"Americans are not generous because we are rich; we are rich because of our generosity to one another." International author and scholar Dr. Claire Gaudiani offered the keynote address to a gathering of 120 women and men at United Way Women’s Initiative Breakfast, April 26, at The New Haven Lawn Club.

Maria Arnold, Vice President of Development for United Way, welcomed attendees and applauded the female leaders in the room -- women who not only want to see positive change in their community, but who also want to help create it. Since last summer, some of the community’s most caring women have come together to form United Way's Women's Initiative, bringing compassion and resources in support of United Way's work in education, financial stability, and health. As their premier project, the Women's Initiative purchased a Food Truck to serve nutritious meals to underserved children in New Haven.

In her keynote address, Gaudiani explained the significant role women have played in strengthening our communities throughout history. Through passion, humor, and stories from her new book Daughters of the Declaration: How Women Social Entrepreneurs Built the American Dream, she left little room for doubt that women created the social profit sector and built the American dream. "It takes women who see a problem to make a difference," Gaudiani said, as she admired the power of the women gathered, specifically those who championed the success of the Food Truck.

Linda Masci, who chairs the Women’s Initiative, expressed her gratitude to all members and welcomed new ones. Currently, 32 women have stepped up to support the Initiative with financial contributions. An additional 100 women have gotten involved through volunteer opportunities and other events.  Diane Turner, who chairs the board of United Way, concluded the Breakfast with an invitation for more women to take action by joining the movement. 

We invite you to join us for wine & cheese on May 16th. Recapture your energy for action, continue the conversation, share your "BHAG" (Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal), and tell us whose story in Daughters of the Declaration inspires you to overcome the status quo.

Sponsoring the Breakfast were: Covidien, The Junior League of Greater New Haven, and Quinnipiac Bank & Trust Company. You can view photos from the event here.