsten Ostherr, Founding
Director of the new Medical Humanities
Research Institute at Rice University.
|
|
|
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 | 6 - 8 p.m.
Location: Weiss President’s House
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. –
11:30 a.m.
Location: United Way of Greater Houston
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wrap & Wine Holiday Party
|
|
|
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 | 6 - 8 p.m.
Location: United Way of Greater Houston
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
About the Women’s Initiative
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
