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:

Education icon, no title
1 %

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

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1 %

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

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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 Diane Ballweg, 2023 Women United Philanthropy Award Recipient
Women United is honored to present Diane Ballweg with this prestigious award at the annual Women United Brunch on September 15. Diane is a former special education and music teacher, has served on more than 30 community Boards of Directors and has been a lead supporter of United Way’s HIRE employment initiative, COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund and Tocqueville Society. Diane embodies the work we do: Investing in Education and Igniting Change.
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 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
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).
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What We're Up To

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 Brunch

Join us on September 15, 2023 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!