March 20, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2026
Contact: press@michigan.gov
Gov. Whitmer Honored as United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s Woman of the Decade
LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer was recognized as Woman of the Decade by United Way for Southeastern Michigan. The recognition is part of the tenth annual Women of Influence Summit, celebrating International Women’s Day and agencies across the state that are committed to building a strong future for Michigan women, children, and their families.
“In Michigan, we prioritize women’s equity and celebrate the countless women who strengthen our communities and families every day,” said Governor Whitmer. “I’m honored to have the work of my administration recognized by an organization fighting to help Southeastern Michiganders with the issues that matter most. This work is driven by the light I see in women across the state, and this event is a reminder that we all have a voice and a story we can use to make our state a stronger, better, more compassionate place.”
The Woman of the Decade recognition underscores the alignment of the governor’s accomplishments with the vision of United Way for Southeastern Michigan — building communities where every family’s basic needs are met, youth are empowered to reach their full potential, and all households have a pathway to prosperity.
The governor was honored alongside Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield who received the 2026 Women of Influence recognition and Black Family CEO Alice Thompson who received the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Women of Influence Summit serves as a space for women to share their stories and passion for moving Michigan communities forward through economic mobility, health care, and education.
The Summit raises funds for early childhood education, which is a top priority of the Whitmer administration. Earlier this year, the governor introduced her Every Child Read’s plan including the largest literacy investment in state history. The plan supports childhood literacy by expanding early starts with PreK for All, training more teachers in proven methods, and offering extra help to kids in need.
Governor Whitmer remains focused on uplifting women’s equity. The governor has prioritized women and mothers through protecting access to reproductive healthcare, creating the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies initiative, and supporting the expansion of Rx Kids across the state.
Some of Governor Whitmer’s additional accomplishments supporting women and their families include:
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