- 23rd annual breakfast convenes Orange County philanthropists and community leaders on May 21, 2026
- Keynote from Stephanie Land, bestselling author of “Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive,” which inspired the hit Netflix series
Irvine, CA (April 22, 2026) – Orange County United Way is proud to host the 23rd annual Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 7:30 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 feature a keynote from Stephanie Land, bestselling author of “Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive,” a New York Times bestseller and true story of poverty and resilience that inspired the hit Netflix series. After an accident led her to experience PTSD, Land spent several years living below the poverty line and relying on public assistance — experiences that later inspired her writing on poverty and public policy.
Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in an immersive, hands-on experience that puts them face-to-face with the realities that local families living under the poverty line navigate every day through guided activities that reflect real‑world financial decision‑making and tradeoffs.
“For 23 years, the Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast has shown the true power of philanthropy to inspire action and create lasting change. Each year, we see people come together as a community to lift one another up and help strengthen families across Orange County,” said Susan B. Parks, President and CEO of Orange County United Way and a founding member of the Women’s Philanthropy Fund. “We’re especially excited for this year’s keynote, which will remind us that when we women come together to share stories, build understanding, and support one another, we strengthen the fabric of our entire community. The continued success of this Breakfast proves that meaningful change begins with purpose and compassion.”
The fund also supports early grade reading initiatives, food pantries, and after‑school youth development programs, and most recently helped launch a SparkPoint OC center dedicated to survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.
This specialized program provides financial coaching and survivor-centered support to help participants rebuild financial independence and work toward stable, brighter futures. To date, 49 survivors have benefited from this program.
Women United is a group of over 300 local women who lead each year’s Breakfast. As champions of the Women’s Philanthropy Fund, their commitment extends beyond fundraising, as they also help young kids build strong reading skills and connect them to mentors, advocate for better childcare so parents can remain in the workforce and provide support to families working toward long-term financial stability.
This year’s Co-Chairs are Dawn Behnke, Executive Vice President of Consumer Markets for Pacific Life and Nikki Clinton, Internal Communications and Engagement Manager for Ware Malcomb.
“The Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast reflects the incredible impact that happens when passionate women come together to invest in their community. We’re proud to serve as Co-Chairs of this year’s breakfast and be part of a movement that is helping create brighter futures for women and families throughout Orange County,” said Behnke and Clinton.
BMO will serve as the Breakfast’s Title Sponsor for the third consecutive year. Orange County United Way also thanks its Champion Sponsor, U.S. Bank; Investor Sponsors, Automobile Club of Southern California, The Masson Family Foundation and Pacific Life Foundation; and Leader Sponsors, Edison International, EY, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Niagara Cares, and PNC Bank and Samueli Foundation.
“At BMO we’re committed to making meaningful and lasting progress towards building stronger communities and thriving economies,” said Tara Balfour, Head, U.S. Commercial Credit, BMO Commercial Bank. “As a longtime partner of the United Way and the Women’s Philanthropy Fund, we know that greater shared prosperity requires deep coordination between business and community leaders – BMO is proud to support these amazing organizations in Orange County and the front-line programs that deliver help where it is needed most.”
Anyone interested in purchasing a ticket to attend the Breakfast or donating can do so by visiting WPFbreakfast.org.
To learn more and explore sponsorship opportunities, contact Erika Lemus at ErikaL@unitedwayoc.org.
ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY UNITED WAY
Orange County United Way mobilizes our community to create brighter futures for all, today and for generations to come.
True to our founding spirit, whenever there is a need in our community, United Way is there. Through advocacy, collaboration, and innovative programming, our work is comprehensive and action-oriented, effectively addressing our county’s unique challenges.
From strengthening local resilience to expanding youth opportunity, financial stability, and access to stable housing, we’re working toward an Orange County where everyone has the support they need to reach their full potential.
To learn more, visit UnitedWayOC.org.
Orange County United Way is a stand-alone, independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
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Media Contact: Annie Noebel, anoebel@cornerstonecomms.com, (949) 525-7024
