More than 400 women expected for breakfast fundraiser that intends to up-skill child care workers and increase families’ access to quality child care.
DETROIT — March 7, 2019 — United Way for Southeastern Michigan affinity group Women United in conjunction with DTE Energy, to host 3rd Annual Women of Influence Summit. A powerful lineup of women including United Way President and CEO Dr. Darienne Driver; DTE Vice President of Public Affairs and event Co-chair Nancy Moody; United Way Board Member Leslie Murphy; and DTE Foundation Manager Dana Williams will be in attendance. JoAnn Chavez, DTE vice president, legal and chief tax officer will give the keynote address. The summit will also feature an informative fireside chat with Joan Budden, president and CEO, Priority Health; Denise Dorsz, executive director, Leaps and Bounds Family Services; Dr. Rita Fields, chief executive officer, 313 Industries and Copper Phoenix Consulting, LLC; and Sommer Woods, M-1 Rail vice president of external relations and marketing. The fireside chat will be hosted by Lauren Sanders, media expert and former WDIV anchor. This year’s Women of Influence Summit aims to increase the number of certified child care workers and families’ access to quality childcare providers. The SOLD-OUT event takes place on International Women’s Day, Friday, March 8 from 7 to 10 a.m. at DTE, located at 1 Energy Plaza in Detroit.
Women United is comprised of individuals dedicated to expanding awareness and raising funds to support United Ways’ early childhood initiative. The organization’s early childhood work provides a variety of tools and resources to childcare givers and parents. The overall goal is to ensure children are prepared to enter kindergarten and that literacy supports are accessible to young children.
Quality is a key driver for kindergarten readiness and Head Start now requires teacher assistants and aides to have a CDA at minimum. Moreover, children who experience high-quality care are more likely to be employed, be in stable relationships and enjoy better health as adults.
In addition to help child care workers secure credentialing to help them increase their earnings, the funds will also allow United Way to leverage resources from the TEACH scholarship program, Great Start to Quality, Detroit Regional Workforce Fund and others. CDA training will be provide to upwards of 83 child care workers at a cost of nearly $1,600 per person.
For more information about United Way for Southeastern Michigan visit UnitedWaySEM.org.
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About United Way for Southeastern Michigan
United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through volunteerism, advocacy and its annual campaign. United Way is a leader in convening partners to achieve positive outcomes around Health, Education, and Economic Prosperity. For more information, visit www.UnitedWaySEM.org.