Give A Lowcountry Student
the Gift of Success!
Help ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed this school year. Support United Way of the Lowcountry’s Women United Operation Backpack and Mimi’s Closet initiatives and provide new backpacks, uniforms and school supplies to underserved students in Beaufort and Jasper counties.
The needs of our school children continue year-round, please DONATE TODAY!
Click the “DONATE” button above to make your secure online donation or browse our Amazon Wish List by clicking the “AMAZON WISHLIST” button below.
Leading the charge. Inspiring change.
United Way of the Lowcountry Women United offers members the opportunity to be part of a dynamic, philanthropic and fun organization of women leaders who care about our community.
Women United’s mission is to mobilize the caring power of women together to advance the common good by focusing on education in the forgotten pockets of Beaufort and Jasper counties. The group — previously named Women’s Leadership Council — was formed locally in 2012.
Members work together to engage, educate and empower others to become leaders and actively participate in the betterment of our community.
Mimi’s Closets
Women United’s newest education support initiative is Mimi’s Closets, which offers essential school and personal supplies to students in need during the school year. The initiative’s goal is to create special teacher supply closets stocked with donated school and personal items at schools throughout the Lowcountry. In addition to school supplies, Mimi’s Closets contains basic needs items such as pullups for preschoolers; toothpaste and toothbrushes; sanitary wipes, soap and sanitary hygiene products; first aid supplies; and more. Mimi’s Closets are currently available at James J. Davis Early Learning Center, Shanklin Elementary School, St. Helena Elementary School and Whale Branch Elementary School. Women United hopes to expand the initiative to additional schools with underserved students in the future. Click HERE to learn how you can support Mimi’s Closets.
Operation Backpack
In 2022, more than 1,500 students in need received school supplies and backpacks through Women United initiatives. Women United’s Operation Backpack provides local students with backpacks filled with school supplies to start school. Women United works with school social workers to identify students in need who are not being served by another agency.
Woman of the Year
Congratulations to Claudia Aller, Women United’s 2023 Woman of the Year. The Woman of the Year Award was created to celebrate women in Beaufort and Jasper counties who have made a powerful impact on the local community through their volunteer efforts and serve as role models for inspiration and achievement of other women.
Past Recipients include:
- 2021/2022: Norma Duncan
- 2020/2021: Nan Sutton
- 2019: Charlotte Gonzalez
- 2018: Connie Wegmann
- 2017: Connie Hipp
- 2016: Bobbi Weber
- 2015: Elizabeth Millen
- 2014: Dr. Renarta Tompkins
Power of the Purse
Women United’s 12th Annual Power of the Purse will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Saltus River Grill in Beaufort. This party with a purpose is the signature fundraiser for Women United initiatives and features an array of incredible food, cocktails, and a curated selection of auction items, including designer handbags. Click HERE to purchase tickets today!
Proceeds from Women United’s popular Power of the Purse fundraiser support education initiatives including Women United’s Breaking Barriers to Education Fund, Mimi’s Closets and Operation Backpack.
The Breaking Barriers to Education Fund seeks to help fulfill needs that would otherwise prevent a student from attending school or from reaching their full potential. The fund is administered by the United Way of the Lowcountry HELPLINE, which works with school officials to directly remove financial barriers that stand in the way of a child’s education.
Women United Scholarship Fund
The Women United Scholarship Fund was established in 2020 to support local, non-traditional female students pursuing a higher education degree at University of South Carolina Beaufort or Technical College of the Lowcountry. Through the support of women in the community, Women United presented 15 local women with $1,000 scholarships each, totaling $15,000.
To be eligible for a scholarship, female students must reside or work in Beaufort or Jasper County, have a minimum GPA of 3, and have made some contributions to their community through volunteerism. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply. Click HERE for an online application. A printable application is available by clicking HERE. The application deadline for the 2023-2024 school year is May 31, 2024.
2023 Scholarship Recipients
- Madalyn Bozman
- Ximena Olguin Figueroa
- Elizabeth Monzon
- Tymeca Sawyer
2022 Scholarship Recipients
- Claire Curry
- Mariam Fernandez
- Jo Little
- Sharone Orr
- Chasmere Washington
2021 Scholarship Recipients
- Astrid Larissa Rodas Bautista
- Brittany Suzanne McDaniel
- Kahla Fry
2020 Scholarship Recipients
- Charity Nicole Polk
- Taiwo Dada
- Jaime Carlson
Click HERE to support the Women United Scholarship Fund.
Women United holds free quarterly networking events as well as workshops, featuring talented and inspiring women in our community. The workshops have become a resource in developing, encouraging and supporting women leaders, professionally and in philanthropy.
To join or learn more about United Way of the Lowcountry’s Women United email: womenunited@uwlowcountry.org