An interview with our Women United Committee Co-Chairs

Women United is a network of local women dedicated to driving change in Niagara through philanthropy and volunteerism.

Members focus on improving the lives of women and children by supporting programs that address poverty, education, and health. The 2025 Women United Co-Chairs are Sandy Howe and Nancy Francis.

Sandy Howe is currently the Director of Enrolment Supports at Brock University and Nancy Francis is a retired university professor, formerly at Brock University.

What inspired you to step into the role of co-chair for the Women United Committee? 

SH: I’ve always loved being involved in the community and feel particularly passionate about the amazing work United Way Niagara does serving 1 in 5 in need across Niagara with programs and services. Knowing that a group of committed women can easily have an amazing impact, it was a huge honor to be invited to step into the Co-Chair role. 

NF: What a privilege it is to serve as Co-Chair with amazing women who are smart, passionate, focused and accomplished! At the first meeting I attended 3 years ago, one woman proudly declared that she is a member of Women United “because we get sh#t done”!

I saw a window of opportunity to serve as co-chair of Women United with Sandy, as I have worked with her previously at Brock and admire her leaderships skills. I became involved in Women United as I wanted to share what I can with others who experience roadblocks in life.

As a professor at Brock, I was given the opportunity to develop the skills of leadership, analysis, and organization, which complemented my sensitivity to others and passion for social justice. As an established feminist for decades, my devotion to support women and children is energized through Women United. My retirement affords me the time, energy, and opportunity to put my beliefs into action and walk the talk.

How does this committee’s mission align with your personal values or passions? 

SH: This question makes me a bit emotional! Yikes! Having been raised by a single Mom who at times, really struggled to make ends meet, the work of Women United is extremely close to my heart. There was always love and joy in my life, even as a kid, without realizing until I was much older, the struggle she had been through, that she couldn't always make ends meet and the resources she tapped into. Being part of a group, whose mission is to raise awareness and funds to support women and their families in the Niagara community just speaks to my soul. I've had a life I'm really grateful for and feel privileged to have the opportunity to contribute to a community with such great need. 

NF: I believe that I have always been aware of social justice issues, even as a child. My parents would take me somewhere and I witnessed people who were struggling. My heart went out to them, and I wondered why I was allowed to enjoy some things in life that they would not.

When I started as a teacher in the 1970s, I was hired to serve in a tiny community where many of the parents of the children I taught lived in houses without running water and electricity. As well, they were illiterate. The children were delightful, of course, and they were exposed to a myriad of challenges that I could see would likely be with them for the rest of their lives. My orientation to the world is that each of us is equal to the next person; and my job in this life has always been to maximize the potential of others. As collective humanity, we must look after one another.

The United Way is a unique, remarkable organization which supports and unites other programs and services! I have always been very proud to be a supporter of what they and we do. 

Can you share a moment that deepened your commitment to United Way and its work? 

SH: Of course!  I had the opportunity a number of years ago, to hop on a bus with United Way workplace campaign Chairs when I was leading the Brock employee campaign. We toured a number of agencies in the region, from housing for women and their children escaping domestic violence, afterschool and career-support programs, and more. The courage it takes so many in our community to leave their circumstances for safety and for a better life hit me really hard, as well as seeing that if someone needs one service, they likely need a few to try to move forward in a positive way. Knowing how far $2 or $10 bi-weekly pay goes in our community when you look at how cost effective these community organization run their programs and services makes me realize how easily so many of us can have an incredible impact. 

NF:  My first experience in working with Women United was in the community garden, where I picked beans with 3 delightful women. It felt like we were sisters, working, sharing stories, and laughing- as women often do!

What are some of the key goals or initiatives you hope to lead or support this year? 

SH: I’m really excited about this year!  Women United know what our goals are and where we're heading!  A couple of friends of mine are partnering with us to offer painting workshops at one of my favourite local wineries that I know will be a hit, as well as the goal of using all of our strengths and talents to engage the community in different ways (golf events, leadership talks, our usual shopping fundraiser, etc.). We've got a lot of great things planned!

