Women United
A growing, global force of 75,000+ women in 165 countries
WOMEN UNITED MEMBERS ARE CHANGING RHODE ISLAND.
Vision Statement
Women United envisions a future where all children in Rhode Island have equitable access to educational opportunities to thrive. Through leadership, advocacy, and community engagement, we aim to increase access to safe and supportive environments where children can learn and grow.
Mission Statement
Women United’s mission is to engage and mobilize the power and leadership of women through education, philanthropy, advocacy, and service. Focusing on early childhood education and out-of-school learning opportunities, Women United leaders drive measurable change, empowering communities and shaping brighter futures for generations of Rhode Islanders to come.
EVENTS
Why join?
Women United members generously donate $1,000 or more annually to United Way of Rhode Island’s impactful work.
The benefits of Women United membership include:
- Belonging to a community of like-minded women who share their time, talent and treasure
- Volunteering alongside others who want to make a difference
- Collaborating with business and community leaders
- Helping young Rhode Islanders with literacy opportunities, including STEM
- Participating in fun and educational members-only events
- Power of Women signature event: preferred tickets, preferred seating
- Opportunity to join and participate in Women United committees
- Women United members are “at the table” with both the United Way of Rhode Island Board and the Community Advisory Board
- Participation in members Facebook and LinkedIn groups
For more information, please contact Bethany Wood at bethany.wood@unitedwayri.org.
Reflecting the Communities We Serve
At United Way of Rhode Island, we believe the people leading and guiding our work should reflect the diverse communities we serve. Over the past five years, we have been intentional about building a staff and board whose lived experiences, cultural backgrounds, and perspectives mirror those of Rhode Islanders across the state.
Today, nearly half of our board members identify as people of color, compared to 38% of Rhode Island’s population, ensuring that voices from historically underrepresented communities help shape our strategy, funding decisions, and advocacy priorities.
Our staff, too, represents a broad range of racial, ethnic, and cultural identities, bringing language skills, community knowledge, and professional expertise that make our work stronger and more inclusive.
This diversity matters. It helps us listen more deeply, partner more authentically, and ensure that equity is not just a goal, but a value reflected in every decision we make.
Why it matters: When leadership reflects the community, solutions are more inclusive, responsive, and effective.
Internally United
As we reflect on the last five years, it’s clear that the impact we create in the community depends on the strength of the organization behind it—which is why our own growth and evolution deserve to be part of this story. We have invested not only in our community but in ourselves—building a stronger, more inclusive, and more connected United Way. From embracing Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) values in everything we do, to strengthening our workplace culture, aligning staff and board leadership with the communities we serve, and modernizing how we work together, this internal transformation has made us a better partner to Rhode Island.
Living Our Values: JEDI Culture and a Best Place to Work
At United Way of Rhode Island, we believe that building a stronger, more just state starts within our own walls. Guided by the Live United 2025 plan, we have worked to create a workplace where Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) are not just ideals—they are everyday practices.
Our team reflects the communities we serve—multicultural, multidimensional, and deeply committed to equity. We focus on strengths-based leadership, ensuring every staff member can do what they do best, supported by professional development and a culture that values collaboration, respect, and shared purpose.
This focus on people and values is why employees have voted United Way one of the Best Places to Work in Rhode Island for six years. Staff consistently cite the combination of mission-driven work, community impact, and an inclusive environment as reasons why United Way is a place where they feel proud to work and grow.
Our JEDI commitment is woven through our strategic priorities, our internal culture, and the way we partner with the community. By living these values every day, we aim to model the kind of equity-centered leadership that drives lasting change across Rhode Island.
Why it matters: When we build an inclusive, mission-driven workplace, we attract and retain the talent needed to advance equity and strengthen communities statewide.
JEDI STAFF Testimonials
“I can personally attest to United Way’s commitment to equity. When life took a hard turn for me, the organization, and our leadership, demonstrated what it truly means to live our values, putting their words into action. They stood by me and made sure I had what I needed to fulfill my role, and to continue growing and thriving. This experience affirmed for me that our culture is not performative; it is authentic, lived, and practiced.”
Courtney Smith – Director of Innovation and Community Outreach, United Way of RI
“I couldn't have finished college without the team's support and the amazing mentors I had along the way… it is a breath of fresh air to see a team that regards themselves as family. As a first-generation college student, I am thankful that I get to share one of my biggest accomplishments with the people who believed in me and took a chance.”
