As your local United Way, we see firsthand the needs in our community! Here in West Virginia, Women United is focused on supporting kids and families in Kanawha, Putnam, Boone, Braxton, Clay and Logan counties. We are always seeking new members to join. Our bi-monthly meetings include women from all walks of life who enjoy socializing for a cause. Get involved with Women United to make a difference in our communities.
Join us in making a meaningful difference!
Women United is a global, growing force of 70,000+ women dedicated to creating a world of opportunity for everyone.
Our group is chaired by four United Way of Central WV board members, Dr. Cynthia Persily, Ms. Bethany Ross, Mrs. Kelly Woodyard, and Mrs. Juli Hatcher Mock. “Because of our special connection to the community, women are uniquely suited to drive needed change in the places where we live, work and play, states Dr. Persily. “We see first hand the needs of our communities—from small wishes to huge asks—and we lead to meet those needs. Women United will allow us all to focus on the change that is needed today for children and their families to thrive in the future.”
Dr. Cynthia Persily
Cynthia Persily PhD, RN, FAAN, is Secretary of WV Department of Health. She previously served as Vice Chancellor of Health Sciences at the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission charged with identifying needs across the healthcare training and practice landscape. Dr. Persily’s career in WV has spanned over 29 years of service to the state and citizens. Dr. Persily spent 20 years at West Virginia University, eventually earning the rank of tenured Professor in the School of Nursing. She is active in the community in promoting health and providing leadership to a variety of initiatives and currently serves as Board Chair for United Way of Central WV. Dr. Persily has lived in Charleston for 27 years with her husband Eric and her now grown children, Allie and Aaron.
Bethany Ross
Bethany is currently Senior Corporate Communications Analyst for Highmark Health. She serves on the Board of Directors for United Way of Central, previously representing Toyota of North America. She has been a co-chair of Women United since its inception in 2020, during the pandemic, and helped guide the group through its initial online fundraiser and inaugural year.
Kelly Woodyard
Kelly Woodyard - Kelly, as Business Banking Vice President for Huntington Bank, works hard to grow our communities through economic development. She has been a valuable part of our Community Investment Committee for many years. She leads the United Way workplace campaign for Huntington Bank, resulting in an increase to their campaign even during a pandemic. Kelly most recently became a member of our Board of Directors and will serve as Treasurer during our 2022-23 fiscal year.
Juli Hatcher Mock
Juli Hatcher Mock is the president/owner of JH Records Research, Inc., established in 2005. She graduated from West Virginia University with a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in history. A native of Ripley, WV, she currently serves on the Board of Directors for United Way of Central WV, the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Counsel, and a member of Public Record Retriever Network. She is a lifetime member of the WVU Alumni Association. Juli was recognized as one of the State Journal’s 2014 Class of Generation Next: 40 under 40. She resides in Charleston, WV, with her husband, D.F. Mock, and their two daughters, Haydon and Harper.