Tuesday at the Hyatt Regency, nearly 700 women throughout the metro Denver community joined together for the 2008 Annual Women’s Leadership Luncheon.  

Women are a powerful force in philanthropy.  Mile High United Way’s Women’s Leadership donors gave over $8 million dollars last year alone, impacting the lives of thousands of people.

“As women, there is something powerful that happens when we come together to speak up and work together on behalf of other women,” said Mile High United Way president and CEO Christine Benero. “One half of all single mothers in Colorado do not have enough income to afford even the most basic living expenses. We also know that 60 percent of Mile High United Way recipients are women and girls and in August of this year, 80 percent of callers to United Way’s 2-1-1 were women. We have an opportunity to make a difference.”

At the Luncheon, Mavis Leno delivered the keynote address. Leno is the chair of the Feminist Majority Foundation’s Campaign to help Afghan Women and Girls, and has been the United States’ most outspoken critic of the Taliban’s horrific treatment of women.  Mavis is the wife of late-night talk show king Jay Leno.

Leno addressed the crowd with a moving account of how she was a catalyst for change in making women’s rights in Afghanistan non-negotiable before 9/11.   She also encouraged women to seek out their own individual cause to fight for.

“Activism is the greatest gift you can give yourself,” said Leno. “The biggest misconception is that one person can’t change the world.  In my experience, it’s the exact opposite that is true. You don’t have to have a lot of money; all you need is a voice and inner drive to change things.”

An anonymous gift of $1,104 was made in Mavis Leno’s name directly after her keynote address.

Susan Kiely received the 2008 Frances Wisebart Jacobs Award. The Award is given annually to the woman who has the greatest impact on the community and women’s philanthropy through Mile High United Way.

Click here to view a Mavis Leno media interview.

Mile High United Way’s Women’s Leadership is an opportunity to share a common thread, network and work together to accomplish more than one woman can do alone. We invite you to get involved. Please click here for more information.