Review & Highlights

Women United

July 22, 2025

Purdue University

A Community of Women Creating Change in Greater Lafayette

Women United is an initiative of United Way of Greater Lafayette, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health, education, and financial stability of every person in Tippecanoe County. Women United focuses specifically on bringing women together to support families and children through programs, initiatives, fundraising, and community leadership.

On July 22, a sold-out crowd of more than 80 women gathered for the 2025 Women United Summer Social – an evening designed to connect, inspire, and mobilize women around causes that matter deeply to the Greater Lafayette community. While some in the room were longtime members and advocates, many were learning about Women United for the first time. The social had a powerful message for all: when women unite with purpose, lasting change is possible.

Seeing so many passionate, purpose-driven women come together reminds me why this campaign matters: we’re not just raising funds, we’re building a stronger community together.

– Virginia Vought

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Night of Impact

80+

Women United

350+

Period Products Collected

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A Strong Purdue Presence and a Living Legacy

Among those in attendance were many women from the Purdue University community, underscoring the deep connection between the university and Greater Lafayette’s purpose-driven work.

One especially meaningful guest was Dean Betty Nelson, former Dean of Students at Purdue. Dean Nelson began her career at Purdue in the 1960s and rose to become Dean of Students in 1987, a position she held until her retirement in 1995. Throughout her tenure, she was a strong advocate for student leadership, inclusion, and access. She played a key role in developing programs that supported women and underrepresented students and left an enduring mark on the university’s culture of care and student-centered values.

Her attendance at the Women United Summer Social was both symbolic and inspiring – connecting decades of advocacy and leadership with a new generation of women eager to make their own impact in Greater Lafayette.

The history of Purdue’s female leaders is a universal story of how women can unite in a common cause to support one another as they better other women’s lives and, thus, better their community and the world. Everything is connected – to recognize this intuitively, then act upon it, is our superpower to effect change.

– Angie Klink

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Highlights from the 2025 Women United Summer Social

Held at The Arts Federation, the event featured two dynamic speakers:

  • Angie Klink, author and historian, reflected on the legacy of women’s leadership in local history and in our local community.
  • Ebony Barrett, community advocate and strategist, emphasized the importance of empathy, representation, and voice in advancing the community – and sharing one’s time, treasure, and talent.

In addition to these powerful messages, the event included a period product drive to address the often-overlooked issue of period poverty. Attendees donated more than 350 packages of period products, which will be distributed to United Way of Greater Lafayette nonprofit partners in Tippecanoe County. These essential supplies will help ensure that women and teens have access to basic hygiene products that support dignity and health.

While the Summer Social is one of Women United’s signature events, the group works throughout the year to support meaningful initiatives that uplift families and expand access to resources. Key programs include:

  • Read to Succeed
    Women United members volunteer in elementary classrooms to support early literacy development. These reading sessions help children in grades K–3 build critical skills and confidence during a pivotal period in their academic journeys.
  • Little Free Libraries
    To encourage reading at home, Women United helps install and maintain Little Free Libraries throughout Tippecanoe County. These small, public book-sharing boxes are stocked with new and gently used books for children and families to take and enjoy.
  • Goodnight Routine Boxes
    Women United also assembles and distributes bedtime kits for children in shelters and transitional housing. Each box includes books, pajamas, toothbrushes, and other comfort items to help establish healthy nighttime routines during times of family stress or instability.

These initiatives are volunteer-powered and funded through community support, demonstrating what’s possible when people come together to meet real needs with practical solutions.

It was such an incredible event, and I love growing this community and seeing the ripples. Events like these remind us that each conversation, each act of support, each new relationship creates a ripple that extends far beyond the moment. Whether we’re mentoring, volunteering, or simply showing up for one another, we’re actively shaping a stronger community. It’s inspiring to witness how Women United brings together individuals from all walks of life to lift each other up.

– Nicole McCabe, Attendee, Purdue Career Services Consultant

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What’s Next for Women United & How to Join the Movement

Building on the success of this year’s Summer Social, Women United is already planning for the months ahead. Whether you are looking to volunteer, make a financial contribution, or simply learn more, there are many ways to get involved.

Women United continues to grow because of people who believe in the power of community, and the unique ability of women to lead change from the ground up. If you’re interested in joining this network of leaders, advocates, and volunteers, visit uwlafayette.org/womenunited for more information on how to get involved, or contact Lisa Duncan, llduncan@purdue.edu.

The connections made here can lead to meaningful change in our communities.

– Lisa Duncan