United Way Names Power in Action Winner

2025 Esther Patterson, Power in Action

TROY, NY (December 3, 2025)- Wednesday night in front of a packed crowd of nearly 200 attendees, United Way of the Greater Capital Region President and CEO, Peter Gannon announced the winner of Power Pitch will now receive the Esther Patterson, Power in Action Award, in honor of the late Esther Patterson. The award serves as a tribute and reminder of Patterson's unwavering commitment to her community as a dedicated public advocate.

Congratulations to Live Limitless Refuge Center

The night's top honor went to Live Limitless Refuge Center after their compelling pitch won over a panel of five female judges. Their organization received a $10,000 grant from United Way of the Greater Capital Region. Live Limitless Refuge Center is a first-of-its-kind, 31-bed shelter for women located in Troy, NY. They provide a safe haven for women and offer a chance to rebuild their lives through empowerment and integrity.  The grant will go toward efforts to strengthen their work in creating a safe haven for women in the Capital Region affected by violence and facing housing insecurity.

While, Live Limitless Refuge Center took home the big check, every finalist walked away with a monetary prize thanks to the evening's generous sponsors, Community Bank and Mohawk Honda. Disability EmpowHER Network was selected as Fan Favorite and presented with a $5,000 award, and Capital District Latinos walked away with the $1,500 Pitch Spark award to further their work supporting women in the Greater Capital Region.

This year's program featured three non-profits that were selected from a record number of applicants during the initial application process. The judges considered the potential impact, vision, and sustainability of each group's work. The event was emceed by News10 ABC's Morning Anchor Giuliana Bruno. 

United Way and Women United are grateful to everyone who joined us for this inspiring event!