WOMEN UNITED: Local Leaders Come Together to Serve the Community

Women United is a diverse, vibrant community of United Way supporters bound together by a powerful sense of belonging to each other, the organization’s mission, and the communities we call home. The powerful, global network of women leaders, more than 70,000 strong, stands up for the most critical issues facing more than 165 communities in six countries.

Heart of Florida United Way has such a strong mission that really touches every part of our Central Florida community. Through Women United, you can see the power in pulling together passionate female leaders and asking them to focus on a common goal. If we can continue to grow the number of women that are engaged in Women United and provide opportunities for them to volunteer, advocate and support causes that impact the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) here in Central Florida, I am sure we will see some measurable changes in our communities,” says Vicky Santamaria, Women United Engagement Chair.

“Women United harnesses the heart and minds of so many talented women leaders and upcoming leaders in our community focused on positive change for our community. As more and more of these amazing women come together, the impact will be immense,” adds Danielle Hollander, Women United Vice Chair.

Here in Central Florida, Women United is focused on supporting the ALICE — or Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — population. Currently, ALICE represents more than 46% of our population in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties. Many of them have the drive and ambition to succeed at higher levels but have lacked the opportunity. They want more than a hand-out; they want a hand up.

“Women United is a place where professional women of diverse backgrounds gather together because of our like-mindedness. We are all united in wanting to create economic stability and safety for the women and children in our community. This passion is what connects us and deepens our relationships with one another,” explains Melanie DiVirgilio, Women United Advisory Board Member.

Women United — currently chaired by Lisa Curran, OUC — The Reliable One — is led by volunteers and local advocates for Heart of Florida United Way’s mission to bring more people together to make an impact.

For more information on becoming involved, visit hfuw.org/womenunited/

Women United Luncheon

Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) will host the 16th annual Women United Luncheon on Wednesday, April 26 from 11am – 1:30pm at Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld. Christine D’Ercole, public speaker, writer, competitive cyclist and popular Peloton instructor, will headline the event. Christine’s WORDSHOP™s and keynote speeches are rooted in self-talk. Her work covers topics from body image, addiction and loss to corporate cultural growth and team building. She has worked with groups ranging from youth organizations to major corporations, special interest ERGs and first responders. She will share the same mindful motivation with attendees as she does with thousands of devoted riders and WORDSHOP™ participants every day.

“I’m so excited to raise awareness about the importance of positive self-talk and

Volunteering brings me joy and fills my heart with gratitude. Joining with gracious and philanthropic women, such as Women United, makes my volunteer experience even more gratifying because we are making an impact in our community together.

– Erica Atterbury, Women United volunteer

the role it plays in reaching our full potential,” says Kathy Brown, luncheon chair. “It’s a message we all need to hear because when we are at our best, we perform better in all aspects of our lives and that includes how we show up for our community.”

In addition to providing the keynote address at the Women United Luncheon, Christine will also offer an interactive WORDSHOP™ — where participants edit their self-talk in real time, developing the skills needed to move their lives from where they are to where they want to be.

“Everything we think, feel and express is tied to language, to words, and they are strung together to become our stories,” Christine explains. “Every day, we tell ourselves stories about who we are, who we wish to be, and many times, who we cannot be. These stories often start with the words ‘I am…’ and end with something awful. Changing this negative self-talk is one of the most powerful tools we can cultivate to improve our quality of life and relationships — both personally and professionally.”

The WORDSHOP™ is an additional ticketed event designed to help participants examine their self-talk and provide techniques to “change their chatter.” This will be a more intimate opportunity to engage with Christine and learn about the power of mental fitness.

For more information visit hfuw.org/event/wuluncheon2023/ To register text WUL23 to 91999