United Way of San Diego County Announces Advocacy-Focused Women’s Philanthropy Initiative

PR Log (Press Release) – Apr 09, 2009 – SAN DIEGO – United Way’s newly established Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) has taken to heart the nati­onal call to action. Leading the charge is WLC Chair Kathleen Sellick, CEO and President of Rady Children’s Hospital. With a steering committee of 20 businesswomen — representing the financial, legal, and service industries, as well as education, health care, and the volunteer sectors — the Council will raise awareness and much-needed funds for United Way’s three impact areas: Stopping Child Abuse & Neglect; Promoting Financial Stability; and Ending Chronic Homelessness. The current council includes Rana Sampson, civic volunteer and businessperson; Kristy Gregg, Vice President of Marketing and Community Relations, San Diego National Bank; and Linda Katz, civic volunteer. Members contribute a minimum of $1,000 to United Way.

     Sellick, who also serves on United Way’s board, will direct the Council’s mission to improve lives by mobilizing the strength and resources of women in the San Diego Community. “Our vision is to provide San Diego women a meaningful philanthropic opportunity to learn, lead, and advocate on issues critical to advancing the common good: Education, Income, and Health,” said Sellick. “Through this shared commitment, we are poised to create change while developing an environment to build our leadership role within the community.”

     The council launched in late January with a series of programs designed to educate and inform members about critical community issues. The next event, on Tuesday, April 28, will focus on Homeless Outreach & Prevention Strategies, featuring former city councilman Brian Maienschein, United Way’s Commissioner of the Plan to End Chronic Homelessness, talking about the ten-year plan’s current efforts to reduce  homelessness.

     For more information, or to learn about becoming a member of the Women’s Leadership Council, contact Tessa Rigdon, Associate Director of Major Giving, at (858) 636-4146 or trigdon@uwsd.org.