NF: Women United is developing its ‘personality’. We are learning what we are good at and what may be too big or too small a fundraising event. I hope to nurture women to feel empowered, collaborative, and passionate about what they as individuals, can offer the group- and ultimately the community.

How do you define success for the committee this year? 

SH: Success for me is continuing to do the good work of the committee and support one another's initiatives. We are "do-ers" (surprise...it's a group of women!) in the sense that we're out in the community gardens, handing out cereal at Post Cereal fundraiser, but also leading our own fundraising and engagement initiatives. While the goal is to always raise more funds than the year before for our community, we're trying new things and welcoming new members all the time, which is success in my eyes - that expansiveness and openness. 

NF:  We can rely on the statistics of fundraising, the number of people who attend or are involved in events, or how many women attend our monthly meetings. But I tend to value the qualitative just as much: how we welcome a new idea, the smiles around the table, sincere listening in meetings, the post meeting ‘parking lot’ sharing that reveals a true community.

What’s one way you hope to inspire more women to get involved with Women United and United Way? 

SH:  I hope women feel welcome to join us and know that being involved goes a long way with also giving very little time. We are a friendly, approachable group where everyone belongs, so if you're looking to get involved in the community somehow, try something new, build a fresh network, or contribute to the greater good, this is a place for you. 

NF: I’d like to see new women join our committee and community so that they can experience the joy of comradery in pursuit of a better world. We know that the best way to feel better is to do something for someone else!

What woman—living or historical—has most inspired your leadership style?

NF: That’s a tough question! I am inspired by women every day. I could name a hundred women who inspire me for various reasons:  Ruth of the Bible, Ann Medina - CBC war correspondent; Angela Merkel of Germany; Mother Theresa; suffragist Susan B. Anthony; Canadian activist Emily Murphy; author Margaret Atwood and actor Meryl Streep; plus athletes, academics, musicians, and my friends and former students; my grandmothers, my mother, sisters, and my daughter, daughter-in-law, and stepdaughter. We are all multi-taskers, fuelled by passion for a better world and take on benevolent projects to assist others. I think women are amazing!

What book, podcast, or quote has had a lasting impact on you?

SH:  There is an amazing quote from a Murri (Indigenous Australian) woman named Lilla Watson that says, "If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together." While there are so many amazing women who I've taken learnings from as I've grown and developed as a leader, this sticks with me every day and speaks to the true alignment I aim for when stepping into leadership spaces. Relationships are at the heart of leadership for me and this speaks to that, the collaboration among humans as equals, and the values alignment that makes leadership so worthwhile. 

NF: I have two favourite quotes. One is from the Dalai Lama who writes, “If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.” We can all make a difference!

The second is “When you’re accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression.” I think that many of us are interested in changing the world for the better, but we don’t want to give up anything. Isn’t that what sacrifice is?

If you could have dinner with any woman—living or historical—who would it be?  

SH: At this point in my life, I think it would be my great-grandmother. She was a force in this world as strong-willed, Italian, matriarch and I loved her dearly while she was with us. I think of her often and know that if we could have a conversation as two adults today, it would be profound, authentic and wildly funny. Her perspectives would continue to change me, as so many amazing conversations can do. 

NF: Instead of dinner, I’d like a singing lesson from Barbra Streisand.  There are too many wonderful women for me to list. Dinner with my precious daughter would be wonderful.

When you're not volunteering, what are your favourite things to do in Niagara:     

SH: Niagara has so much to offer that I have a hard time prioritizing all there is to do!  I love eating and drinking in Niagara, if I'm being honest, so finding a great local restaurant, bakery, food truck, brewery, winery, etc. tops my list! I try to balance that with getting out on the trails or finding great places to walk and be outdoors, get to a festival and things like that are what I'm drawn to. 

NF: I enjoy everything that I do, and I’ve never been bored! I love to walk, hike, work out at the gym and garden. Music is a passion, so I sing in a choir and practice my cello that my husband gave me 5 years ago. I also read, meditate, and sew for quiet time. My husband and I have 4 children between us and 4 grandchildren; my life is very rich!

For more information on Women United or to volunteer, visit the Women United page on our website.