Titled, Roots of Support: The Esther Patterson Doula Initiative, BirthNet’s pitch was delivered by Board Members Gérardine Georges and Tisha Graham.      

BirthNet aims to create a more equitable birth experience, promoting healthier outcomes and empowering families to thrive in their parenting journeys. BirthNet is dedicated to improving maternal and infant health outcomes by supporting marginalized communities, particularly focusing on the needs of Black and teenage mothers. BirthNet empowers families through accessible and culturally competent care, ensuring that every birthing individual has the support they need during one of life’s most transformative experiences.

To achieve this purpose, BirthNet established the Esther Patterson Doula Fund, specifically designed to provide financial support to Black doulas who assist teenage clients. Additionally, BirthNet offers education and resources to both doulas and clients, fostering a community of support and understanding.  We were honored to have Esther's husband Henry with us to celebrate her lasting legacy. 

Held Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at Brown's Revolution Hall in Troy, Power Pitch is the signature event of UWGCR's women's group, Women United. Power Pitch is more than just an event; it's a movement. The evening celebrates and recognizes organizations that are building power to dismantle harmful systems affecting women in our community. By shining a light on innovative initiatives and programs, we aim to inspire and empower women to drive positive change in the areas of education, health, financial security, and environmental resilience.

Fan Favorite Award

Congratulations to Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County (LVORC), which tonight's audience chose to receive the Sunmark Charitable Community Foundation Fan Favorite Award! LVORC will receive a $2,500 grant, courtesy of our partners at Sunmark. 

Titled Economic Empowerment Through Literacy, LVORC’s pitch was delivered by Executive Director Nancy Benz and Project Coordinator Emma Schreiner.

LVORC empowers adult learners through education, giving them the tools to shape their lives, families, and communities. By providing 188 adult women (80% of their total student population) in Albany, Rensselaer, and Schenectady Counties with the skills to read, write, and communicate effectively in English, LVORC opens doors that might otherwise remain closed.  Programs target the unique needs of women with a strong focus on immigrant and refugee women who face distinct challenges in their new communities. Initiatives like S.E.W.S. (Sewing, English, Workplace Skills) help build language fluency alongside practical skills and fostering economic independence.  

The night's third competing organization, Chasing Health, will also receive a $2,500 grant from UWGCR in recognition and support of their work and impact!    

Titled Hypertension: The Silent Killer, Chasing Health’s pitch was delivered by Director of Operations Sojourner “Jo” Brice, RN BSN. 

Chasing Health promotes awareness by going into the communities where vulnerable women reside and work. Chasing Health addresses inequities by providing accessible healthcare services where women feel valued and accepted.

The organization empowers women to take control of their heart health by providing educational knowledge, tools, and support to prevent hypertension. Women often face unique risk factors, such as hormonal changes, pregnancy-related complications, and balancing multiple responsibilities that put them at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure which is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Many women are unaware of the early signs, risk factors, and impact of hypertension on their health. Chasing Health works to ensure women recognize that hypertension can become a serious disease if not identified early.  

The Power Panel

The toughest job of the evening fell to our Power Panel. This inspiring group of women was tasked with selecting a winner from four outstanding pitches, they brought their expertise and passion to the stage, making a difficult decision look effortless.

From left to right:

• Simone A. Brooks, MBA, Healthcare Consultant & United Way GCR Board Member 
• Jennifer Cassidy, Director of Corporate Gifts, CDPHP 
• Marcella Hammer, CEO, Palette Community 
• Yvonne Clark-Rogers, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Talent, Northeast Shared Services 
• Kathleen McLean, MBA, President & CEO, The McLean Collective  

Returning for the fourth consecutive year, News10 ABC's Trishna Begam once again shone as our mistress of ceremonies. We’re grateful for Trishna’s continued support and the energy she brings, making Perfect Pitch an unforgettable event year after year. Thank you to Trishna and each member of our Power Panel! 

Congratulations to BirthNet and thank you to all who joined us and made it a night to remember!

Women United is a group of energetic, passionate, and philanthropic women empowered by UWGCR to make a true impact in our community. The members mobilize change by investing in, advocating for, and creating programs with a mission to drive equity and excellence for all women and children.  

United Way of the Greater Capital Region mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive.

True to our founding spirit, whenever there is a need in our communities, United Way is there. We bring a comprehensive approach to every challenge, actively listening and responding to local needs. Our reach across tens of thousands of communities means we can share innovations and scale impact to improve lives around the world.

From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, we’re working towards a future where every person in every community can reach their full potential.

Serving Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, and Schoharie Counties.