Women United Global Leadership Council Welcomes New Chair Kimberly Smith

July 08, 2021, Alexandria, Va. Today, United Way Worldwide announced Kimberly Smith as the new Chair of the Women United® Global Leadership Council. As Chair, Smith will lead a Council of more than a dozen female philanthropists and volunteers who provide strategic guidance to United Way Worldwide in engaging Women United members and helping to grow the global group of more than 70,000. 

Smith, who succeeds Michelle Branch as Chair, has worked with Women United for more than two decades in her home market of Denver, CO, most recently serving as Chair of the Mile High United Way Women United Leadership Group.  Women United Global Leadership Council member Cathy McRae, based in New Orleans, LA, succeeds Smith as Vice-Chair.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kimberly Smith as our new Chair,” said Suzanne McCormick, United Way Worldwide U.S. President and Women United Executive Sponsor. “Kimberly’s leadership at Mile High United Way is admirable. She brings her dedication to our mission and passion for our cause to her new role as Chair.”

Smith has been involved with United Way since she was a young child. Her mother was active with the United Way of Cayuga County as a volunteer for many years and ultimately serving as their Executive Director from 2006 to 2010. Smith takes over as Chair at a critical time for the Council who have faced many challenges related to the pandemic and have taken on an aggressive agenda in support of their signature issue, gender equity.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Women United, an organization I am passionate about and I am also deeply grateful for Michelle Branch’s many years of service,” said Kimberly Smith, Chair, Women United Global Leadership Council. “United Way has built a vibrant, diverse community of women leaders who leverage their time, talent and resources to improve lives in the communities that we serve. I look forward to continuing this work and welcoming more women to join us.”

The Women United Global Leadership Council is working to advance gender equity and empower every woman and girl to reach their full potential. With a membership of over 70,000 women in almost 200 communities, Women United leaders are spotlighting the challenges faced by women and taking action – through charitable giving, volunteering, or advocacy – in the fight for gender equity.

For more information about Women United and the Women United Global Leadership Council visit www.womenunited.org.  

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About United Way
United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. With global reach and local impact, we’re making life better for 48 million people annually. United Way is the world's largest privately funded nonprofit, working in 95% of U.S. communities and 40 countries and territories. That’s why we’re the mission of choice for 2.5 million volunteers, 7.7 million donors and 45,000 corporate partners. In the wake of COVID-19, we’re helping people stay in their homes, stock their pantries, and protect their lives and livelihoods. And we’re working to build resilient, equitable communities. Learn more at UnitedWay.org. Follow us: @United Way and #LiveUnited.