Alexandria, Va (March 15, 2013)—Nearly 300 women from all over the world gathered at the United Way Women’s Leadership Summit in Charleston, SC where Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole and Ann Stallard were honored as recipients of the United Way Women in Philanthropy award. They have been recognized for their humanitarian efforts and strong leadership skills in mobilizing women to drive lasting community change.
“Johnnetta and Ann personify power, promise and possibility in mobilizing communities. They are truly influential leaders. These women are inspiring and their proven hard work and dedication are exemplary,” said Juana Slade, Chair of United Way National Women’s Leadership Council. “They serve as role models for what women can accomplish when we work together.”
The United Way Women’s Leadership Council is a group of more than 55,000 women from all across the United States who support the work of United Way by focusing on the importance of grade level reading, leadership and advocacy. It is created and led by women rooted in the idea that when the most critical needs of the community are met—a better life for all is created. The United Way Women’s Leadership Council celebrates having raised $1 billion over the past 12 years. Both recipients of the Women in Philanthropy Award have served integral roles in nonprofit and civic engagement organizations, as well as, diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Dr. Cole, Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, is a graduate of Oberlin College. She earned both a master’s degree and Ph.D. in anthropology from Northwestern University. She has a distinguished career as an educator, philanthropist and author. She was the first African-American to chair the United Way of America Board of Trustees. She has also served on the board for United Way in Metropolitan Atlanta and later was the honorary chair of the United Way of Greater Greensboro’s African-American Leadership Initiative.
Ms. Stallard, CEO of Graphic Communications Corporation, is a graduate of the University of Kentucky. She is an active public speaker and published author on entrepreneurship, volunteerism and focuses on economic empowerment for women. She was a member of the United Way of America Board of Trustees and later elected as chair of the U.S. national board. In 2009, she served on the founding board of United Way Worldwide.
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About United Way
United Way is a worldwide network in 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. It advances the common good, by focusing on the building blocks of a good quality of life—education, income and health. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to become a part of the change. For more information about United Way, please visit: UnitedWay.org.