Fashion, fun highlight Women’s Leadership Council luncheon

More than 450 people attended the Women’s Leadership Council of United Way of Southern Nevada’s annual luncheon and fashion show at the Four Seasons recently. Guests learned about how the council promotes community involvement and philanthropic giving among women in our community.

The organization’s programs have created long-lasting change in the valley through education, health and financial stability. In Southern Nevada, the council has raised more than $1.6 million in the past seven years. The national Women’s Leadership Council network of dedicated women philanthropists has collectively raised more than $1 billion to support their mission.

Mistress of ceremonies Punam Mathur introduced the Women’s Leadership Council volunteer co-chairs, Rhonda Clausen and Angel Williams.

They spoke about one of the group’s crowning achievements of 2014, which was the reopening of the Martinez Elementary School Health Clinic that serves nearly 2,500 children a year.

On the stage, they awarded two UNLV students, Monica Guiza and Leslie Miranda, the Emerging Leadership Award for Women Scholarship.

The event also honored four local women for their service to the community: Sandy Miller, former first lady of Nevada and community education advocate, received the 2015 Commitment to Education Award; Dr. Trina Wiggins, pediatrician with Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada, received the 2015 Commitment to Health Award; Kathleen Decker, principal of Walter Bracken STEAM Academy, received the 2015 Commitment to Financial Stability Award; and Chelsie Campbell, NV Energy government affairs executive, received the 2015 Commitment to Volunteerism Award.

Among the guests were Judy and Jim Kropid, Janet and Steve Linder, Paula Browne, Beverly Mason, Kathy Mahon, Toni Wintermute, Carol Brink, and Darlene and Cliff Miller.

Another highlight of the luncheon was the fashion show presented by Renee Garcia, general manager of Donna Karan (DKNY) at the Forum Shop at Caesars. Models were Women’s Leadership Council members Brigette Kirwin, Anne Aniello-Wayman, Rosamari McNulty, Linda Bonnici, Monte Smith, Mary Mitchell, Mary Staley, Tiffany Grubb, Susan Best, Heather Granl, Monica Guiza and Leslie Miranda.

Other guests attending were Debbie Carroll, Karen Martin, Danylle Hitchen, Shelia McKay, Anna Wood, Sandy Dewees, Susann Oakum, Jim Rassel, Deb Mele-Blanchard, Kari Hall, Beth Campbell and Lawrel Larsen.

During the luncheon, names of winning opportunity ticket holders won gifts including a beautiful diamond drop pendant from MJ Christensen Diamonds. Guests also did networking during the reception.

Following the luncheon there was a Sip and Shop After Party where guests could relax, enjoy a glass of Champagne, indulge in a mini-makeover by Sephora and shop at pop-up boutiques.