Gathering for Good 2026: Central Texas Came Together to Gather, Give, and Grow

Bright sunshine, colorful spring dresses, and exciting conversations filled Branch Park Pavilion as nearly 300 community members gathered for Gathering for Good 2026, presented by Women United. Guests lined up for raffle packages from local women-owned businesses, connected over lunch and refreshments, and came together around one shared goal: building a stronger future for Central Texas children and families through early childhood education, economic opportunity, and community support.

That belief is deeply tied to United Way for Greater Austin’s North Star Goals, including ensuring that 70% of children enter Kindergarten ready to learn and that 70% of Central Texas families achieve a family-sustaining income by 2030. Through initiatives like Success By 6, the 2-Gen Coalition for Economic Advancement, Help Me Grow Central Texas, and the Early Learning Advancement Collective (ELAC), United Way works alongside families, educators, schools, and child care providers to help children and families thrive together.

One of the Afternoon’s Most Powerful Conversations

One of the highlights of the afternoon was a fireside chat featuring Denise Davis, PLLC, Board Chair of the Austin Chamber of Commerce; Denisse Baldwin, Associate Vice President for Early Learning and Advancement at United Way for Greater Austin; and Maria Dominguez, Preschool Director of Cielito Lindo Spanish Immersion Center.

Together, they explored the intersection of child care and economic advancement, sharing why investing in early childhood education is not only the right thing to do, but critical for the future of our workforce and region.

“We are the workforce behind the workforce. When children have safe, loving, nurturing care, families can stay stable and businesses can stay strong,” emphasized Maria.

Maria spoke candidly about balancing her role as a mother, educator, and business owner while trying to provide high quality care families can actually afford. Continuing, she said, “If we don’t have consistency for our children, then families can’t stay stable and businesses can’t stay strong.”

Maria stressed the importance of advocating for children, families, and educators across Central Texas and recognizing child care as essential infrastructure for thriving communities. “Please advocate for our children. Listen to our stories, support families, volunteer, donate, and be present.”

A Celebration of Women Leading Change

Beyond the conversation, Gathering for Good also highlighted the incredible women and women-led businesses helping shape a stronger Central Texas.

Guests enjoyed activities like custom poems from Typewriter Rodeo, a lively photo booth, raffle packages from local women-owned businesses, refreshing salads and drinks, and opportunities to connect with Women United members and other women and men passionate about creating lasting change.

We are especially grateful to our event co-chairs, Kate and Scott Powers, whose leadership and commitment helped make this event possible.

During the event, Kate Powers shared why this work remains deeply personal to their family:

“We had young children in preschool and could see what a difference it made in their early years, preparing them for the structure and possibilities that lay ahead in school. We wanted to be a part of bringing that opportunity to every child in our region.”

We also want to thank Women United Co-Chairs Amy Green Hinojosa and Cherry Mendoza for their leadership, care, and dedication to building a stronger community for Central Texas families through Women United.

Because of supporters like Kate and Scott, Amy and Cherry, our Women United members, sponsors, and community partners, we are building a Central Texas where every child and family has the opportunity to thrive.

There’s Still Time to Make an Impact

The afternoon served as a reminder that lasting change takes all of us. Advocates, educators, business leaders, donors, volunteers, and community members all have a role to play in supporting children and families.

If you were unable to give during the event, there is still time to support Central Texas families.

Your gift helps expand opportunity for children and families across our region through access to early learning, family support systems, and pathways toward long term stability.