When I first started my career at Hallmark, it was pretty clear that caring and community are core to the company’s culture. It’s something I wanted to live out—to get involved and make an impact. At first, all I could do was a $10 gift per paycheck. That was a big deal for me. But it was the start of a bigger journey to really understanding the value of collective impact.
One person can make a meaningful difference. But when you have a group of people that come around shared values and a shared mission, you can have real and lasting change. That’s why I’m proud to be part of Women United, a group of female-identifying philanthropists connected to United Way of Greater Kansas City. I think it provides access to people. It brings different voices to the table. It builds a sense of community, and it shows that philanthropy can be for all, not just for a few. And that together we can make a real difference.
Our mission is to advance early childhood education in our community. I’ve always had a huge heart for kids—as a gymnastics coach, reading mentor, and a mom.
I think that every mom and every child deserves the resources to give their children a solid start to the best future that they possibly can. I know I’m fortunate at what I can give back, and anything I can do to help other kids and moms in the community have the access to those same resources to give their kids the best start at their future is so important.
This Women’s Month, I encourage you to connect with others who are passionate about the same things as you. That’s what Women United has done for me. It really allows you to cultivate a community to give back, meet people from all over the city from different backgrounds, different industries and then see the impact you can make, together.
Three Easy Ways to Get Involved:
- Join us at this year’s Purses for Promise event April 16th supporting Growing Futures & United Way early learning initiatives.
- Volunteer with us during Seasons of Giving April 20-24.
Learn more about Women United here.