United Way Launches Women’s Leadership Council to Improve Lives

In collaborative fashion, 24 local women recently galvanized their time, influence and financial resources to form the Women’s Leadership Council. The members share a common vision: to create lasting change to improve lives in southern Nevada through early education, access to healthcare and financial stability.

The Women’s Leadership Council Board, comprised of philanthropists and key community leaders, meets bi-monthly to evaluate philanthropic trends, the needs in the community and how to best affect United Way’s community-based agenda through their support and resources. Each member contributes an annual, minimum commitment of $2,500.

"Our members share a demonstrated commitment to address our community's biggest challenges," stated Beth Miller, Vice President, Major Gifts for United Way of Southern Nevada. "Our goal is to collectively strengthen our social landscape by engaging others in taking action."

Leading this dynamic group are volunteer Co-Chairwomen Cathy A. Jones and Judy Kropid. Both women are passionate about making Las Vegas the best city it can be.

As a long-time, activemember of United Way of Southern Nevada's Board of Directors, Jones served as Board Chair from 1998 to 2000. During that period, United Way’s campaign revenue grew more than 20%.

“I am very excited to have an opportunity through the Women’s Leadership Council to bring our local philanthropic women to the front lines to address our current community needs and opportunities,” said Jones, President of Sun Commercial Real Estate, Inc.

Kropid has lived in Las Vegas for twenty years and has volunteered for numerous organizations, boards and committees.

“I am energized about the Women’s Leadership Council because our goal is somewhat different than most,” said Kropid. “Instead of fixing a problem we want to end the problem by providing the means to help people help themselves.”

Members of United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council Board include: Barbara Boint, Shelley M. Dubin, Rhonda Clausen, Denette Corrales, Jackie Evon, Jill Fournier, Kate Gilman, Manya Goulet, Robbie Graham, Evelyn Hollins, Nancy Houssels, Cathy Jones, Tricia Kean, Judy Kropid, Lawrel K. Larsen, Hunter Martin, Jennifer Morgan, Colleen O’Callaghan Miele, Connie Pectol, Gina Polovina, Nancy Reel, Heidi Sarno Straus, Rosemary West, and Dale Wynn.

For more information about becoming a member of the Women’s Leadership Council, contact Beth Miller, Vice President, Major Gifts at BethM@uwsn.org or 702-892-2317.