POWER PITCH
Powered by United Way of the Greater Capital Region's Women United
Power Pitch is about celebrating and recognizing outstanding work building power to dismantle and uproot the harmful systems that affect women, inclusive of all who identify as such, in our community. It is about calling attention to the positive changes and movements that are happening and how we answer that call and join in. It is about recognizing these power players. We know there is much to be done.
Our goal with Power Pitch is to shine a light on the initiatives, programs and organizations that are building power with and for women in the areas of education, health, financial security and/or environmental resilience and regeneration.
Join us to create a buzz of how women are leveling up for other women.
The Power Pitch finalist organizations will provide a TED-talk like Pitch that speaks to how they are building POWER with the work they are doing now and, in the year, to come. These pitches will be evaluated in real time by a POWER PANEL of remarkable women who are building POWER for women through their own impactful work.
Throughout the evening, we will hear from women who are leaders, doers, creators, problem solvers, solution suppliers, and all-around phenomenal powerhouses. This will be an invitation to get involved, to elevate, and celebrate.
At the end of the evening, one Power Pitch finalist will win a $10,000 award in recognition of their organization’s work. Runners-up won’t leave empty-handed; they’ll also receive financial awards in recognition of their efforts and powerful pitches.
Proceeds directly fund the awards given to the 501c3 organizations that evening, as well as the continued work of Women United over the next year.
POWER PITCH
When:
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Where:
Brown's Revolution Hall
425 River St, Troy, NY
Tickets:
SPONSORSHIPS
Get your company involved as a Power Pitch sponsor. Send a message to heatherliz@unitedwaygcr.org to see how you can support these impactful programs.
Applications for Power Pitch are now closed. Check back to meet the finalists!
Each year, Women United hosts Power Pitch, a high-energy event where nonprofit finalists present their boldest ideas in a friendly “pitch” competition. This celebration raises both funds and awareness for organizations building power with and for women in the areas of education, health, and financial security.
At the live event, one finalist will receive a $10,000 unrestricted grant—meaning the funds can be used however they’re needed most: programs, staff, rent, communications, or other priorities. A $2,500 Fan Favorite award, chosen by attendees, will also be presented. All three finalists will have the opportunity to receive ongoing volunteer and strategic support from Women United through November 2026.
At the heart of the evening is our Power Panel—a dynamic group of women leaders who will evaluate the pitches and bring their own powerful perspectives to the stage. Meet the remarkable women who will help shape this year’s Power Pitch.
Blog Post: Meet the 2025 Power Panel
Giuliana Bruno
POWER PITCH EMCEE
WTEN
Morning Anchor
Bria Barnes-Coleman
Albany Law School
Director of the Women’s Leadership Initiative & Community Engagement
Marcia Cognetta
Goldman Sachs Wealth Services
Vice President & Client Engagement/Marketing
Lindsey Haraden
Mohawk Honda
General Sales Manager
Kyla Schmidt
Mom Starts Here
Founder and Executive Director
Renee Walrath
Walrath Recruiting, Inc
President & CEO
Get your company involved as a Power Pitch sponsor.
Send a message to heatherliz@unitedwaygcr.org to see how you can support these impactful programs.
Meier Law Firm
Arrow Bank
CDPHP
Morgan Stanley
eOne Corporation
2024 Power Pitch Winner
BirthNet, Inc.
2024 Power Panel
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L to R: Simone Brooks, Jenn Cassidy, Marcella Hammer, Yvonne Clark-Rogers, Kathleen McLean
BirthNet
Roots of Support: The Esther Patterson Doula Initiative
Presented by Gérardine Georges & Tisha Graham
Social: Facebook @birthnet | Instagram @birthnetny
BirthNet aims to create a more equitable birth experience, promoting healthier outcomes and empowering families to thrive in their parenting journeys. BirthNet is dedicated to improving maternal and infant health outcomes by supporting marginalized communities, particularly focusing on the needs of Black and teenage mothers. BirthNet empowers families through accessible and culturally competent care, ensuring that every birthing individual has the support they need during one of life’s most transformative experiences.
To achieve this purpose, BirthNet established the Esther Patterson Doula Fund, specifically designed to provide financial support to Black doulas who assist teenage clients. Additionally, BirthNet offers education and resources to both doulas and clients, fostering a community of support and understanding. We were honored to have Esther's husband Henry with us to celebrate her lasting legacy.
2023 Perfect Pitch Winner
Working Group on Girls of Schenectady (WGGS)
2023 Panel of Sharks
L to R: Cinnamon Carlarne, Vera Cohen, Jennifer Keida, Leola Edelin, Carrie Hillenbrandt. Not pictured: Georgia Kelly
About Working Group on Girls of Schenectady
WGGS gives social and emotional support to middle and high school girls in Schenectady by providing safe spaces and meaningful connections for them to develop their own voices. WGGS serves as role models and advocates as these girls navigate the challenges of adolescence. They are taught to teach themselves, to be problem solvers, and to be resilient.
About their Pitch
Delivered by Board Co-Presidents Chinira Lovick and Monique Wade, the Working Group on Girls of Schenectady pitched an original program called FRESH (Food, Resiliency, Education, Socialization, and Health). FRESH's main benefits are educating, empowering, mentoring, and providing sustainable life skills to young women in the Schenectady community. FRESH will be a holistic program including several components: mentorship, leadership, gardening, farm-to-table, health and wellness, entrepreneurship, social-emotional learning, and community service.
2022 Perfect Pitch Winner
Capital Region Menstrual Health
Previously Schenectady Menstrual Health Coalition
2022 Panel of Sharks
From L to R: Kristen Mahan, Sujata Chaudhry, Yvonne McCrea, Deshanna Wiggins, Tamika Otis
Capital Region Menstrual Health
As an initiative of Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Capital Region Menstrual Health (CRMH) works to promote the health and well-being of individuals who menstruate in our area. CRMH works to increase period equity by bringing period products directly into under-resourced communities through a network of established and trusted community-based organizations.
About Their Pitch
Capital Region Menstrual Health seeks to bolster sustainability as a multifaceted initiative fighting period poverty by providing menstrual products and educational materials free of charge to people disproportionately impacted by the expenses of these products. If successful, CRMH plans to purchase menstrual hygiene products, educational and promotional materials, and install community period boxes strategically in close proximity to partner organizations.
2021 Perfect Pitch Winner
RISSE - Refugee & Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus, Inc.
2021 Panel of Sharks
From L to R: Anne Putnam, Annie Berdar, Heidi KnoBlauch, Coretta Kilikelly, Michele Brinkman
2020 Perfect Pitch Winner
U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
2020 Panel of Sharks
From L to R: JoDee Kenney, Lizzie Schlegel, Katrina Consiglio, Daquetta Jones, Nancy B. Sever, Esq., Not Pictured: Tiffany Orner
2019 Perfect Pitch Winner
South End Children's Cafe
2019 Panel of Sharks
CDPHP