UWCO's Women's Leadership Council (WLC) announces its E³ initiative to help low-to moderate-income working women in central Ohio become educated, empowered and elevated to a new level of financial stability for themselves and their families.

The WLC is a volunteer-driven group of 167 dedicated women who have built E³ from the ground up to help women meet basic needs, while collaborating with Consumer Credit Counseling Service, Godman Guild Association and New Directions Career Center. Three strategies will help the WLC reach its goal:

• Support job attainment with a livable wage and benefits

• Enhance financial stability by linking women to resources and benefits

• Enhance financial literacy

The E³ initiative includes approximately six months of intensive academic preparation work to enter college, an apprenticeship program or vocational training for a length of up to two years. Once a woman has completed her post-secondary education or training, the WLC will provide assistance to help her acquire and maintain a job in her field. The E³ initiative is currently accepting fifteen women in its inaugural class beginning in November 2010 and another fifteen in January 2011.

"WLC members don't just want to give, they want to deeply understand the needs of women and create ways to make the greatest impact in their lives. E³ allows WLC members to become hands-on and engaged in the work, all while seeing real progress and results," said Tanny Crane, President and CEO, Crane Group and Chair, Women's Leadership Council.

WLC members have an active voice in shaping the group and have the opportunity to share their
skills and talents to support E³ in such ways as teaching classes, participating in education and employer panel discussions, conducting mock and informational interviews and acting as mentors.  

The WLC launched in October 2009 and has raised $167,000 towards E³. WLC membership is open to all women in the community who contribute $1,000 over their previous year’s gift to United Way of Central Ohio.