When Geovette Washington first came to Pitt four years ago, she was thrilled to find a culture of strong female leadership.
“It was very appealing to me that there were a number of women leaders when I walked in the door,” said Washington, senior vice chancellor and chief legal officer, noting Kathy Humphrey, senior vice chancellor for engagement and secretary of the Board of Trustees; Patricia Beeson, then senior vice chancellor and provost; and Eva Tansky Blum, chair of the Board of Trustees among those women leaders.
“Those are really unique opportunities not just to have people who can be your mentors, but people who can be your community,” Washington said. “I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to have that, but also to be able to create that for young women who are coming up at the University and in the city.”
While working for the federal government, Washington saw its United Way campaign as an easy way to give. At Pitt, she’s found a way to become more involved and deepen her impact, and in 2018 became the University’s representative for the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s Women’s Leadership Council.
Open to all women who donate $1,000 to the United Way over the course of a calendar year, the Women’s Leadership Council gives donors access not only to exclusive networking events but also high-impact volunteer opportunities. Additionally, women who join the council can take leadership roles within the United Way to address community needs.
“I think that the impact women can have when they band together is phenomenal,” said Washington. “It’s women who use their energy, talent and passion to advocate for social change.”
Washington hopes to help foster network connections by hosting United Way guest speakers at small events that bring together different schools and departments.
“It’s when they have the one-on-one interaction with somebody who is actively involved or someone who has benefited from a program that people then start to feel the need to get involved,” she said.
There's still time to donate
The United Way Campaign website has information about how you can donate to support the Pitt campaign.
While payroll deduction is no longer available, other options include credit card, check or even by mail.
Donors can contribute to the United Way Impact Fund, through which the United Way targets funds to support the local agencies that serve populations facing the most critical current needs, or donors can instead choose from hundreds of local and regional organizations to direct their contributions toward.
The council membership’s $1,000 annual donation can be given all at once or over time, though women who wish to use payroll deduction will need to wait for next year’s campaign, when it will again be available. Additionally, the council offers two Step-Up Program plans that allow women to incrementally increase their gift over a three- or five-year period until they’ve met the $1,000 contribution. (More information about the plan options can found on online.)
Empowering young women is important to Washington. In addition to her role in the Women’s Leadership Council, Washington is also on the board of Girls Hope of Pittsburgh, an organization that provides residential education to high-achieving girls in the area who are in need.
“I wanted to find a way to impact the lives of young women of color and socioeconomically disadvantaged people,” said Washington. “The fact that I’m a lawyer and a female and a person of color means that I can be a role model for people to figure out their path in life and be encouraging and a sounding board.”
The heart of the mission of higher education is being encouraging and having an impact, and that is what Washington said she loves about her job.
“Even when you’re having a horrible day and things are crazy, I can walk out and see our students and interact with them and realize that’s why we’re here,” she said. “To make their lives better.”