Women United

Investing in Education – Igniting Change

Our Purpose

We are Women United. We fight for the education of every child in Dane County. Our local network of more than 800 individuals is an emerging force, investing in and advocating for quality educational experiences from early childhood through high school. Help us reach more children and set the stage for success in school and in life.

Our Impact

We Ignite Change. Investing in early childhood education leads to improved long-term health outcomes, earnings and educational attainment. Through both programs and policies, we can strengthen the whole educational pipeline from birth through adulthood.

The impact on local students and families participating in education programming in 2021:

1 %

saw improved parent child interaction and/or parenting knowledge (2,043 families with
children aged 0-5).

1 %

improved their social/emotional and non-cognitive skills — related tomotivation, integrity and personal interaction (1,132 students in Grades 6-8).

1 %

graduated high school in Dane County (198 students).

Join Us

We are a diverse, vibrant community, bound together by a powerful sense of belonging – to each other, to our mission and the community we call home.

Membership Benefits

Connections with like-minded women and community leaders
Deeper understanding of critical issues in our community and United Way’s investments in Education
Volunteer opportunities aligned with early childhood education and women’s empowerment
Invitations to professional development, mentoring and networking events
Leadership opportunities through committees and workplace volunteer roles

Join Us to Ignite Change

Are you ready to raise your voice, roll up your sleeves and create a legacy of change that benefits everyone in Dane County?

Congratulations to Karen Timberlake, 2022 Women United Philanthropy Award Recipient

Women United was honored to present Karen Timberlake with this prestigious award at the annual Women United Brunch on September 16. Karen joined the United Way Healthy for Life Community Solutions Team in 2011, and followed up with even more volunteer commitments to our Vision Council, our Board of Directors and our Public Policy Committee – all while maintaining a family, a career and a position on the board of a Wisconsin healthcare system.

Women United Member Testimonial

"I'm so honored to be a part of Women United! It's amazing to connect with such diverse individuals in our community, but even more gratifying to see the commitment Women United has to investing in education to ensure that our youth have the brightest future possible." Christin Mlsna, Director of Education Market & Communication Services, J.H. Findorff & Son Inc.

Women United Brunch

In 2021, the Women United Brunch raised $45,000 to support United Way’s education initiatives in Dane County. Thank you to our presenting sponsor BMO Harris Bank, our supporting sponsors FIRE Light Group, Murphy Desmond S.C., Godfrey & Kahn and Summit Credit Union and our community sponsors, CUNA Mutual Group, Exact Sciences, Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin, J.H. Findorff & Son Inc., Herzing University, Madison Gas and Electric and TASC. Additional thanks to American Printing, Gigi's Cupcakes and Goodman’s Jewelers for their support.

Watch the 2021 Women United Breakfast

Why Does Early Childhood Education Matter?

The first 5 years of a child’s life are critical for brain development and building an early foundation of health and wellness. When children live in poverty, it is more challenging to start Kindergarten ready to learn. Children who enter Kindergarten ready to learn are more likely to graduate from high school, attend college and earn a higher income. In fact, earning a high school diploma increases lifetime earnings by fifty percent.

Watch this Video to Learn More

Women United Worldwide

Our local Dane County network extends to a powerful global network of women leaders, over 70,000 strong, addressing the most critical issues facing more than 165 communities in 6 countries.

Learn More

Women United Member Testimonial

"I have been a proud Member of Women United for ten years. Women United assists students in need of reading help/tutoring. Women United is, truly, making a difference in children’s lives; one Family, one Child at a time. We are sending a message of compassion and care for those we assist." – Karen Kallerud

Join Us for Coffee (Virtually)!

Whether you join one time or every other Thursday, the Women United Coffee Collective will give you a chance to connect with and meet other women in a small group setting over Zoom to discuss current events, share advice and build relationships. Our vision is to create a platform where women can come together virtually to share ideas, get feedback and pour love and support into each other. Join us twice a month via Zoom (you will receive the link after registering). Times will vary between morning, early, and late afternoons to make Coffee Collective accessible for all.

Click Here to Sign Up!

Women United Philanthropy Award

Each year, this prestigious award celebrates and acknowledges a woman who is committed to helping make our community a better place to live, for all. The award also honors her achievements in educating, empowering and inspiring women and young girls to be philanthropic leaders in Dane County. Congratulations to our past recipients! Holly Cremer Berkenstadt (2013), Londa Dewey (2014), Enid Glenn (2015), Ginger Zimmerman (2016), Sue Riseling (2017), Anna Burish (2018), Barbara Nichols (2019), Fabiola Hamdan (2020), Major General Marcia Anderson (2021) and Karen Timberlake (2022).

Upcoming Events

Join us for networking, professional development and more! Women United events are a great opportunity to make connections with other women and community leaders.

Women United Breakfast

Join us on September 16, 2022 for an inspiring morning celebrating the caring power of women and banding together to support a cause related to education!

Volunteer for Education

Would you like to positively impact students in the Greater Madison community and empower them to succeed in school and life? Become a tutor through the Schools of Hope Middle School Program!