Women of Tocqueville and Women United joined together on Tuesday, April 11 at Pleb Urban Winery to bring awareness to the intersection between social justice and climate justice by hosting the official book release, Love Your Mother: 50 States, 50 Stories, and 50 Women United for Climate Justice featuring local author and professor at Warren Wilson College, Mallory McDuff, Ph.D.
The inspiring stories of women in the book and on the panel aligned so well with two things we value at United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County: the power of women's leadership and the importance of everyone doing their part, no matter how big or small, as we work to accomplish our vision for “a united and resilient community where everyone belongs and everyone thrives.”
A wine reception preceding the book talk was hosted by Women United and Women of Tocqueville hosts: Marla Adams, Jenny Boyer, Janice Brumit, Shelia Christofalos, Taylor Foss, Heather Goldstein, and Marjorie McGuirk. During the reception, founding Women United member, Taylor Foss, shared a brief history of how women’s philanthropy started at United Way and the progress that has taken place since, “When women are involved change happens.” Women United members are prominent business, government, and philanthropic leaders and we could not do this work without their expertise, time, networks, resources, and voice supporting United Way’s mission.
Two guiding principles of United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, collective wisdom and equity, were central themes to the evening’s events. From the excerpts McDuff shared to the panel discussion, which included two young women, LaKyla Hodges, and Catherine Tsarouhtsis, the evening reinforced the importance of collective wisdom and equity in climate justice and social and educational justice.
President and CEO, Dan Leroy, closed the evening by sharing how social impact organizations like United Way have a role to play in confronting climate change, and we’re thrilled to be working with Green Built Alliance and Blue Ridge Power to install solar panels on our headquarters on South French Broad. Not only will this project reduce our carbon emissions, but it will also allow us to invest tens of thousands of dollars every year in the individuals, families, and communities we serve.
The evening raised up stories of progress and the importance of persisting to make our community stronger for everyone. This is what living united is all about.
Don't Stop There!
Want to support United Way's transition to solar energy? Donate HERE
Read More About the Speakers: HERE
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