How Heather MacCallum leads with heart through Women United

(This is the first in a series of profiles on Women United Members, leadership donors who are committed to addressing issues facing vulnerable women and girls in our community.) 

A compassionate community advocate and leader, Women United member Heather MacCallum brings her infectious energy and unwavering dedication to her role as co-chair of the initiative. Whether advocating for financial literacy, safety, or equity, Heather’s generosity and commitment to United Way’s work embodies the spirit of Women United — turning empathy into action, connecting and inspiring others, and fostering lasting change for women and girls in our region. 

Here’s what Heather shared about her passion for community building and her dedication to helping women thrive: 

1. What first inspired you to join Women United, and what does being part of this community mean to you? 

I was drawn to the opportunity to create access and opportunity for the women in our community. I have been fortunate in my life to have champions beside me, and I want the chance to be someone else’s champion. I also appreciate the network and multi-faceted approach Women United and United Way take to addressing needs in our community. 

 2. What issues or barriers experienced by women and girls are you most passionate about addressing?

Gender-based violence is a big one for me as it’s still an underdiscussed issue in our culture. Putting more of a spotlight on the various forms [of GBV] will bring more awareness to the issue. In the last decade, the way conversations have changed around mental health, it would be great to have the conversation about gender-based violence evolve. 

Financial literacy is also big because it is such a key part of someone’s freedom — understanding how to budget and plan but also having access and control over your own accounts. 

 3. Has there been a moment or experience with Women United that felt especially meaningful to you?

Listening to other women’s experiences and what they achieved to overcome their circumstance is inspiring and provides me with motivation to continue to do the work that we are doing. Women are incredibly resourceful and if you give them a drop of what they might need, I’ve seen them turn that into rivers of resources that create momentum for change for themselves and for the community. 

 4. What woman, past or present, inspires you and why?

I’m very fortunate to have a friend group of female all-stars that has always inspired me. I am surrounded by women that are taking on extraordinary challenges and excelling. Challenges in their work, philanthropy, and personal lives — they push me to do better every day.  Everyday women are the most inspiring for me. 

 5. If you could grant one resource or opportunity to every woman or girl, what would it be and why?

Safety and security. If you can approach all your decisions in life knowing that you will be safe and have the freedom to live the life you want, that would be the best thing. Girls being able to walk to school, go to friends’ houses, or enjoy a party; women still contemplating whether a space is safe, be it an apartment building, a bus route, or a boardroom. We spend energy on thinking about this where our male counterparts likely don’t give it a second thought. That energy could be spent on much more productive thoughts. 

 6. What’s one book, movie, or podcast that you feel every woman should check out?

The book The Happiness Equation by Neil Pasricha. It’s a short read that provides some insight into ways to achieve happier days. Everyone can use more happiness in their lives!