Pathways to Philanthropic Leadership
A guided journey amplifying your power to drive positive change

Since 2019, Women United has proudly offered a unique and dynamic program for women interested in exploring their passions and next steps in philanthropic leadership, increasing their involvement in causes they care, about and growing their ability to make a direct impact in the community.
Pathways to Philanthropic Leadership* is a nine-month program that pairs participants with established and well-connected local philanthropists who are members of the Women United – Tocqueville Society at United Way of Central Maryland.
Throughout the year, participants define their philanthropic interests, identify their skills and talents that might benefit a philanthropic organization, learn more about the work of United Way, and acquire a greater understanding of philanthropic leadership roles.
Now in its fourth year, we are pleased to announce we are accepting applications until May 31, 2025, for the next cohort that begins in September of this year.
What do participants get out of the program?
Previous participants have expressed their deep appreciation for the program and its profound impact on their philanthropic journey, expanding their definition of philanthropy and discovering more about their intentions and interests.
- Increased their level of giving to non-profits
- Involvement in causes they care about
- Develop close relationships with fellow participants, mentors and program leaders
- Meet some of our region’s most generous, engaged, leading female philanthropists.
Here are answers to a few questions you may have about the Pathways program:
What are the 3 components of the program?
- Group meetings and in-person site visits: Participants meet as a group nine times throughout the year to learn more about philanthropy, gain exposure to opportunities for service and financial giving, and hear from and network with other established female philanthropists.
- 1:1 meetings with a mentor: Participants will meet with their dedicated mentor at least three times throughout the year at mutually convenient times. Our mentors and mentees often want to meet more frequently than this, which is highly encouraged! Additionally, we take great pride in finding the best matches through an introductory ‘speed dating’ session at our first meeting.
Once assigned, mentors guide each participant on a personalized journey to discover options for expanding their philanthropy, tapping into areas of need that resonate for each participant, as well as their experience, interests, and skills. Mentors establish important connections for participants, invite them to various events, and expand their knowledge of opportunities for involvement in the region.
- Year-end summary: Working with their mentor, each participant shares their learnings and next steps of their philanthropic journey with other cohort members at the program’s conclusion, providing a high-level overview through a 5 to 10-minute presentation.
Am I eligible to participate? Who is an ideal participant?
Pathways is open to all current members of Women United or any woman who donates at least $1,000 annually to United Way of Central Maryland. If you are not a current member and would like to be considered for the Pathways program, this is an excellent opportunity to join us! Click here for more information about Women United, and contact Joanna Woodson if you are interested.
While many mentorship programs are ideally suited for younger women seeking to grow their leadership skills, this is not solely the case here! Previous Pathways participants reflect a wide range of experiences, ages, and backgrounds. Several participants have reached a key milestone in their career or life that now allows them the freedom to explore how to get more deeply involved in the community – and in causes they care about. From younger women to empty nesters to more mature women who have recently retired, if you are interested in taking your philanthropy to the next level, YOU are an ideal participant!
A quick note on requirements: We ask that you actively participate in all aspects of the program. The schedule for all group meetings and field trips will be shared before the program starts in September. One-to-one meetings with your mentors are scheduled at mutually agreeable times and locations.
What is the timing? What happens next?
The next cohort will start in September 2025, with a monthly cadence of in-person meetings at various regional locations, ending in May 2026. We are now accepting applications for participants. Click here to email Joanna Woodson with your interest and questions, and one of our incredible Women United leaders will follow up to share the next steps and send an application.
*Pathways to Philanthropic Leadership [Pathways] is formerly known as the Women’s Philanthropic Leadership Development [WPLD] Program