“Women are going to form a chain, a greater sisterhood than the world has ever known.”
This quote was ascribed to Canadian author and activist, Nellie L. McClung (1873-1951), who is also credited with the astute admonition to “never underestimate the power of a woman.” Her observations were prescient: Harness the collective skills, passion and energies of women, and anything is possible.
Such is clearly the case in Washington County, where a trio of nonprofit organizations has been making a difference for decades. This month St. George City Lifestyle is proud to salute this cadre of changemakers.
American Association of University Women (AAUW)
Advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy and education
Stop by any monthly meeting of AAUW’s St. George Branch, and the energy is palpable. Since 1981, the group has created programs for the community that empower women and girls. These include scholarships; mentoring by business leaders; the WorkSmart initiative, which combats the gender pay disparity by training women to negotiate for salaries; public policy, which advances gender equity through education, research and advocacy; and eSmart summer camps, where seventh-grade girls are immersed in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
At any one time, the Branch juggles a host of programs, including quarterly Social Nights, a book group, the Sisters for Seniors gifting program—which sees members distributing gifts for women in long-term care facilities on Christmas and Mother’s Day—and others.
The organization’s recent “Get Lucky” fundraiser, its biggest annual event, brought in $10,000 for scholarships. Given that many of AAUW’s members, including Board Executive, Mikki Madden, are current or former educators, equipping young women with the knowledge and skills needed to become tomorrow’s leaders is a cause that’s meaningful to all.
Says Mikki, “AAUW St George is mission focused and committed to our community impact. Our monthly luncheons, socials, and fundraising efforts for our scholarship program, mentoring program, and eSMART summer camp are ways we give back to our blended communities, and the people who live here in beautiful southern Utah.”
Women’s Influence Network (WIN)
Connecting agents of positive change
Are you a WINfluencer? If you’re taking action to cultivate and amplify women’s influence—or hope to—then WIN would love to welcome you as a member.
The group’s home base at Atwood Innovation Plaza is the ideal environment for WIN: Both nurture creativity and connections. Indeed, Founder, Shirlayne Quayle, a social innovator, entrepreneur, leadership coach and podcaster, launched WIN on International Women’s Day in 2021 with “a belief in the power of women's connection and creativity to shape communities and transform lives.”
“Our organization is dedicated to connecting agents of positive change, amplifying women’s influence and shaping a more inclusive and empowered world,” says Victoria Carlton, WIN’s new board chair. “Through collaboration, mentorship and meaningful conversations, we strive to create opportunities where every woman’s voice is heard, valued, and celebrated.”
At monthly events, guest speakers share on a myriad of topics, ranging from business to community engagement, safety and health. Connections are the top priority. Additionally, for the past eight years WIN has presented the “Ignite Your Influence” conference, a day-long collaborative event that empowers women in our community and raises funds to support educational opportunities that build leaders across southern Utah. The highlight of the conference is the presentation of the Ignite Awards, given to local leaders who exemplify WIN’s vision.
Says Shirlayne: “Our mission is simple yet powerful: To cultivate and amplify women’s influence to shape a vibrant community. We embrace Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s definition of power—the ability to affect change with purpose—and believe that true impact comes from lifting others while stepping into our own strength.”
Southern Utah Ladies Society (SULS)
Supporting nonprofits, one event at a time
In 2020, Wendy Moore had a vision. With a small group of friends, she wished to give back to the community, have fun while doing it, and invite others to share in the experience. A few months later, Wendy and her team were granted nonprofit status. In the ensuing years, SULS has presented a flurry of events and programs helping to fund various worthy causes.
From a “Bunco for BACA” tournament raising money for Bikers Against Child Abuse, to a dinner and trivia contest bringing in the bucks for veterans, SULS’s model is as creative as it is effective: Members are encouraged to bring fundraising ideas to their Board, which in turn authenticates the organization seeking support. Once the idea and the group receive the green light, a committee is formed to plan, organize and implement the event, with all net proceeds returned directly to the selected cause. The sole caveat: Any charity receiving SULS’s help must also be a 501(c) (3).
“We try to stay local and raise funds for ‘smaller’ charities that aren’t as well supported as some of the more well-known ones,” says SULS Board President, Elizabeth Groves. “Ideas for recipients come from our members’ involvement in the community in various ways. Since our first fundraiser in 2021, we’ve donated over $123,000 to local nonprofits.”
SULS also participates in monthly “helping hands” projects, which see members donating hours to various charities; donation drives are also on the agenda a few times annually. SULS’s next event will be a May 31 fashion show benefiting RSQ animal rescue, featuring fashions from MINA Boutique.
“There are a lot of ways to give back,” Elizabeth notes.
American Association of University Women (AAUW): For membership and donation details, visit aauwstg.org or call 435.525.2979.
Women's Influence Network (WIN): For resources, events and memberships, visit womensinfluencenetwork.org or call 435.633.1369.
Southern Utah Ladies Society (SULS): For upcoming events and membership information, contact SULS at southernutahladiessociety.com or call 435.767.1235.