
Women United of Greater Kansas City
Our Mission: Advancing Early Childhood Education in Kansas City.
Our Vision: Through leadership philanthropy, collaboration, volunteerism, and advocacy, Women United makes a lasting impact on the education of young Kansas Citians, lifting our entire community.



Who We Are
Women United is a growing group of more than 350 women committed to a mission to advance early childhood education in Kansas City. This network is an extension of United Way of Greater Kansas City, and makes a lasting impact through collaboration, volunteerism, and leadership philanthropy.
“Women United provides a unique opportunity for women leaders to work together. We make a positive impact on our community’s early childhood education efforts while developing meaningful friendships to expand our personal and professional networks.”
– Vicki Westerhaus, Partner, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, LLP
Why Women United
Be a part of a network of like-minded women who contribute their personal passions, best ideas, and unique strengths to our mission.
Volunteer in our community with your family and alongside other members looking to create change.
Impact
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL) was selected as a strategic initiative and continues to receive Women United support today.
DPIL is a book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children each month from birth until they begin school around age 5, no matter their family’s income.
Over the last ten years, Women United has raised $325,000 for DPIL and served 9,217 children in the Kansas City area. This includes: 4,966 children who graduated and 4,251 active participants.



Women United 2020 Cabinet
Dana Jermain, Chair, Partner, Deloitte
Gena Fitzgerald, Vice President, Supply Chain, Children’s Mercy
Sara Goebel, Staff Civil Engineer, Burns & McDonnell
Tiffany Hentschel, Employee Relations Manager, Johnson County Government
Kim Herman, Senior Vice President, Director of Client & Community Relations. PNC Bank
Angela Hoffman, Senior Vice President of Finance, Black & Veatch
Jennifer Matney, Senior Vice President/Director of Operational Risk Management, UMB
Cassandra Meschke, Managing Director, KPMG Audit
Lauren Palmer, Director of Local Government Services, MARC
Beth Soukup, CFO, JE Dunn
Tarena Terry, Vice President, Commerce Bank
Vicki Westerhaus, Attorney, Bryan Cave
Kim White, Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of KC
Join Us
Women United membership begins with an annual gift or pledge of $2,400 or greater, with a Step-Up Plan option beginning at $1,600 annually.
For more information, contact Dionne Pleasant, Director of Philanthropic Engagement Dionne Pleasant or call (816) 559-4715.