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Home page link and logo graphic for Women's Leadership Council, Austin, TX
Become a Member | Executive Committee | Upcoming Events | Flagship Initiative    

Banner graphic for Women's Leadership Council, Austin, TX

WLC is committed to creating a powerful female driven philanthropic force in Central Texas
through support of the United Way Capital Area Community Impact Model.


Women's Leadership Council Member Profile:
Micah Semmelmann


How did you find out about WLC?
Jennifer Foster brought me with her to show me the impact and ties that this great group of women had on the community. I was hooked almost instantly.

Why did you join WLC?
I was mentored and encouraged to create a network of diverse women with ties to the community in which I live. The WLC presented a great opportunity to engage with the community and create a strong network of women that had a heart for service focusing on one of my passions- children.

What was your favorite WLC event?
The presentation in which the ladies of the WLC from Iowa came and gave an in-depth outline of their SB6 program. The research was so compelling I decided to join the WLC that day and began my journey to give back and learn amazing lessons in the process.

What impact do you hope to make on the Austin community?
I hope to make a positive impact that helps change the lives of children for the better that is sustainable and repeatable for those engaged.

Click here to read more...

Why I joined the Women's Leadership Council


“Being a leadership giver is most important to me because I can have a part in making a real difference in someone’s future. I’m investing in people that need help, just like someone did in me. I wonder where I’d be today if no one had reached out to make a difference in my life.”

Teresa Amador, Texas Mutual



Make an Impact Today


WLC is always looking for women who want to be engaged in their community.
We have several committees that need your help!

  • Executive Committee
    Plans and Steers the direction of WLC and advocates for WLC in the community.
  • Events Committee
    Planning, coordinating, and implementing WLC events
  • Membership Committee
    Engaging past and present WLC members through direct mail, phone calls, and personal relationships
  • Communications Committee
    Creates WLC communications for print and online communications
  • Special Projects Committee (as needed)
    Serves on planning committee for special advocacy and legislative projects

Ready to make a difference and get involved?
Call Alix at 512.225.0371 or write at alix.floyd@unitedwaycapitalarea.org

Click here to become a Women's Leadership Council member.




Women's Leadership Council:
Moving the Needle in Education


United Way Capital Area’s Success By 6 and Women’s Leadership Council Host Professional Development Series for Early Childhood Education Professionals
On a March morning, the conference room of United Way Capital Area (UWCA) fills with degreed teachers from child care centers all over the Austin area. The room is bursting at the seams with 31 committed, bright professionals enjoying coffee, breakfast tacos, and professional camaraderie. They are eager to soak up knowledge to serve this community’s children and families better. United Way Capital Area’s Success By 6 (SB6) program and the Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) are giving these teachers that opportunity.


The first in a series, the Leadership Seminar presented by UWCA SB6 and WLC, “Advanced Leadership Training: Early Math Concepts”, featured Brian Mowry, Independent Math Education Consultant and Part-Time PreK Instructional Specialist for Austin Independent School District. Brian provided hands-on activities and practical lessons for teachers to take back to the classroom.

Click here to read more.

How far do WLC dollars go?


Just a $23 per week* contribution will improve your community:
  • 368 reading books for vulnerable children who attend Play and Learn groups hosted by United Way Success By 6
  • 120 weeks of parenting classes and group support that improve family relationships
  • 460 caregivers trained in positive guidance for troubled children in workshops hosted by United Way Success By 6
  • 143 days of a safe, positive after-school or summer day camp program for a child

* Approximate weekly contribution is based on WLC qualifying membership gift of $1200/year.
Click here to become a Women's Leadership Council member.



Flagship Initiative: PAVE the Way


The PAVE (Providing A Value-add to Early education) the Way Initiative encompasses multiple, core United Way strategies which support child care quality for vulnerable families. The initiative specifically targets the needs of parents for whom affordable, high-quality child care presents a barrier to employment or job training. The initiative rewards centers that are already delivering quality programming and supports centers that are actively pursuing quality improvements.

PAVE the Way Volunteer Opportunities for WLC Members

  • Review of funding proposals for these services
    (Spring or Summer 2010).
  • Participation in child care facilities improvement projects.
  • Provision of refreshments during the Leadership seminars.
  • Teach Leadership Seminars for degreed early childhood professionals

Click here to learn more about the PAVE the Way Initiative.

Letter from Peg...


Dear current and prospective WLC members,
The Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) has provided me the opportunity to give back to our community by helping improve the well-being of our most vulnerable children. Being a grandmother of 5 wonderful girls under the age of 6, I can appreciate how important the early years are in establishing a lasting foundation for learning.

The WLC PAVE (Providing A Value-add to Early education) -the-Way initiative provides an opportunity to have an impact through volunteer activities, advocacy and your dollars. It offers many opportunities to give back, depending on your particular interests, talents and time.

I hope that you will consider joining WLC and help make a difference to our children in Central Texas.

- Peg Hart, 2010 chair, Women's Leadership Council.



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