Women Empowering Women Initiative

United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region's Women Empowering Women Initiative is a comprehensive program designed to guide women in crisis toward sustainable financial independence. Through a powerful combination of education, mentorship and vital resource connections, this initiative provides a clear pathway to stability and self-sufficiency.

Participants will be matched with experienced mentors who will offer personalized guidance, support and encouragement as they navigate their journey. Concurrently, the program will facilitate critical connections to educational opportunities, job training programs, and direct employment pathways, ensuring women have the tools and support needed to achieve their financial goals and build brighter futures for themselves and their families.

We are committed to supporting women through our initiatives with an unwavering focus on their future success, ensuring a non-judgmental environment.

Why is this critical?

• While women comprise a significant portion of the workforce, their representation in leadership roles still lags. Nationally, even in top-performing companies, women make up on average only 23% of high-potential pools being developed for higher-level roles. (DDI Global Leadership Forecast, 2023)
• In New York State, despite women now receiving more than half of all bachelor's and post-college professional degrees, the median earnings for women aged 25 and over with a bachelor's degree were $65,343 in 2023, compared to $83,929 for men, a clear indicator of persistent wage gaps, even at higher educational levels. (New York State Comptroller, Women and Persistent Pay Gaps in New York, 2025)
• The wage gap extends to leadership positions: among managers in New York, women earn about 87 cents on the dollar compared to men. (New York State Comptroller, 2025)
• Women leaders are less likely to receive formal mentorship or leadership skills training compared to their male counterparts, with studies showing women are 12% less likely to receive leadership skills training and 15% less likely to be assessed for leadership insights. (DDI Global Leadership Forecast, 2023)

These statistics underscore the persistent need for targeted programs that equip women with the skills and confidence to break through barriers and achieve their professional aspirations.

Female mentorship is a powerful catalyst for women's success in the workforce, ultimately creating more diverse and inclusive workplaces.

Elevate Women Through Leadership Development: The Annual Elevate Conference

At United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region, we understand that empowering women to thrive extends to their professional journeys. That's why a core pillar of Women United's work is dedicated to leadership development, ensuring women in our community have the tools, confidence, and network to excel in their careers. Our flagship initiative in this area is the annual Elevate Conference.

The Elevate Conference is designed to be a catalyst for professional growth, specifically tailored to help women confidently ascend in their careers. Through dynamic workshops, inspiring keynote speakers, and invaluable networking opportunities, we address the unique challenges and opportunities women often face in the workplace.

What you can expect from the Elevate Conference:

• Mentorship and Networking: Connect with established professionals and peers, building a supportive network that can open doors and provide guidance.
• Confidence Building: Address common challenges like imposter syndrome and self-doubt, empowering attendees to recognize their strengths and assert their value.
• Career Strategy: Learn how to strategically plan for career advancement, identify opportunities, and advocate for themselves effectively.

By investing in women's leadership development through the Elevate Conference, Women United is not only empowering individual women but also strengthening the economic vitality and leadership landscape of the Dutchess-Orange Region. When women are confidently leading, they drive innovation, foster inclusive work environments, and contribute to the overall prosperity of our entire community.

Stay tuned for details on our next Elevate Conference in June 2026 and join us in championing the ascent of women leaders!

Building Workforce Skills and Economic Independence Through Funded Programs

Beyond leadership development, Women United is deeply committed to ensuring women in the Dutchess-Orange Region have the foundational skills and support necessary to achieve true economic independence. We recognize that a strong workforce is vital for a thriving community and empowering women with essential career development resources directly contributed to this goal.

Through strategic partnerships and targeted funding, Women United invests in a programs that provide direct pathways to employment, skill-building and self-sufficiency for women facing various barriers. These initiatives are designed to:

• Equip women with in-demand workforce skills: From digital literacy and computer proficiency to specialized vocational training, we support programs that teach the practical skills employers are looking for.
• Provide career coaching and job placement assistance: We help women navigate the job market, from resume writing and interview preparation to connecting them directly with employment opportunities.
• Address barriers to employment: We understand that childcare, transportation and access to supportive services can be significant hurdles. Our funded programs often include or connect women to resources that help overcome these challenges, ensuring they can fully participate in training and employment.
• Foster financial literacy and stability: Economic independence isn’t just about earning a paycheck; it’s about managing finances effectively. We support programs that teach budgeting, saving and financial planning, empowering women to build long-term security.

By investing in these critical career development programs, Women United is directly addressing systemic barriers and equipping women with the practical skills and confidence needed to secure living-wage jobs, contribute to our local economy, and build resilient, independent lives for themselves and their families. This commitment to tangible skills and direct pathways to employment is a cornerstone of our mission to empower women to thrive in the Dutchess-Orange Region.

Crisis Response & Emergency Financial Support: A Lifeline for Survivors

For victims and survivors of intimate partner violence and abuse, the immediate aftermath of seeking safety can be fraught with immense financial instability and overwhelming practical needs. At Women United of the Dutchess-Orange Region, we understand that escaping abuse is often just the first step and sustainable freedom requires a robust safety net. That's why we partner with local organizations to provide critical crisis response and emergency financial assistance, aiming to minimize the devastating impact of intimate partner victimization and abuse.

The Reality of Financial Abuse at its Impact:

Intimate partner violence is not solely physical; its frequently includes economic abuse, a pervasive tactic abusers use to gain and maintain control. This can involve:

• Controlling access to money, bank accounts, or credit cards.
• Preventing a partner from working or sabotaging their employment.
• Accumulating debt in a survivor's name
• Stealing money or assets.

These tactics leave survivors in precarious financial situations, making it incredibly difficult to leave or remain safe after leaving. Recognizing these severe financial barriers, Women United strategically funds and collaborates with organizations that offer immediate and compassionate intervention. Our support helps provide:

• Emergency Financial Assistance: This can cover urgent needs like temporary shelter, security deposits for safe housing, utility payments, essential food, transportation (e.g., gas cards, bus passes) or emergency medical supplies.
• Safety Planning Resources: Connecting survivors with trained advocates who can help develop personalized safety plans, including financial safety strategies.
• Access to Basic Necessities: Ensuring survivors and their children have immediate access to food, clothing, and other critical supplies during a crisis.
• Referrals to Legal Aid and Advocacy: Guiding survivors to legal resources that can help with protective orders, divorce proceedings, or addressing financial identity theft caused by abuse.
• Connections to Long-Term Stability Programs: While providing immediate relief, we also connect survivors to our broader career development and financial literacy programs, fostering a path towards sustainable economic independence.

By offering this crucial, timely financial assistance and crisis intervention, Women United aims to reduce the immediate dangers faced by victims, empower them to break free from cycles of abuse, and lay the groundwork for a safer, more independent future. We believe that no survivor should be forced to choose between their safety and their financial well-being.