Highlighting the Women of United Way

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 to share about a woman that inspires them as well as what 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.

NAKIA SAVAGE

Who is the most influential woman in your life?

My late mother, who dedicated her life to enriching the lives of and educating special needs children in Baltimore, MD.

What makes you feel empowered as a woman?

Embracing that I am a descendant of a rich lineage of ancestors who were influential, powerful, and resilient change-agents; is what makes me feel empowered as a woman!

Favorite Quote:

“Service is the rent we pay for being.  It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time.”  Marian Wright Edelman

O’SHAUNA HUNTER

Who is the most influential woman in your life?

My daughter. She gave me a renewed sense of purpose and the need to continue to strive for balance. Time is precious and she shows me what really matters in this world.

What makes you feel empowered as a woman?

Women are always doubted. I love breaking boundaries and doing the unexpected.

Favorite Quote:

 “The reality is, sometimes you lose. And you’re never too good to lose; you’re never too big to lose; you’re never too smart to lose. It happens and it happens when it needs to happen and you have to embrace those things.” Beyoncé Knowles-Carter 

KIM SAVAGE

Who is the most influential woman in your life?

My mom is the most influential woman in my life. She has never allowed ‘no’ be the answer. As a lawyer, she approaches her work with the utmost professionalism and expertise while being extremely empathetic to her clients. She frequently donates her time, talent, and treasure to the community, and cares so much for others. I am so lucky to call her my mom!

What makes you feel empowered as a woman?

Constantly learning makes me feel empowered. Whether is formal education, researching current events, or getting out in the community and listening to the stories of others, knowledge is power.

Favorite Quote:

“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” Alice Walker

D’ASIA FEASTER

Who is the most influential woman in your life?

My mom, Devonne, is a powerful and dynamic woman. I am who I am because of her love, dedication, and prayers. 

What makes you feel empowered as a woman?

Sisterhood, women genuinely supporting and loving each other makes me feel empowered. 

Favorite Quote:

I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept. Angela Y. Davis

SHANTEA MURPHY

Who is the most influential woman in your life and why?

My Mother is the most influential woman in my life, because she is constantly pursuing information in a strategic and educational way. Her pursuit of knowledge and willingness to share that knowledge is inspirational, uplifting, and selfless.  She is a phenomenal woman of virtue, esteem, and most of all agape LOVE for people.

What makes you feel empowered as a woman?

Compassion and empathy for others makes me feel empowered. I enjoy connecting, creating, and building with people who are in pursuit of similar goals, missions, and/or opportunities.

Favorite Quote:

“A woman is the FULL Circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture, and transform.” Diane Mariechild

JANICE HANNIGAN

Who is the most influential woman in your life and why?

My Mother- she gives so much of herself to others in such a gentle, reassuring way.  While my father traveled for work, she raised seven children, became a U.S. Citizen and mastered the English language – all while working a full time job.  She is amazing!

What makes you feel empowered as a woman?

Connecting with others on a deep level makes me feel empowered. When people feel heard and understood, they also feel valued – this is very powerful!

Favorite Quote:

“A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up new trees.” Amelia Earhart

KENDRA GREEN

Who is the most influential woman in your life and why?

The most influential woman in my life is my mother, Mary Ann Duberry Byas.  My mother lost her mother at the age of 19.  She was one year into her marriage and 8 months pregnant with her first child, me.  She took the lessons learned from her mother and older sister and used that to make her way through life.  Her faith was so strong and such a driving force that nothing was off limits for her.  If she thought it, she did it and accomplished it. She, along with my father, raised her daughters to have that same drive to succeed in all that we do. March 11 made 17 years since she has been gone from this earth, but still to this day, she is and will always be the most influential woman in my life.

What makes you feel empowered as a woman?

I feel empowered as a woman when I am learning from successful women and when I can pour into other women.

Favorite Quote:

“Deal with yourself as an individual worthy of respect and make everyone else deal with you the same way.”  Nikki Giovanni