CantonINC WOMEN
he mission of United Way Women’s Leadership Council is to provide a forum for our members to promote the exchange of ideas and experiences, provide networking opportunities, offer educational and cultural programs, enhance the growth of our members as leaders and decision-makers and make a positive contribution to the next generation of women leaders and our community. Women’s Leadership Council members have a special focus for their work: youths graduating and continuing their education beyond high school. Nowhere is that mission more compelling than in the Girls Have Unlimited Possibilities (Girl UP) program. Girl UP features a morning of activities for middle school girls from Canton City Schools (CCS) that introduces them to careers not traditionally filled by women. According to Laurie Moline, 2013-14 chairman of the Women’s Leadership Council, at the most recent Girl UP event held Feb. 1 at Timken High School, about 40 girls rotated through stations such as welding, building technologies, videogame design, automotive tech, forensics and multiple engineering fields. In addition, a parent track also was offered, with presentations and activities designed to help parents or guardians learn how to support their child’s goals.
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Following the career stations, participants were treated to lunch, a panel discussion on career and college planning, a confidence-building activity led by Girl Scouts of North East Ohio, and finally, a fashion show coordinated by Plato’s Closet, with tips to help girls look and feel their best. United Way Women's Leadership Council is a group of dynamic business and community women leaders who are committed to advancing the common good and improving people’s lives by taking a leadership role in advancing United Way’s work, advocating for issues important to our greater community and making a personal financial commitment. The members of United Way Women’s Leadership Council are a diverse group of female community and business leaders who are dedicated to making a difference in the health and welfare of greater Stark County. More than 300 women leaders annually contribute $1,000 or more to United Way of Greater Stark County and are engaged in meaningful change in our community. Women historically have been leaders of social change through their personal passion, time and talent. Engaging the power of women, members of Women’s Leadership Council educate, inspire and enrich our community while serving as philanthropic role models, mentors and leaders in Greater Stark County.
CantonIncMagazine.com
BY JESS BENNETT
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