United Way of Kankakee & Iroquois Counties'
2025 Women United Breakfast
Olivet Nazarene University's Chalfant Hall

Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Doors open at 8:15 AM | Program from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

It's Our Favorite Morning of the Year!

For nearly a decade, our Women United Breakfasts have brought the community together to celebrate the power of women and girls in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties. We look forward to the return of this event in 2025!

This year’s theme, “Fostering Community and Friendship,” highlights women in our community who are creating spaces for others to connect and thrive. Our speakers will share their personal stories and lessons learned about building thriving relationships, finding community, and setting healthy boundaries with the people in your circle.

Your ticket includes a hot buffet-style breakfast and coffee, networking opportunities with local women, a chance to participate in our 2025 Power of the Purse silent auction, and - as always - an inspiring program featuring local female speakers.

>> Purchase your tickets below! <<

*For special table pricing, please contact Melina at melina@myunitedway.org

Click Here, or Register Below!

Featured Speakers

Meet Our Speakers:

We’re excited to welcome an incredible lineup of speakers for this year’s Women United Annual Breakfast, each bringing unique insights and inspiration to our theme, “Fostering Community and Friendship.”

Featured Speaker: Vurnice Maloney

Vurnice Maloney, founder of Garden of Prayer Youth Center (GOPYC), has dedicated her life to advocating for at-risk youth. Through decades of leadership, she has secured vital resources and developed programs that uplift children, teens, and families. Vurnice will share her inspiring journey of founding GOPYC, her commitment to community service, and the importance of investing in the next generation of young girls.

Featured Speaker: Megan Campbell

Megan Campbell, owner of Rise and Thrive Wellness, brings over 10 years of experience in therapy, leadership, and education. As a keynote speaker, Megan will offer valuable insights on breaking the ice, building meaningful relationships, and setting healthy boundaries—key elements in fostering strong, supportive communities.

Creating Spaces for Community - Panel Discussion

This year’s Women United Annual Breakfast will feature an inspiring panel of local women who have dedicated themselves to building welcoming spaces for connection, growth, and support. From book clubs to community hubs, these women have created environments where people can come together, find belonging, and thrive.

Meet Our Panelists:

🌟 Glenda Corbett – An entrepreneur and business owner, Glenda Corbett leads The Venu’ and The VII Event Center, two spaces designed to bring people together. She is also a Licensed Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty and a Senior Public Service Administrator with the Illinois Department on Aging. With a career dedicated to advocacy for individuals with disabilities, seniors, and marginalized communities, Glenda brings a wealth of experience in fostering inclusive and supportive environments.

🌟 Rebecca Parks – With a deep background in behavioral health and community partnerships, Rebecca Parks has been instrumental in expanding access to essential services in Kankakee. She launched the area’s first Healthy Families of America parenting program and has worked extensively in public relations and community engagement for Kankakee School District 111. She also leads the Sweet & Salty Racial Justice Book Club, now in its third year, which provides a space for meaningful conversations and learning.

🌟 Charlene Phillips – As the Executive Director of Merchant Street Art Gallery, Charlene Phillips champions the power of the arts in creating community spaces. Through her leadership, she fosters an environment where artists and community members can connect, express themselves, and celebrate creativity.

🌟 Ashley Peterson – A Commercial Marketing Associate for CertaPro Painters, Ashley Peterson is a dedicated community leader in Kankakee County. She is actively involved in supporting veterans through Project Headspace and Timing (PHaT), a nonprofit her husband founded to connect veterans and active service members with valuable resources. Ashley also helps coordinate impactful community events such as Heroes, Hogs, and Hotrods and the Manteno Oktoberfest. Her dedication to service and fostering strong community ties earned her the title of Manteno Influencer of the Year in 2024.

Moderated by: Dr. Yvette M. Rose

Dr. Yvette M. Rose is an educator, writer, and advocate for African American fatherhood and Veteran-centered care. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to nursing education and community service. As a passionate leader and member of organizations such as Women United, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and the NAACP, Dr. Rose brings deep insight into the importance of fostering strong, inclusive communities.