United Way Brings Together Greater Philadelphia Business Leaders for Celebration of Women and Leadership

Councilwoman Reynolds Brown Honored with 2012 Women's Initiative Award at Gala

PHILADELPHIA, March 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania's Women's Initiative hosted its annual gala last evening to celebrate women leaders in philanthropy and volunteerism. Presented by Independence Blue Cross, proceeds from the gala support the work of United Way's Women's Initiative, which focuses on programs for at-risk women and girls, including Girls Today, Leaders Tomorrow (GTLT), a program that helps at-risk adolescent girls develop self-esteem and leadership skills.

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The gala, attended by Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter and members of the business community, was co-hosted by Sherryann Plesse, principal and chief learning officer at Vanguard and Renee Rhem, vice president, customer service at Independence Blue Cross.  Sixth and seventh grade girls, who are part of the 2012 Girls Today, Leaders Tomorrow class, were featured in the program which also recognized Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown as the 2012 Women's Initiative award winner.

"The mission of United Way's Women's Initiative and that of Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown is the same," said Jill Michal, president and CEO, United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania. "We're both committed to ensuring the success of women and girls in our region- I know we all left the event feeling inspired by her leadership and passion."

"The Councilwoman leads by example and her life commitment to women's issues is evident," added Amy Frazier, Marketing & Sales Leader at Pricewaterhouse Cooper and Chair of United Way's Women's Initiative. "As women, she challenged us to continue to do more for our girls, and our community."

The Women's Initiative is comprised of many of the region's top professional women who give, advocate and volunteer in support of at-risk women and girls. Through United Way's Girls Today, Leaders Tomorrow program, girls participate in community- and school-based activities that help them build self-esteem, honor their bodies and maintain healthy relationships with their peers.

About United Way's Women's Initiative

The United Way Women's Initiative is a leadership network committed to philanthropy and volunteerism in the Greater Philadelphia area. The Women's Initiative is bringing positive change to our community by increasing the impact of women donors, increasing the number of women volunteers, and strengthening programs serving at-risk women and girls.  The Women's Initiative's signature program – Girls Today, Leaders Tomorrow – is changing the lives of at-risk adolescent girls and supporting area agencies with proven success in serving this vulnerable population. For more information about United Way Women's Initiative, please visit: www.LIVEUNITEDsepa.org/WomensInitiative.

About United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania

United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania is part of a national network of more than 1,300 locally governed organizations that work to create lasting positive changes in communities and in people's lives. United Way engages the community to identify the underlying causes of the most significant local issues, develops strategies and pulls together financial and human resources to address them, and measure the results. United Way is advancing the common good in southeastern Pennsylvania by focusing on education for children, income for families and health for seniors. For more information about United Way, please visit: www.LIVEUNITEDsepa.org.

SOURCE United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania