The MetroWest Chamber of Commerce and The United Way of Tri County, announce a collaborative initiative to benefit women and girls in the MetroWest community.  Together these two entities have delegated significant resources to form the MetroWest Women's Alliance.   The aim of this unique effort is to bring women and girls of various backgrounds together to foster leadership and philanthropic efforts by educating, engaging, and providing resources for empowerment.

Both the Chamber and the United Way have had individual programs which were dedicated to women and fostered similar goals. However, Paul Mina, President of the United Way of Tri-County,  said "this newly shared commitment will create a stronger infrastructure and will allow us to reach a new level.  Our combined resources will allow us to connect with more women and girls to provide them with the resources and vision to become leaders both today and tomorrow."

Outfitted with a new steering committee comprised of 16 women, from various sectors of the business community, the Alliance has already begun to plan for 2011.

"We hope to build on the work that we have done in the past and commit to add new programs so that all members of our growing membership will be able to find an interest level and participate," said Helen Lemoine the Alliance's newly-elected chair and Executive Director of Leadership MetroWest.  She said the organization will continue to co-fund the Carmela Hilbert Scholarship, which is given annually to two women who will attend Framingham State University and who are immigrants or daughters of immigrants, along with five Mass Bay Community College scholarships.  

New commitments will be allocated for organizations such as  Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, where the Alliance will provide $5000 in scholarships for girls that attend the Girl Scout sponsored 2011 Dream It, Believe It, Be It event; an event that mirrors the Alliance's mission to engage, empower and educate young girls. Entrance fee scholarships will be awarded from this fund, as well as four $1000 scholarships, which will be gifted to the girls that design, plan and present the best business and product plan at the conclusion of this three-day event.

Plans to launch the second phase of the Alliance's mini-grant program are underway for late November.  

The Alliance is continuing to offer mini-grants, historically awarded in the range of $500-$2,000.  The mini-grants will be awarded to non profit 501(c)(3) organizations that host events and programs which align with the MWA's mission to promote the well-being of women and girls in the MetroWest/495 Corridor.

"It is our hope  that together we can have a greater influence on affecting positive change for women and girls in the region" said Bonnie Biocchi, President  & CEO of  MetroWest Chamber of Commerce.  

Biocchi  said the combined volunteer and staffing level allows the Alliance not only to fund the mini grants, but to roll up their sleeves and invest themselves.

"We are well aware of the impact that the economy has had on many non-profits and we are prepared to invest both dollars and people to create empowering opportunities for all women and girls in out Metro West Community" said Biocchi.  

Mini-grants have already been awarded to organizations such as HEAL, Wayside Youth & Family Support Network, South Middlesex Opportunity Council and YWCA for domestic violence related programs.  

Applications will be accepted through December 15.

Over the next few weeks, the MetroWest Women's Alliance will announce its proposed 2011 schedule, which will include educational programs for both women and girls, avenues for empowerment, as well as networking opportunities.  

For information regarding how you can become a member of the new MetroWest Women's Alliance or for additional information on the Alliance's events, volunteer positions, mini-grants or how to make a monetary donation please e-mail leanne.cordischi@uwotc.org or call Leanne Cordischi at 508-370-4857.