Ana Mercado, Staff Accountant, Accounts Payable, United Way of RI
Equity Challenge: Building a Shared Language for Change
Achieving racial equity and social justice begins with learning—and a willingness to see the world through a different lens. That’s why United Way of Rhode Island launched the Equity Challenge, a statewide initiative designed to help individuals and organizations explore issues like implicit bias, privilege, systemic racism, and allyship through daily readings, videos, and reflection prompts.
Under Live United 2025, the Equity Challenge invited thousands of Rhode Islanders to commit to learning together, year after year. Each cycle brought new themes, updated content, and fresh opportunities for reflection—helping participants build a shared language and deeper understanding of what it takes to create a more equitable Rhode Island.
The Challenge also created a pathway for action. Many workplaces used it as a springboard for internal conversations, professional development, and policy changes. Others became United Way Equity Champions, signaling their commitment to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in lasting ways.
One of the most important lessons from the Equity Challenge is that we are all works in progress. But progress comes from commitment—and United Way remains dedicated to creating spaces where learning leads to action, and action leads to change.
Why it matters: When we build a shared understanding of equity, we lay the foundation for a Rhode Island where everyone can thrive.
Rhode Island Kicks-Off State Employee Giving Campaign in Support of United Way, Local Nonprofits
More than 17,000 public servants invited to give back through the campaign, which has raised $2.6 million over the last ten years alone Providence, R.I. (September 30, 2025) – The State of Rhode Island has officially launched its annual State Employee Charitable Giving Campaign in support of United Way of RI and local nonprofits. The […]
Local Leaders join United Way’s Community Advisory Board
Providence, R.I. (September 15, 2025) – United Way of Rhode Island has bolstered its Community Advisory Board, appointing two new members to serve on the volunteer leadership group. The advisory board is a diverse collection of industry leaders who come together to lend their expertise and unique experiences and insights to help United Way align […]
Rhode Island Launches 2025 State Employee Charitable Giving Campaign
More than 17,000 public servants invited to give back through annual campaign running through Thanksgiving
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join the Family Caregiver Alliance of Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging, and United Way of Rhode Island at the 7th Annual Family Caregiver Alliance Conference
This year's theme is: "Together in Care: Stories, Strength, and Support"
This two-day event will be held on Friday, November 14 from 9:00 am to 12:30pm and Saturday, November from 9:00 am to 2:00pm in the RISD Washington Place Auditorium located at 20 Washington Street, Providence, RI 02903 - Free parking will be available for registered participants.
Whether you care for a loved one, support a friend, work in health or social services, or advocate for caregivers, this conference offers valuable resources and connection.
The event is free and open to all, but space is limited. Please register for the days you wish to attend.
Who Is a Family Caregiver?
Family caregivers are everywhere. The FCARI supports youth, grandparents, friends, or neighbors who step up to help someone they care about.
That includes those who:
-Support a loved one with a physical, intellectual, or developmental disability (ID/DD)
-Provide care for someone living with dementia, cancer, or another serious illness
-Help an older adult with daily tasks
-Care for a child or youth with complex needs
Links for registration:
Day One https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3136373734
Day Two: https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3136373832
September Speaker Series: Women United – Global to Local Impact – Sept. 19th
Celebrate the power of Women United—from global leadership to community action right here in Rhode Island. Join us virtually and hear inspiring stories of Women United’s influence, creative member engagement, and the tangible results of our Community Impact Fund—including the work of grant award recipients making a difference for families across Rhode Island.
📅 Date: Friday, September 19, 2025
⏰ Time: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. (EST)
📍 Location: Virtual (link provided upon registration)
🔗 Register Today: https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3136363030
Featured Speakers:
• Patrice Maloney-Knauff, Esq. – Women United Global Leadership Council, United Way of Lake County (IL)
• Jenny Holsman Tetreault – Chair, Women United Global Leadership Council, Vice President and Associate General Counsel of Litigation & Compliance TPI Composites, Inc.
• Carolyn Kennedy Chubb – Women United Executive Council Chair, United Way of Northern New Jersey
• Roshni Darnal - Director, Community Investments, United Way of Rhode Island