United Way’s Leading Ladies United was founded in 2015 by a diverse team of business women in Anderson County. These women are advocates for workplace equality and believe in empowering the next generation of women to continue to fight for equal  opportunities for all. Leading Ladies United has raised more than $250,000 to support programs for women and girls seeking assistance for domestic violence, workforce development, and education equality. Additionally, this group provides opportunities to network and be inspired by other female leaders in the community and nation.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the group as a donor, table host, speaker, or advocate. You have helped make a difference for women and girls in your community!

Girls face unique struggles during adolescence and in school that can make it difficult to succeed. ‘Career Pathways,’ a Leading Ladies Initiative, meets those students at a critical point in their lives. Students in the program are interviewed and employed at a local nonprofit for a semester, where they learn practical job skills, earn a paycheck, and make a difference in their community. These students are also paired with a mentor, many of them Leading Ladies, who offer advice, counseling, or a listening ear throughout the semester. This program has seen tremendous success, and many students have found new direction and passion for their education and their future.

This year, Leading Ladies has spearheaded a new initiative. #WTF bags are discreet bags that are being distributed to every preteen and teenage girl in Anderson County to help combat period poverty and the embarrassment that comes along with being caught unprepared. Meaning Wipes, Tampons and Feminine Products, #WTF bags are being distributed to area schools, starting with those that show the most need. Each discreet make up bag is being packed with a pad, tampon, feminine wipes, a panty liner, a pair of panties and a piece of chocolate, everything a young girl needs without the shame or embarrassment that can come with starting your period at school.

We need your help, either with donations of the above items, with packaging these bags or with the delivery to the area schools. These small bags may seem inconsequential to some, but mean so much to their recipient.

For more information on how to get involved in either of these initiatives, please email naomi@uwayac.org or call the office at 865-483-8431.