Women’s Leadership Council working to improve opportunities

To engage women leaders, inspire others to take action and affect change in the community of Southern Nevada, the United Way has sponsored the formation of the Women's Leadership Council.

More than 20 women representing a variety of organizations and businesses came together in January with the goal of using their influence and financial resources to improve the lives of Southern Nevada residents through "education, access to health care and financial stability," said Beth Miller, United Way's vice president of major gifts.

The women meet twice a month to talk about charitable goals, the community's needs and how the leadership council can address those needs with the support and resources of United Way.

Each woman contributes $2,500 annually, which helps fund the council's projects.

The leadership council is different from other, similar organizations because it seeks to provide people in need with the resources to help themselves, Miller said.

"Basically, the key thrust is creating lasting change to improve lives here in Southern Nevada. It's not about quick fixes," Miller said. "It's about a well thought-out, collaborative approach."

Sometime this year, Miller hopes the council will be able to launch the first center for excellence, which will include programs and services that address the council's three-prong agenda: expanding early education opportunities, providing health care and teaching self-sufficiency to the needy.

"The project ... would be a one-stop shop in low income neighborhoods where people could access health care, early education" and financial programs, Miller said.

Many existing groups address specific areas, but there is no group that addresses advancing the common good in these three areas, Miller added. The three areas were identified in a survey as those that need attention in the community. It's a way to make a lasting change, Miller said.

"If we raise the bar in (these areas), that will give people a greater chance of success as they grow into adulthood," Miller said. "When one child succeeds, we all suceed."

For more information about the Women's Leadership Council, contact Miller at 892-2317.

Contact reporter Sonya Padgett at spadgett @reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4564.