ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — United Way of the Greater Capital Region will be celebrating local women and non-profits making significant impacts in education, health, and financial opportunities with their annual Power Pitch event this December. One Power Pitch finalist will win a $10,000 award in recognition of their organization’s work.
Last year’s winner, BirthNet, aims to create a more equitable birth experience. The organization works to address the disparities in birth outcomes among African-American women and babies in Albany and the Capital Region of New York.
“This Power Pitch gave us an opportunity to talk about what we do as an organization, what we will use and what we are now using the money for, whose honor it is on behalf of,” said Tisha Graham, BirthNet board member who made the presentation with fellow board member Gérardine Georges.
“Well, I think Gerardine and I did a very good job because we won first prize, which was $10,000,” Graham said, “and what it was for us was a really nice opportunity to sort of showcase not only what BirthNet is about, but what we were hoping and planning and now using this particular award for.”
Claire Reid, Chief Impact Officer for United Way of the Greater Capital Region, explained how that funding is making a difference.
“It was in honor of Esther Patterson, who was a true light in our community and an incredible doula,” said Reid, “and this scholarship fund allows young moms to have the support of a doula, allows that doula to be compensated for her work, and so far they’ve been able to support two pregnancies and train community doulas with that money.”
Whether this year’s Power Pitch competitors take first prize like BirthNet or not, won’t leave empty-handed. They’ll also receive financial awards in recognition of their efforts and powerful pitches. NEWS10’s Giuliana Bruno will emcee the event on December 3rd at Brown’s Revolution Hall in Troy.
