Diana Garfold-Barr has a high-energy position as Manager of Store Resets at Giant Eagle, but when she joined the company in 1996 she was a young single mom at the bottom of the corporate ladder. She remembers a pivotal moment when, a few promotions later, she could consider making a campaign pledge to United Way: “I was in tears as a dad explained how United Way was helping his special needs children,” she says. “I had wondered whether my donation would really matter. I realized that every dollar makes a difference to somebody. That was it for me. I was hooked!”

Now, as a Women’s Leadership Council member, Diana says, “I get as much—if not more—than I give. The WLC as a whole is for the betterment of women, including me, personally and professionally. I’ve met so many incredible people. Add in the fact that I know my gift goes to great agencies doing important work in the community, and it’s just a no-brainer.” For Diana, United for Women captures what the Women’s Leadership Council is all about: “United for Women is specific. It’s about women working for other women. The WLC is the only group I’ve found that’s so focused on helping women improve professionally and financially so they can be independent at all ages.”

Diana’s smile widens as she talks about her daughter’s upcoming graduation from college, her husband of ten months, and the home in Springdale that they share with their cat, dogs, and Hank, their granddaughter’s pet fish. She laughs at conventional stereotypes about the philanthropic woman: “You know, she’s a ‘seasoned’ woman who has significant means and doesn’t miss the money. I know some women like that, but so many other women are givers too.” Diana wishes that the Step-Up Program had been available when she first heard about the WLC: “Step-Up gives more women a chance to see everything that the WLC has to offer. It’s a unique opportunity to support your family—and that includes your work family—your community, and yourself.”

As Fiduciary Asset Business Development Officer at Fragasso Financial Advisors, Dotti Bechtol helps nonprofits preserve their assets and generate income. She’s well suited to the task, after formerly holding leadership positions in both the for-profit and nonprofit worlds. She says that, in some ways, the two worlds aren’t so different; in both, survival is a function of efficient, responsive operations and savvy stewardship. “We’re so lucky to live in such a nonprofit-rich region. That’s one of the reasons why this is such a great place to raise a family,” she says. Dotti serves on several nonprofit Boards and understands the local nonprofit landscape. “That’s why I support United Way,” she says. “I have assurance that my money’s being used wisely, for the right reasons, and in the right way.”

Dotti has been a WLC member for two years. “It’s a group of very kind, committed women who are doing all that their time and resources allow to make our community better. Everyone is warm and welcoming,” she says, an added plus in a town where “there are usually two, not six, degrees of separation. We’re there to do good for each other, as well as for people in need.” She feels strongly that women should help women. “We should be there to stand by our sisters,” she says, “Women get things done. If we join together we can make positive change.”

Dotti has always followed her own playbook, personally and professionally. She and her husband John, married since 1979, have had a long love affair with competitive car racing, and Dotti is one of very few female drivers on the vintage and historic racing circuit. She finds the focus and control of racing “oddly relaxing” and—although she didn’t set out to make a statement—it’s satisfying to break up stereotypes. She laughs as she recalls how a young fan at one race yelled out, “Look! It’s a girl!” as she took off her helmet and shook out her hair. Dotti takes advantage of opportunities and doesn’t back away from a challenge: “Challenges are okay. They give you a fulfilling life.” Dotti smiles. “I love my life,” she says simply.