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Home / News / Women United Co-Chair Appointed to Global Leadership Council
August 22, 2023
Women United Co-Chair Danisha Bhaloo-Shivji appointed to global advisory body as sole Canadian representative
United Way of the Alberta Capital Region is proud to congratulate our Women United Co-Chair Danisha Bhaloo-Shivji on her appointment to the Women United Global Leadership Council! Acting as the sole Canadian representative, Danisha joins a group of dynamic leaders mobilizing to advance gender equity and advocating for access to quality, affordable, educational childcare.
“I am so proud to represent the Alberta Capital Region, and Canada, as a member of the Women United Global Council. Supporting women and girls uplifts our entire community socially and economically. I am so excited to share Canadian best practices and learn from my peers in the U.S about how we can better do that…together.” — Danisha Bhaloo-Shivji
“I am so proud to represent the Alberta Capital Region, and Canada, as a member of the Women United Global Council. Supporting women and girls uplifts our entire community socially and economically. I am so excited to share Canadian best practices and learn from my peers in the U.S about how we can better do that…together.”
— Danisha Bhaloo-Shivji
Danisha (L) and family attending Women United’s “Power of Women” event, May 18, 2023. Source: Nancy Critchley Photography
PRESS RELEASE: ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA August 4, 2023 — United Way Worldwide announces the appointment of five new members to the Women United Global Leadership Council. Julie Bearup, Danisha Bhaloo-Shivji, Patrice Maloney-Knauff, Sandra Mazo, and Deborah Thompson join the global advisory body that serves as a key mobilizer of women leaders and advocates for United Way issues.
“We are grateful to work with a strategic group of connectors and advocates who are advancing important issues related to education, health and economic mobility,” said Angela F. Williams, President and CEO of United Way Worldwide. “These women are powerful forces for good who are modelling philanthropy in communities that United Way serves, making the places where they live and work stronger.”
Women United® represents 55,000 members working with United Way in more than 200 communities across the globe. Members of the Women United Global Leadership Council serve an initial three-year term, and the group is also represented on United Way Worldwide’s Board.
The new members underwent a rigorous nominations process and were selected by the Council for their experience, commitment to Women United, and proven investment in United Way’s mission.
The Council also welcomes new leadership as Kimberly Smith concludes her term as Chair, staying on with the group in an Emeritus role. She is succeeded by Cathy McRae of New Orleans, LA, who will work alongside newly appointed Vice-Chair, Jenny Holsman Tetreault of Phoenix, AZ. McRae and Tetreault are both longtime community leaders, local Women United Chairs, and former Board Members of their local United Ways.
“This is an exciting time for our group,” said Cathy McRae, Chair, Women United Global Leadership Council. “We will be working with the Women United membership and nonprofit partners to fight for gender equity and mobilize support and advocate for our signature issue of early childcare and education.”
Women United members fuel impact work in their communities through their local United Ways, including donating, volunteering and advocating for efforts to improve education, health and economic mobility. The Women United Global Leadership Council is a vocal supporter of early childhood education; learn more here.
To read the full bios of the members or for more information about Women United visit www.womenunited.org.
An inclusive international movement of more than 70,000 women and allies, Women United works to support and empower marginalized and vulnerable female-identifying neighbours through mentorship, mental wellness advocacy, and programs provided by United Way’s partner frontline community agencies.
Let’s dive into some of the compounding factors that women experiencing poverty face, and how programs supported by United Way addresses those barriers to level the playing field.
