2025 Women Who Rule Event

SAVANNAH, GA. (March 4, 2025) – – United Way of the Coastal Empire’s Women Who Rule event, presented by Critz Auto Group, raised record-breaking funds for critical transportation needs across the Coastal Empire. The 2025 Women Who Rule Campaign raised a net total of $105,000 to date with proceeds benefitting the Women United Transportation Fund. With nearly one-thousand guests in attendance at the sold-out event, nearly $26,000 of that amount was raised during the annual luncheon at the Savannah Convention Center, chaired by Suzanne Kirk, President & HR Consultant, Employee Development Strategies, Inc.

The Women United Transportation Fund supports women and caregivers across our region who need dependable transportation to get to work, educational opportunities, medical appointments, and access critical resources by providing gas cards, bus passes, minor car repairs, and more.

“I am grateful for the incredible Women Who Rule Committee, made up of nearly 30 women leaders, for driving sponsorships and donations to help pave the way for our those in our community struggling with transportation barriers,” says Suzanne Kirk, the 2025 Women Who Rule Committee Chair. “Reliable transportation is key to helping our neighbors not only survive but thrive. Thank you to all who contributed to this worthy cause. We couldn’t have raised this record-breaking amount without the support of this generous community.”

The Women United Transportation Funds are distributed through United Way’s 211 Information and Referral Service, County Service Centers, and mini-grants to local nonprofit partners.

The event honored community leader and dedicated United Way supporter Stacy Jennings as the 2025 United Way “Woman of the Year.” Stacy is the Executive Director of Communications for the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. Prior to her current role, she was the Director of Marketing at the Savannah Morning News/Savannah Evening Press. She holds a BA in English from the Sophie Newcomb College of Tulane University. Since moving to Savannah in 1985, Stacy has been an active community member, serving on numerous boards and committees.

For more than 33 years, Stacy has been a dedicated United Way of the Coastal Empire supporter, serving on the Board of Directors, Marketing Committee (Marketing Chair), Campaign Cabinet, and as a Loaned Executive. She currently serves on the Marketing Committee and has for decades.

Stacy lives in Savannah with her husband, Richard “Skip” Jennings, where they attend St. John’s Episcopal Church. They have two amazing adult daughters and sons-in-love, Nolan and Will Balkcom, and Alex and Zack Landen.