On April 9, over 200 Calgarians gathered at The Pioneer for United She Can: Rising Voices, Building Hope—an inspiring evening of connection and celebration hosted by the Women United chapter of United Way of Calgary and Area.
Women and girls in Calgary continue to face persistent challenges—from the wage gap to disproportionate levels of poverty. Events like United She Can shine a light on these issues and bring the community together to act.
Sponsored by TD Bank with gifts-in-kind from Designing on the Edge and PlanIt Sound, United She Can united over 200 women and allies to highlight local challenges, celebrate changemakers and inspire change. The event honoured influential female philanthropists and reminded us that hope truly is in all our hands.
An evening to remember
The energy in the room was electric, with food, drinks and entertainment from local female-identifying entrepreneurs and artists, including Town Hospitality Group, Devour Catering, Care in a Pinch and The Fretless Femmes. Guests flowed between food stations and interactive activations, including a video booth and a TD sponsored Community Connection Wall where they shared reflections on mentorship, innovation and hope.
To ensure parents and caregivers could fully participate, free on-site childcare was available–complete with parallel activities for children, creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all.
“United She Can brought together women and allies from across the corporate, social impact and government sectors to celebrate Calgary’s progress—while recognizing the continued effort needed to empower women and children every day. This is an example of what happens when women work together—we get things done.” – Danisha Bhaloo-Shivji, Manager of Engagement and Affinity Groups, United Way of Calgary and Area
The evening celebrated the collective strength of women igniting change. Emceed by Women United Co-Chairs Elizabeth Burton and Janet Drage, the program featured inspiring remarks from United Way President & CEO Karen Young, 2025 Campaign Co-Chair Linda Olsen and the unveiling of the new 2026 Women of Impact Award—a tribute to local changemakers leading the way.
“I really hope people feel inspired by what’s possible and understand that when we come together, we can change the life of one person, one family, one community, one city. Women united with their allies are unstoppable.” – Karen Young, President and CEO, United Way of Calgary and Area
United Way is committed to supporting and uplifting women and girls in our community. In 2024 alone, United Way-funded agencies–including YW Calgary, WINS, and Sagesse–supported more than 29,000 people through services ranging from financial literacy programs to domestic violence prevention workshops.
The power of Women United
Women United is a global network of more than 70,000 voices strong committed to creating equal opportunities for women and girls. Calgary’s members help support United Way-funded programs helping women overcome barriers, gain financial stability and thrive.
Membership is open to female-identifying individuals and allies who give $1,200 or more annually to United Way. Women United members are part of a network of passionate changemakers who have exclusive access to events, activities and resources that support their social impact and philanthropic journey. Become a member today!
United, we can create a better city and brighter future for all.
About United Way of Calgary and Area
United Way of Calgary and Area (United Way) is celebrating 85 years of innovation and impact. Since 1940, we have united individuals, workplaces, community partners and government to create lasting social change.
Rooted in a global movement more than a century ago, United Way has been dedicated to improving lives through the power of collective community action. We invest strategically, partner with purpose and mobilize agencies to work together and solve complex social issues like poverty and mental health. Our work and investments stay local.
Join us in shaping the future. Visit hope.uwca.ca to be part of the change. Thank you for 85 years of inspiring hope and strengthening our community.