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.
“The secret of happiness is not in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.”
- Socrates
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THRIVE Financial Coaching: Helping Houston Neighbors Build Stronger Financial Futures
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United Way of Greater Houston’s THRIVE Financial Coaching program is helping women across our community build stronger, more
stable financial futures. Through personalized, one-on-one coaching, THRIVE supports women as they take control of their
budgets, reduce debt, improve credit, and create long-term financial habits that last.
Coaches walk alongside clients as they set goals, navigate challenges, and celebrate progress—whether that means creating a
first emergency fund, paying down longstanding debt, or gaining the confidence to make informed financial decisions. Over its
first decade, THRIVE supported more than 211,000 families and generated more than $1.1 billion in economic value through
increased wages, savings, and assets, with financial coaching playing a central role in that success.
Women who participate often describe feeling more empowered, less stressed, and more hopeful about their financial futures.
These qualitative wins—confidence, clarity, and stability—are just as powerful as the numbers.
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Meet Women’s Initiative Members
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Unconventional Technical Manager
Exxon Mobil
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Senior Partner, Real Estate Advisor
Houston Properties Team
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Vice President of Mission and
Strategy
United Way of Greater Houston
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A Weekend of Art, Architecture & Connection at the WI Staycation
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The recent Women’s Initiative Staycation was a
weekend to remember. On Saturday, we enjoyed
tours of Rice University’s stunning
architecture and art, accompanied by stories
of its rich history.
We started at the new Sarofim Hall. With
classroom and lab spaces for art students, it
was easy to imagine being inspired in this
beautiful space filled with natural light.
Next was Moody Center for the Arts, where we
enjoyed lunch, completed an art project
creating cyanotypes, and were guided through
the colorful and thought-provoking “Imaging
After Photography” exhibit by Noor Ale,
associate curator. The collection explores the
intersection of photography and AI and was, at
times, beautiful and arresting.
An afternoon bus tour with guide Greg
Marshall, director of University Relations, a
wonderful storyteller sharing historical
highlights of the university’s founding and
its architectural features. A fun moment was
strolling Duncan Hall and learning the meaning
behind its splashy and intricate ceiling mural
“Birth of Consciousness.”
That evening, dinner at Tribute at the
Houstonian Hotel was the perfect chance to
share favorite moments from the day. On
Sunday, attendees either enjoyed treatments at
the luxurious Trellis Spa or the more
strenuous option, Pilates class, then gathered
for brunch at The Houstonian Club.
Applause and thanks to Women’s Initiative
Subcommittee member Jackie Shauche for
organizing this fantastic weekend. Special
thanks to UWGH board member and Women’s
Initiative Subcommittee member Paula DesRoches
for helping make this memorable day possible
at one of Houston’s treasured institutions.
We all enjoyed spending quality time and
building deeper connections with amazing,
like-minded women.
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Sip, Savor & Celebrate: A Sweet Galentine’s Night Out
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The annual Wine & Chocolate Event delivered one of the most delicious evenings of the year—perfectly timed for Galentine’s
and the Women’s Initiative. Hosted at The Texas Wine School, the evening felt tailor-made for the Women’s Initiative, bringing
together great company, great causes, and even better pairings.
Guests enjoyed curated tastings of red and white wines, each thoughtfully paired with handcrafted truffles from Winfield’s
Chocolate Bar, a Houston-based, women-owned business known for irresistible confections. The room buzzed with laughter and
friendly debate as attendees compared notes and crowned their favorite pairings.
A brief program featured remarks from United Way of Greater Houston CEO Amanda McMillian—who also received a special birthday
shoutout—along with UWGH board member and Deloitte Houston managing partner Melinda Yee, Women’s Initiative subcommittee
cochair Sara Hallam, and Winfield’s Chocolate Bar owner and president, Molly Voorhees.
Just as the evening was winding down, guests were surprised with take-home treats—including Texas Frito Brittle, a pair of
truffles, and United Way–branded chocolate–covered Oreos—to end the night on a sweet note.
A heartfelt thank you to Deloitte, Winfield’s Chocolate Bar, and Women’s Initiative steering committee members Courie Anderson
and Theresa Einhorn for their underwriting support to make this memorable night possible.
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At the start of the new year, a team set a simple challenge: write one handwritten thank-you note to a woman who made life a
little easier. The notes began to flow—some to peers, some to mentors, and some to women who rarely heard how impactful they
truly were.
One recipient said she kept her note on her monitor as a reminder that her everyday efforts mattered. Another said it was the
first time anyone had thanked her for her behind-the-scenes work.
By February, the challenge had turned into a movement. Gratitude inspired connection, connection inspired kindness, and
kindness reshaped the team culture.
Sometimes love begins with three words: “I appreciate you.”
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Date: Friday, March 6,
2026|10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Woodlands Waterway
Marriott
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“The Women Who Rock event is always an
unforgettable experience. There’s something
truly inspiring about being surrounded by
people united by a shared mission: to create
brighter futures for families. The energy in
the room is truly electric, and the keynote
speaker never fails to deliver powerful
insights that leave you motivated and ready to
make a difference. It’s also a wonderful
opportunity to connect with friends, family,
and colleagues, all while supporting a cause
that matters. I left last year floating on air
– and that feeling lasted for months.”
- Hayley Ryan, Exxon Mobil
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LINC/YL/WI
Affinity Group Day of Action
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All volunteer projects will be indoors
and family-friendly!
Feel free to bring children aged 5+ with an
accompanying parent or guardian.
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Date: Sat April 11th 2026 |
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: United Way of
Greater Houston
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Special thanks to our Caring Champions
for making this event possible
Enbridge • NOV
Bank of America • CenterPoint Energy • Comcast • Memorial Hermann
Asia Chemical • Entergy • Houston Chronicle • Zachry
PNC Bank
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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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About the Women’s Initiative
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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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