On March 13, the United Way for Southeastern Michigan hosted its 10th Annual Women of Influence Summit, presented by Walker-Miller Energy Services. For the last 10 years, the organization has used the Women of Influence Summit to celebrate International Women’s Day while raising funds for early childhood education, and support for children, families, and caregivers in the community.
The Detroit Regional Chamber’s Role
The Chamber is a long-time supporter of the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, with Marnita Harris, Vice President of Economic Equity and Inclusion, leading engagement activities with the organization and Chamber staff.
This year, as Chair of the Women United Committee, the philanthropic group that puts on this annual event, she played a leading role in making the Women of Influence Summit happen. In this role, Harris supported the team’s ability to exceed the 2026 fundraising goal by selling out all tickets for the event at a new venue and securing sponsorship support from some of the Region’s most influential businesses and organizations.
About the Event
This esteemed event featured a women-owned business marketplace, during which the more than 900 attendees could engage with vendors and redeem an item of their choice. Attendees also participated in breakfast, networking, and a program highlighting the accomplishments of women leading all over the Detroit Region.
The event also featured a moving awards presentation. The 2026 honorees were Alice Thompson, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, Detroit’s first woman mayor, Mary Sheffield, who received the Woman of Influence Award, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer received the first-ever Woman of the Decade Award.
About Women United
Outside of the Summit, Women United demonstrates its dedication to giving back to the Detroit Region by participating in community service projects like back-to-school drives, volunteering in classrooms, and supplying dignity packets.
Harris, eager to serve the Detroit Region in a new way, joined Women United after attending the virtual Women of Influence Summit in March 2021. With a desire to continue serving in a larger capacity, she was appointed Chair of Women United in October 2025.