ANN ARBOR, MI — March 26, 2025 – United Way for Southeastern Michigan is proud to announce that Dr. Rose B. Bellanca, Ed.D., president of Washtenaw Community College (WCC), has been selected as the 2025 Woman of the Year. Dr. Bellanca will be honored at the annual Power of the Purse event on April 16, 2025, at the Morris Lawrence Building on the campus of Washtenaw Community College from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Dr. Bellanca was chosen by the Power of the Purse committee for her unwavering dedication to education, workforce development, and community enrichment. As a transformational leader in higher education, she has made significant contributions to expanding educational opportunities, fostering economic mobility, and enhancing partnerships between WCC and the broader community.
“I am truly honored to receive this recognition from United Way,” said Dr. Bellanca. “Helping students and the local workforce thrive through education and community collaboration has been a lifelong passion. It means so much to be part of a mission that makes a real difference, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to support the success and well-being of our community and beyond.”
Dr. Darienne Hudson, president and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan, praised Bellanca’s impact, stating, “Dr. Bellanca’s leadership and dedication to education have transformed countless lives in Washtenaw County and beyond. She exemplifies what it means to be a changemaker—someone who not only envisions a better future but actively builds it. Her unwavering commitment to student success and workforce development makes her a truly deserving recipient of this year’s Woman of the Year award.”
As the first female president of WCC, Dr. Bellanca has led initiatives to expand access to quality education, promote student success, and build strong relationships with business and community partners to create innovative workforce training programs. Under her leadership, WCC improves the lives of students by preparing them for high-wage, high-demand jobs or successful transfer to advance their education and generates an estimated annual $525 million economic impact on the region.
Women United, a national United Way initiative with more than 55,000 members in 137 communities, is dedicated to supporting women’s empowerment and self-sufficiency. Locally, Women United has granted more than $400,000 through the Power of the Purse event, funding programs that help women achieve success in education, career, and community leadership.
The Woman of the Year award was established in 2009 as an initiative of United Way of Washtenaw County and continues following the organization’s merger with United Way for Southeastern Michigan. Past honorees include Alfreda Rooks, Kathy Sample, Jimena Loveluck, Eileen Spring, Molly Dobson, Dr. Lori Pierce, Cecilia Fileti, Cynthia Wilbanks, Verna McDaniel, Beth Fitzsimmons, Martha Darling, Pat Warner, Denise Rabidoux, and Lucy Ann Lance. The 2025 Power of the Purse event will be chaired by Lynette Findley.
For more information about Power of the Purse and Women United, please visit UnitedWaySEM.org.
About United Way for Southeastern Michigan
United Way for Southeastern Michigan, a member of the United Way Worldwide network and an independently governed 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to helping households achieve stability and ensuring that children have the resources they need to thrive. For over 100 years, United Way has been a leader in creating positive, measurable, and sustainable change in communities throughout Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties The organization collaborates with donors, agencies, corporations, and municipal partners to support essential services such as housing, food security, healthcare, and education. To give, advocate, volunteer, or learn more, visit UnitedWaySEM.org.
MEDIA CONTACT: Jerome Espy for United Way, jerome.espy@liveunitedsem.org, 248-417-9567 (mobile)