Maureen Cooley Named 2024 Women United Woman of the Year

Maureen Cooley Named 2024 Woman of the Year by United Way of the Lowcountry’s Women United

United Way of the Lowcountry’s Women United is thrilled to announce Maureen Cooley as the 2024 Woman of the Year, honored during its Fall Luncheon held at The Culinary Institute of the South in Bluffton. The prestigious award recognizes women in the Lowcountry who have made significant contributions to their communities through volunteerism and serve as inspirational role models for others.

Cooley was selected from a group of four distinguished finalists, which included Feneshiae Greene, founder of Heart of God Outreach Ministry; Meredith Keene, owner of Meredith A Keene CPA LLC; and Tameka Walker, a holistic doula and founder of Energy Evolution. The Women United Woman of the Year Award, established in 2014, celebrates philanthropic-minded women who invest their time, energy, and passion into making the Lowcountry a better place to live.

“Maureen exemplifies everything that Women United and this award represent. Through her tireless dedication to helping those in need, she has touched countless lives and created lasting change in our community,” said Claudia Aller, last year’s Woman of the Year recipient. “She is a true advocate for the most vulnerable among us, organizing care drives and delivering essential items like food, clothing, toys, and baby supplies to local nonprofits. Maureen is an inspiration to us all.”

Described as a formidable community champion, Maureen tirelessly advocates for those in need by organizing donation drives. These efforts result in hundreds of carloads filled with care packages and gift bags containing food, clothing, toys, baby supplies, and personal items for organizations such as Hopeful Horizons, St. Francis Center, the Keyserling Cancer Institute, the Salvation Army, and the Beaufort County Animal Shelter. 

The luncheon’s keynote speaker, Michelle Brenner, owner of Aesthetic Science Institute and a globally recognized expert in the skincare and wellness industry, inspired attendees with her message of empowerment and leadership. Brenner’s 35 years of experience and her dedication to elevating her profession shone through as she encouraged women to embrace their passions and contribute to their communities.

In addition to honoring Maureen Cooley, Women United celebrated the largest class of Women United Scholarship Fund Award recipients to date. These six extraordinary women are pursuing their educational goals with the support of the Women United Scholarship Fund:

  • Geobana Alvarez – Accounting, Technical College of the Lowcountry
  • Alyssa Robert – Elementary Education, University of South Carolina Beaufort
  • Kayla Townsend – Elementary Education, University of South Carolina Beaufort
  • Paul Madrid – Nursing, Technical College of the Lowcountry
  • Tymeca Sawyer – Nursing, Technical College of the Lowcountry
  • Angela Thomas – Business Administration/Management, Technical College of the Lowcountry

Since its establishment in 2020, the Women United Scholarship Fund has empowered non-traditional female students in Beaufort and Jasper Counties to achieve their academic dreams and advance in their careers. To qualify, scholarship recipients must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate community involvement through volunteerism.

The luncheon was sponsored by Technical College of the Lowcountry’s Culinary Institute of the South; South Atlantic Bank; Bezilla, Kinney, Phifer Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors; Elizabeth Blair; Rebecca Terry; and Phifer Contracting Services

Join the Movement: Become a Part of Women United
You can be part of the change! Women United offers a dynamic and engaging platform for women leaders to connect and support our community. Their mission is to break down educational barriers in Beaufort and Jasper Counties. Learn more and join Women United by clicking HERE.

About United Way of the Lowcountry
United Way of the Lowcountry serves local donors who are committed to empowering individuals in Beaufort and Jasper counties to achieve self-sufficiency in order to create a brighter future for their families.  By investing in vital services that fulfill the immediate basic needs of the most vulnerable members of our community, and in education and economic mobility strategies, we ensure that our donor’s support makes a sustainable, lasting impact in our community. Discover how you can invest in the community to make a difference at www.uwlowcountry.org. Together, we can foster self-sufficiency, uplift lives and build a stronger Lowcountry.

2024 WU Woman of the Year Maureen Cooley (in pink) surrounded by award finalists. (L to R) Feneshiae Greene, Cooley, Meredith Keene and Tameka Walker.

2024 WU Scholarship Fund recipients. (L to R) Angela Thomas, Geobana Alvarez, Kayla Townsend and Tymeca Sawyer. (Not pictured Alyssa Roberts and Paula Madrid)

Women United Fall Luncheon keynote speaker Michelle Brenner delivered an empowering message on leadership and community impact.