Have you heard? Women United just launched in Edmonton and is looking for women who would like to get involved!

A global initiative delivered by United Ways around the world, this program’s aim is to bring together a collective of individuals looking to drive meaningful social change in their communities and who share a belief in the power of women, a commitment to social justice and workplace equality.

“Each of us is just one disaster away from needing supports from the United Way – whether it’s an accident, a death of a loved one, or losing an income in the family,” explained Danisha Bhaloo-Shivji, Edmonton Women United Co-Chair. “Coming out of a global health pandemic, we know that mental health and mentoring are key objectives for women to lead us through the future. Issues such as affordable child care, unpaid labour and economic recovery will be at the forefront for Women United. Now is the right time to address these issues and ensure that no woman is left behind.”

Women United is currently looking for change-makers who want to get involved in creating a world of opportunity for vulnerable people and families right here in the Edmonton region, including through:

• Mentorship opportunities for women with all areas of expertise and backgrounds.
• Group and individual volunteering opportunities.
• Donating funds.
• Becoming a Women United Member through a $1,200 donation (or more).
• Partnering with women’s interest groups looking for more opportunities to engage in community service.

If that sounds like YOU, express your interest in getting involved by signing up HERE. 

Plus, as an organization, consider supporting your employees to join Women United. Benefits include personal and professional development opportunities, networking events, and enhancing your employees’ sense of belonging and connectedness to each other and the community.

A Chat with Edmonton Women United Co-Chairs Regina and Danisha

I had an opportunity to chat with Edmonton Women United Co-Chairs Regina Davis and Danisha Bhaloo-Shivji to find out more about this initiative and the paths that led them to getting involved.

Both women are mothers, wives, volunteers and highly accomplished in their careers.

Regina has held multiple engineering and manufacturing leadership roles across North America. She is currently the first Black and first female refinery manager at the Imperial Oil Strathcona Refinery.

Danisha is a Certified Fund Raising Executive and works as the Development & Communications Manager with Boys & Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton.

I so appreciate them both taking the time to share with us!

What drew you to Women United and made you want to get involved as a Co-Chair?

Regina:

I’m currently a member of the United Way Alberta Capital Region Cabinet. I recognize the great work that United Way does to support organizations to end poverty in our region. When I became aware of plans to launch Women United here… I was all in!

One of my passions is giving back and developing our future generation, especially women. I grew up in poverty and know what it’s like to struggle to have the basic necessities.

My Mom was big on education as a way out of poverty. She enrolled me in summer programs every year. These programs gave me access to skills, education and – even more impactful – exposed me to various career choices.

One program in particular introduced me to careers in math and science. It was a ‘free’ program for female minority junior high students. As part of that program, I met scientists, doctors, engineers and astronauts. It gave me access to mentors that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.

I say it was ‘free’ because we didn’t have to pay for it. But it was only ‘free’ because of people who were willing to give their time, treasure and talents. It made a huge impact on me. This program changed my life trajectory and gave me a real desire to channel my love for math and science into a career. It was truly life changing.

Now, I’m honoured to serve as Co-Chair of an organization like Women United that I know will make such a great impact on others.

Danisha:

I lived in poverty growing up, with a single mother who raised my sister and I. She worked three jobs to put a roof over our heads and food on our plates. She had the incredible foresight to enroll us with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Thanks to that decision, I was matched with a great Big Sister who I still keep in touch with today (25 years later). I also had great opportunities like scholarships which got me a post-secondary education.

When I began working for Big Brothers Big Sisters nine years ago, I realized that United Way had been their largest funder for the past 30+ years. I’m grateful to the generous United Way donors whose funds directly impacted me.

As a new mom, I’m now beginning to understand the intersectionality of challenges being placed on women and, in particular, racialized mothers. Being asked to co-chair Women United seemed like a perfect fit to support an organization – and a community – that I have belonged to my entire life.

I’ve held leadership positions in the non-profit sector and in politics. I know that women have incredible influence and the power to lift each other up, collectively fulfilling the potential of young girls and women of the next generation.

Why bring Women United to Edmonton now?

Danisha:

There are over 40,000 children living in poverty in the Edmonton region. If you think about that visually, that’s our Rogers Arena filled to capacity….two and a half times over. Women have power. Women have influence. And let’s face it, women get things done.

And I believe women, and our allies, can change the course of the next generation of young people to bring them out of poverty.

Regina:

Why bring Women United to Edmonton now? I would say… why not now?

Now more than ever, we recognize there is the need to support each other. The recession has impacted women far more significantly than men. Over half a million Canadian women have lost their jobs due to COVID and 100,000 of those women have left the workforce entirely, resulting in a workforce participation that has hit the lowest levels in three decades.

Women are over-represented in public-facing, high-contact industries including retail, hospitality, and food services. These sectors were hit hard from the lock-down measures required to prevent and contain the spread of COVID-19.

Additionally, lack of access to childcare accounts for the vast majority of the permanent exodus of women from the workforce. When women thrive, the community thrives!

If you’d like to find out more about getting involved with Edmonton Women United, sign up here!

Thank you to United Way for sponsoring this post and to Regina and Danisha for sharing their stories.

Xo Holly Hunka

Did you enjoy this post? Save it on Pinterest!