Celebrating the Women of United Way of Greater Charlotte

Women have played an important role in United Way of Greater Charlotte’s mission since its founding in 1931. Now, more than 90 years later, United Way is still focused on ending poverty and advancing racial equity, and women are playing critical roles in that work.

For Women’s History Month we asked our team about who or what inspires them and makes them feel empowered. Meet some of the incredible women at United Way of Greater Charlotte who are making a difference in the community every day.

LAWONDA STANFIELD

Who or what inspires you and why? 

My mother. She successfully raised four children and put herself through nursing school with little to no money or help from my dad.

What makes you feel empowered as a woman? 

Being respected and valued by my co-workers, peers and family.

Favorite Quote: 

“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.” -Maya Angelou

KT HARCOURT-MEDINA

Who or what inspires you and why?

The women in my life inspire me daily. They keep me going. Having a support system of other females, and learning from and growing with them, inspires me to be the best version of myself.

What makes you feel empowered as a woman?

When I reflect on my journey and think about everything I have accomplished already. Overcoming hurdles, hitting milestones in my education and career, creating life. The strength of a woman is unmatched – sometimes we forget this.

Favorite Quote: 

“Don’t think about making women fit the world – think about making the world fit women.” -Gloria Steinem

SUSANA GONZALEZ

Who or what inspires you and why?

When I began to think who has been one of the great inspirations in my life I could only in my great grandmother who died last December with 104 years but was always an example of dedication to everyone who needed it. She lived to serve others and I believe it is the best legacy and inspiration that anyone can leave on this earth.

What makes you feel empowered as a woman?

As a woman I feel empowered when I can do something for others and I can share my experience as an immigrant in a foreign country. I feel empowered to be able to share my culture and learn something new and having conversations with people with whom I can exchange ideas and help them understand concepts that are clear to me.

Favorite Quote:

I really like the phrase that says that “the highest moral and spiritual state of the human being is when you learn that your life was created to serve and influence others.”

ALLISON RHODES

Who or what inspires you and why? 

My mom. She is fearless. Ruth Bader Ginsburg for her lifelong commitment to fight for women in the workplace and autonomy over their bodies.

What makes you feel empowered as a woman? 

Being able to raise feminist boys.

Favorite Quote:

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” -Eleanor Roosevelt 

JESSICA FOSTER

Who or what inspires you and why?

My circle of strong women. They get life’s bumps and bruises and keep moving forward.

What makes you feel empowered as a woman?

My ability to increase strength and level of expertise.

Favorite Quote:

“It is our duty to fight, it is our duty to win, we must love each other and protect each other, we have nothing to lose but our chains” -Assata Shakur

EMILY WINBURN

Who or what inspires you and why? 

My grandmother inspires me. She was the first person in her family to graduate from college in 1957, despite being the only woman in her class. This thought inspires me and helps me take advantage of the opportunities I have. Today, there are more women in higher education than men, changing the narrative on education and what women can accomplish.

What makes you feel empowered as a woman? 

I feel empowered by my education. Many women throughout history have had the potential but lacked opportunity to achieve educational and professional milestones, robbing the world of their knowledge, ideas, and innovations.

Favorite Quote: 

“When my brothers try to draw a circle to exclude me, I shall draw a larger circle to include them. Where they speak out for the privileges of a puny group, I shall shout for the rights of all mankind.” – Pauli Murray 

JASMINE MURRAY

Who or what inspires you and why?

Art: Because it is everlasting, you can always make more, and there are no rules.

What makes you feel empowered as a woman?

That I get to write my own story. It doesn’t matter what comes and goes in each chapter. I am the author and I get to choose what defines me.

Favorite Quote:

“Don’t try to lessen yourself for the world; let the world catch up to you” –Beyoncé 

HEIDI WILSON

Who or what inspires you and why? 

My family motivates me every single day. I find the strength to get through a tough day knowing that I have my son and my husband by my side. The love I feel from both of them gives me the ability to expand and grow, both mentally and physically.

What makes you feel empowered as a woman? 

The trait that empowers me the most is my ability to have awareness for women who have been told they don’t have a voice.  I have always been an advocate for women. When I was a nurse, I volunteered for a year at Atrium for their Domestic Violence Help Line. I would go on call once a month for a 24-hour shift.  Any crisis that came up regarding a domestic violence issue, I had 10 minutes to get to the hospital. I listened to so many stories. Some of these stories were just horrible – but they also gave me a heightened awareness of what to look for and the signs to be attentive to when women (or men) need help.

Favorite Quote: 

“Even when it’s not pretty or perfect. Even when it’s more real than you want it to be. Your story is what you have, what you will always have. It is something to own.” -Michelle Obama