- Influential Panel to Share the Transformative Impact of Motherhood, Mentorship, and Philanthropy
- One of the Most Influential Breakfasts in Orange County Returns on May 20, 2025
Irvine, CA (May 8, 2025) – Orange County United Way is proud to host the 22nd Annual Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency Irvine, convening philanthropists, community leaders, and changemakers for a morning of inspiration and action.
This year’s event will highlight the vital role that mothers and maternal figures play in shaping strong families and resilient communities. At the heart of the program is a special “Mothers and Mentors” panel featuring remarkable women who will reflect on how their experiences raising children—who have grown into impactful leaders—have shaped their values, deepened their sense of purpose, and inspired their commitment to mentorship and giving back to the community.
“The past 22 years of hosting the Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast has proven the true power of philanthropy. We look forward to this year’s focus on motherhood because when we uplift mothers, we uplift communities,” said Susan B. Parks, President and CEO of Orange County United Way and founding member of the Women’s Philanthropy Fund.
Panel Moderator:
- Scharrell Jackson – International keynote speaker, global executive coach, author, and longtime supporter of the Women’s Philanthropy Fund.
Panelists:
- Cynthia Bissett Germanotta – President and Co-founder of Born This Way Foundation, launched with her daughter Lady Gaga to support youth mental health.
- Helen Wilmot – Healthcare executive and mentor; mother of Olympic gold medalist Tierna Davidson.
- Heshmat Behzadi – Poet, grandmother, and mother of entrepreneur and author Shirin Behzadi.
The morning will end with a kit assembly activity to support women served by the Women’s Philanthropy Fund.
The Breakfast has raised millions for initiatives including financial wellness centers at Title I schools, self-sufficiency programs, and student success support.
Women United is a group of over 300 local women who lead the event and support reading programs, childcare advocacy, and family financial stability.
2025 Co-Chairs: Haunani Nakabara (Intuitive) and Dawn Behnke (Pacific Life).
Sponsors: Champion Sponsor: BMO; Visionary Sponsor: US Bank; Investor Sponsors: David Collins, Disneyland Resort, Ducommun, Edison International, EY, Farmers and Merchants Bank, Link Logistics, Niagara Cares, Pacific Life, PNC Bank, Samueli Foundation, UCI Health. Self-Care Kit Sponsor: Orange County Department of Education.
Tickets are $300 per person. Learn more or donate at WPFbreakfast.org.
Contact: Erika Lemus – ErikaL@unitedwayoc.org
About Orange County United Way
OC United Way focuses on student success, financial security, and ending homelessness. They also operate 2-1-1 Orange County (211OC) for connecting residents to essential services. OC United Way is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Media Contact: Annie Noebel – anoebel@cornerstonecomms.com, (949) 449-2527
