United Way of Greenville County celebrated the charitable impact women have made in the community at its annual Women’s Leadership’s “Women Make a Difference” luncheon. More than 700 attendees joined to recognize the group’s philanthropic efforts, both through financial contributions and volunteerism in Greenville County.

This year, United Way welcomed Garden & Gun Cofounder and CEO Rebecca Wesson Darwin as keynote speaker. Darwin spoke about her career as a successful publisher and the impact women are making in the South and beyond.

Women’s Leadership also celebrated volunteer efforts over the past year with United Way afterschool programs and OnTrack Greenville, and Women’s Leadership’s own successful “Jobs to Careers – Women Helping Women” scholarship program.

Members developed the scholarship and mentoring program in 2010 to address the need for greater financial stability for Greenville County women and their families, and to help remove the barriers preventing women from realizing their career goals. So far, the program has graduated more than 40 women in fields ranging from computer technology and business to healthcare and advanced manufacturing.

The goal of Women’s Leadership is to recognize women’s philanthropic efforts in the community and to develop leadership opportunities in civic and nonprofit organizations for professional women. Last year, 1,700 members pledged more than $2.3 million in support of United Way of Greenville County’s work to strengthen the community.

“We know there is no limit to the tremendous impact women in Greenville County can make when we step up and lead the way,” said United Way of Greenville County President and CEO Meghan Barp. “This powerful community of women reminds us every day that we truly are Stronger United.”

To become a member, or for more information on United Way Women’s Leadership and its programs, click here, or call 864.467.3551.