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Fall always brings a sense of fresh energy, and this year is especially exciting as we kick off a new campaign season and welcome new leadership within our Women’s Initiative. Whether you’re a longtime member or joining us for the first time, we hope you’ll find the events and opportunities ahead both meaningful and energizing. Many of you are also kicking off workplace campaigns across the region, making this a wonderful time to reconnect, get involved, and celebrate the impact we can make together. We’re looking forward to a great season! |
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United Way by the Numbers:
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Each newsletter features a United Way partner agency, and this edition we’re pleased to highlight Target Hunger. Founded in 1989, Target Hunger is dedicated to alleviating hunger and addressing its root causes in the communities it serves. Its work goes beyond providing food, with a network of food pantries, mobile distributions, home delivery, food fairs, emergency assistance, community partnerships and gardens, along with Navigation services that help connect individuals and families to additional community resources.
In 2025, Target Hunger provided food to more than 25,000 individuals representing approximately 9,200 households, helping children, families, and seniors experiencing food insecurity. As a partner of United Way of Greater Houston, Target Hunger combines immediate food assistance with resources designed to help neighbors move toward greater stability and self-sufficiency.
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Meet Women’s Initiative Members
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SVP, Ambulatory Services, Post-Acute Care, and Community Health
Memorial Hermann Health System
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Head of Exploration, Sub-Saharan Africa
ExxonMobil
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Social Media Manager
United Way of Greater Houston
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Community Campaign Kickoff:
Together, We’re Amplifying Our Impact!
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The energy was contagious at Campaign Kickoff as supporters, partners and families from across Greater Houston came together to celebrate the power of community and what we can accomplish together.
Women’s Initiative members were part of the excitement, connecting with one another and fellow community supporters while celebrating the impact we can make when we come together around a shared purpose.
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed music, dancing and interactive experiences that brought the United Way mission to life. Even our youngest guests got involved, decorating school bags while others gave back through canned food donations.
Beyond the celebration, the evening was a reminder of what brings Women’s Initiative members together: using the power of our collective voice, connections and commitment to help more people across Greater Houston land on their feet and stay there.
Here’s to another exciting campaign year of deeper connections and even greater impact across our community!
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United by Purpose: The 2026 United Way Women’s Initiative Kickoff Luncheon
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On October 15, over 200 women gathered at the beautiful River Oaks Country Club to officially kick off the 2026 United Way campaign. Women's Initiative Co-Chair Teal Holden welcomed the group and set the tone for the year ahead, reminding us of the incredible impact this community of women can make when we work together: $5.9MM raised, 985 members with the goal of becoming 1000+ women strong this campaign year.
The luncheon also gave us an opportunity to celebrate Amanda McMillian as she prepares to retire from her leadership role at United Way of Greater Houston. Amanda assured us this will not be the last we see of her, and she shared her confidence in the organization’s future under her successor, Dr. Angel Harris. Angel echoed that commitment, expressing her excitement about building on the strong foundation Amanda has established.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was an inspiring fireside chat between Angel and Houston icon Linda Lorelle. From professional dancer to beloved news anchor to philanthropist and entrepreneur, Linda shared stories from her remarkable journey and the lessons she has learned along the way.
Her reflections on persevering through challenges, helping others, and being part of “team humanity” were a fitting reminder of the difference each of us can make. She also spoke to the power of telling meaningful stories; stories that connect us, motivate action, and inspire us to use our experiences, voices, and relationships for good.
To everyone who joined us, and to all our incredible members and prospective members, thank you for being part of this important community. Together, we are helping our neighbors land on their feet and stay there while creating a lasting impact across Greater Houston.
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As If! Donors Party Like It’s 1999!
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The competition was friendly, the questions were tricky, and the 90s nostalgia was in full force as United Way donors came together for a fun-filled evening of trivia.
From music, movies, and TV to United Way and Texas trivia, teams put their knowledge to the test. A few participants even dusted off their best 90s-inspired looks for the occasion!
Prior to the fun, participants assembled 512 school supply bags to restock local teacher supply closets before the holiday break and ensure that students and teachers have the supplies they need to finish the Fall semester strong.
Congratulations to team “We Oughta Know” for taking home the win, and kudos to the organizers who made the night possible, especially the Fresh Prince of H-Town, Tai Prince.
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A Legacy of Leadership, a Future of Impact: Celebrating Amanda McMillian and Welcoming Dr. Angel Harris
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United Way of Greater Houston announced that President and Chief Executive Officer Amanda McMillian will retire effective May 1, 2027. We are deeply grateful to Amanda for guiding our organization through a pivotal chapter in its history. Under her leadership over the last six-and-a-half years, United Way of Greater Houston strengthened programs and partnerships that have made a meaningful difference in the lives of millions of our neighbors each year.
Amanda and Angel have also been extraordinary supporters of the Women’s Initiative. Their visible commitment, enthusiasm, and tireless energy have helped strengthen this community and advance its mission. They bring not only deep leadership and purpose to the work, but also a sense of fun that makes serving together even more rewarding. We look forward to Amanda’s continued participation and energy she will bring as a member of the Women’s Initiative in the years ahead.
As we celebrate Amanda’s impact and prepare for this next chapter, the United Way Board of Trustees has unanimously selected Dr. Angel Harris to succeed Amanda as President and CEO. Effective immediately, Angel will serve as President and Chief Advancement Officer, while Amanda will retain the role of CEO through her retirement in May 2027.
Please join us in congratulating Amanda on her retirement and welcoming Angel to her new role!
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NOVEMBER 10, 2026
Women’s Initiative & Rice University
A Conversation with Marcia O'Malley
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Wiess President’s House, 2 Sunset Blvd., Houston, Texas 77005
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Pre-Reception at Sixty Vines
4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Sixty Vines, 2540 University Blvd, Houston, TX 77005
Join us for an evening with Women’s Initiative members at the Wiess President’s House at Rice University. Hear from robotics leader Marcia O'Malley as she shares her insights and connect with like-minded WI members. RSVP now, and we hope to see you there!
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DECEMBER 3, 2026
Stay United Tax Smart Strategies Workshop
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
United Way of Greater Houston, 50 Waugh Dr., Houston, TX 77007
Join Merrill Lynch Wealth Management advisors Becky Rush and John Cho for an informative discussion on tax-smart retirement planning, charitable giving strategies, and ways to maximize your financial impact.
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DECEMBER 3, 2026
Women’s Initiative Wrap and Wine
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
United Way of Greater Houston, 50 Waugh Dr., Houston, TX 77007
Help spread the love of reading with Women’s Initiative by wrapping books for Bright Beginnings students at Wrap and Wine. Spots are filling up fast; RSVP today!
Can't make the event but still want to make a difference? Go to the Wrap & Wine Amazon Wish List!
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Questions about events? Contact Jasmine Trier at jtrier@unitedwayhouston.org for more information. |
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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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