Women United Lunch Inspires, Empowers, Transforms
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director
My focus was on driving to the Women United lunch, that I almost missed the song, the words – “this is my story, this is my song”, playing in the car. For days, my heart had been solidly listening to the Woman of Courage story, her story, her song. I heard the words and instantly knew the day would be one to remember.
The 8th annual Women United lunch hosted by the United Way of Charlotte County (UWCC) took place this week after months of meticulous planning led by Jill Swan, the
Family Empowerment Director, and her dedicated committee. The event showcased the announcement of the Woman of Courage and Woman of Distinction, with their intersecting lives and inspiring stories shared among a room full of compassionate women.
In tradition, our Woman of Courage tells her story, the real story, not often told, the one that rests within the protected walls of her heart, clamoring to be expressed and needing to be heard. Hearing this story each year is intended to be a cathartic “hear me roar” moment for the woman of courage, reframing their trauma to a charge for the future. But it is also intended to spur action among those who hear the story.
By offering permission to do this, the challenges overcome, and pathway to dreams realized, the story becomes a song, never to be forgotten or lost. As Brianne Edmundson shared her journey with trauma and addiction, she claimed, “This didn't just start with me. Most of the time it doesn't start with us as children. In the beginning, as toddlers, we don't know what's right and wrong, or who's black and white, what's bad and good, or even what manners are. It's our parents or our caretakers that are supposed to teach us love and everything we know…. Unfortunately, a lot of us don't get to learn that stuff.”
Every single person attending the lunch honored her with their listening ear. We listened for the walking angels and the missed opportunities, of which there were many. As Brianne spoke, tears were wiped away in response to this strong and determined woman who has broken through unspeakable barriers, yet when spoken by her, she was claiming power over her future.
Just as the room didn’t know what to do with their emotions after hearing from Brianne Edmundson the 2024 Woman of Courage, the announcement for the 2024 Woman of Distinction was to be announced. Working in our community quietly, diligently, not seeking attention or limelight, Kelly J. Evans of Smugglers Enterprises & Foundation was recognized for her years of commitment and investment to not only the staff she employs but to the many philanthropic investments of the Foundation.
Kelly was also scheduled as the keynote speaker and she actually did not know she would be receiving the award. Her keynote message at the lunch, left each of us hungry for what makes this big-hearted woman tick, captivated us with her compassion, lived experience, and her love for our community.
At its core, the people are her passion. Her family, her children, the employees whose stories are real to her, the community that has generations of history – this inspires her and keeps her doing what she does.
Kelly’s charge to the women in attendance, cannot be understated, “We have used our voices, our talents, and our dollars to 
propel change forward, but we cannot be satisfied with our current successes. Some of us, through our circumstances are in a better position to navigate the challenges of not only life, but of being a woman, a caregiver, and breadwinner. When we see those around us clearly and hear their dreams, our only action should be to ask --- how can I help? The answers are right here, inside us. Every single one of us has something to offer --- out of the abundance of our blessings.”
Before each event, our staff prays for a meaningful impact on our community, hoping that our gatherings carry purpose as we share our story. We seek to inspire, empower, and transform through the story that is our song – a timeless melody for all to hear. Gratitude is extended to every woman contributing to our special Women United group. If you would like to join us in our journey to help others, simply visit unitedwayccfl.org/women-united
For more information about United Way of Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.