Women United

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WE ARE WOMEN UNITED.

Women United harnesses the power and dedication of women leaders to transform local communities. We are a diverse, vibrant community, bound together by a powerful sense of belonging - to each other, to our mission, and to the communities we call home.

WE IGNITE CHANGE.

Since 2016, United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties has celebrated local female leaders at our annual Women United breakfast. This event has grown over the last several years, and we are excited to share that Women United has evolved into a network offering various engagement opportunities for women in Kankakee and Iroquois counties throughout the year. Through Women United, we seek to bring women together to further advance the mission of United Way to improve the lives of women and girls through fundraising events, service projects, and social opportunities.

WHY ENGAGE?

You'll be a part of a community of women who contribute their personal passions, best ideas, and unique strengths to the mission of building strong communities.
Volunteer within our community alongside others looking to create change.
Network and collaborate with key business and community leaders at exclusive events.
Learn more about critical issues impacting our community.
Advocate for key community issues at the local and state level.

Women United Breakfast

For the last nine years, our Women United Annual Breakfast has brought the community together to celebrate the power of women and girls in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties. In 2021, United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties doubled down on its efforts to invest in programs and services that support the advancement of women and girls by launching the Women United affinity group. Over 60 women joined our call-to-action and have committed financially towards the initiative which supports programs impacting the lives of local women and girls.

Our Favorite Morning of the Year...

2025 Women United Breakfast Raises $31K to Empower Local Women & Girls

The Women United Breakfast is a day we look forward to every year, and 2025 did not disappoint. With over 250 women and men in the room, we gathered for a morning filled with inspiration, laughter, and meaningful conversations.

This year’s theme, “Fostering Community and Friendship,” highlighted the importance of building supportive relationships and creating spaces where women can thrive. Attendees heard from incredible speakers Vurnice Maloney and Megan Campbell, as well as a dynamic panel moderated by Dr. Yvette M. Rose. Panelists Glenda Corbett, Rebecca Parks, Charlene Phillips, and Ashley Peterson shared real and honest stories about their journeys in leadership and life and how they create spaces in our community.

A Record-Breaking Impact

We are thrilled to share that thanks to our attendees, sponsors, and the Power of the Purse Silent Auction, this event raised over $31,000 to support nonprofit programs that serve local women and girls through United Way’s Impact Grants.

Each year, these grants help fund critical health, education, and financial stability programs across Kankakee and Iroquois counties. To see the impact of these funds in action, visit myunitedway.org/partners.

Honoring an Inspiring Leader

A highlight of the morning was honoring Amber Turner as the 2025 Woman of the Year. A longtime Women United member and dedicated volunteer, Amber was recognized for her outstanding commitment to service and her passion for empowering women in our community.

Thank You to Our Sponsors and Volunteers

A heartfelt thank you to our Breakfast Planning Committee, volunteers, and sponsors for helping us create a space designed to uplift the voices of local women. Special thanks to our Confident sponsors: CSL Behring and Saint Mary's Hospital- Kankakee. Determined sponsors: Iroquois Federal, Pathfinder, and Olivet Nazarene University. Captivating sponsors: Dow Chemical, First Financial Bank. Inspired sponsors: Riverside Healthcare, Walmart, and Gordon Electric for their generous support.

CONNECT

EmpowHER Hours are fun, casual networking hours hosted quarterly by Women United. These events are often hosted at women-owned businesses and are open to both members and women who are interested in joining Women United.

Friday, April 11th from 4:00 - 5:00 PM | EmpowHER Hour at Rubber Rose & Printing, 111 E Court St, Kankakee.
Friday, June 13th from 5:00 - 6:00 PM | EmpowHER Hour at The Lush Vine, 150 N Schuyler Ave, Kankakee,
Friday, September 12th from 4:00 - 5:00 PM |EmpowHER at Hola Lash Bar, 358 W Broadway St, Bradley

VOLUNTEER

At the heart of Women United are our Kindness Projects—volunteer-driven initiatives that bring women together to create meaningful change in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties. These projects embody our commitment to transforming lives and building a brighter future for women and girls in our community.

Since 2021, Women United members have completed 17 impactful Kindness Projects, addressing vital needs and spreading joy throughout the region. From packaging snack boxes for families at Mattea’s Joy to collecting over $2,600 worth of diapers for Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center, these efforts directly support women and their families during times of need. We’ve also hosted professional clothing drives to empower women reentering the workforce, ensuring they have the tools and confidence to succeed.

Check out the volunteer projects we have hosted in the past!

Stay tuned for upcoming Kindness Projects!

BECOME A MEMBER OF WOMEN UNITED

Women United is a dynamic community of women who believe in the power of collective action. We know that lasting change happens when we bring our diverse passions and experiences to the table, working together toward a common goal.

Through Women United, we advance United Way’s mission by building connections, supporting local agencies, and empowering women and girls navigating transitions—whether in employment, education, or motherhood. Membership funds are directed toward programs that benefit women and girls in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties.

In just four years, Women United has granted over $148,000 to local initiatives that create meaningful change for women and girls.

Women United is a dynamic group of women leaders who believe lasting change happens when we bring our unique passions and experiences to the table and work toward a common goal. Women United moves United Way’s mission forward by building connections, furthering the work of local agencies and supporting women and girls who are experiencing transitions such as those related to employment, school or motherhood.

Join an unstoppable network of powerful women - business leaders and community volunteers - dedicated to creating lasting change in Kankakee and Iroquois counties.

As a Women United member, you will build strong bonds with like-minded community leaders, deepen your knowledge of community issues, and support women and children in crisis by sharing your wisdom, service, and generosity.

Annual Member Benefits

Partner $210/month

The Kindness Project: quarterly volunteer opportunities (Valued at $25/each)
Invitation to Annual Women United Breakfast with complimentary ticket (Valued at $50)
Invitation to Annual Dinner with 2 complimentary tickets (Valued at $80
Recognition at Women United events and name listed in Community Impact Report
Complimentary Women United pin

Connector $85/month

The Kindness Project: quarterly volunteer opportunities (Valued at $25/each)
Invitation to Annual Women United Breakfast with complimentary ticket (Valued at $50)
Invitation to Annual Dinner with complimentary ticket (Valued at $40)
Recognition at Women United events and name listed in Community Impact Report
Complimentary Women United pin

Builder $42/month

The Kindness Project: quarterly volunteer opportunities
Invitation to Annual Women United Breakfast with complimentary ticket (Valued at $50)
Name listed in Community Impact Report

Novice $21/month

The Kindness Project: quarterly volunteer opportunities

Volunteer $5/month (plus committed to volunteering 10+ hours per year)

We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, EIN 36-2188452. All contributions are tax deductible. No goods or services will be provided in exchange for the contribution.