Power of the Purse 2025 -

Power of the Purse

Join us on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, for the annual Power of the Purse luncheon hosted by Women United! This impactful event brings together community members to support and empower women and girls in the Chattahoochee Valley.

Your participation directly supports the critical “Women Helping Women” assistance fund dedicated to providing for emergency needs for women and female-headed households in the Chattahoochee Valley. Be part of the “Wear One, Bring One” initiative by bringing new undergarments for donation. These essentials will go to United Way partners who provide care and comfort to women in our community.

Become a Sponsor

Meet the Panel

Join us in creating a brighter future for women and girls in our community.

Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 11:00 am – 1:00pm
Buffet Opens at 11:00 am

St. Luke Ministry Center: 301 11th St, Columbus, GA 31901

Wear one, bring one

Every year, we invite attendees of Power of the Purse to participate in the “Wear One, Bring One” initiative by donating a new undergarment in a gift bag.

An undergarment is something many of us may take for granted, yet many women and young girls in our community live without this basic necessity. Young girls in school this year, women recovering from an abusive situation, women working towards sobriety and self-sufficiency all depend on your donations. These gifts represent dignity, comfort, and a fresh start for those in need.

When women help women, we create lasting change. Join us at Power of the Purse and be part of this important movement.

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Price: $60.00

Table of 8

Price: $480.00

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Meet the Panel

Laura Cardin

CEO & Executive Director, The Pastoral Institute

Barbara Gauthier

News Anchor, WTVM

Dr. Asanté Hilts

CEO, Valley Healthcare

Christina Martin

Owner, Christina Coaches

Lindsey Reis

Executive Director, Hope Harbour

Laura Cardin

Laura Cardin serves as the CEO/Executive Director at the Pastoral Institute, an institution that has faithfully served the Columbus, Georgia community for nearly five decades by providing counseling and educational services tailored to individuals, couples, children, and families. Over her tenure spanning eight years at the Pastoral Institute, Laura Cardin has held pivotal positions as the Director of Development and Director of Operations.

Her career has been notably dedicated to non-profit organizations, where she has consistently demonstrated her unwavering commitment to serving her community. Her career started at the American Cancer Society in Chattanooga, Tennessee, followed by a return home where she played an integral role in the American Heart Association by promoting health and awareness of heart disease. She later transitioned into the field of fundraising by seizing the opportunity to contribute her talents to the College of Education and Health Professions at Columbus State University and the Columbus Regional Health Foundation, now known as Piedmont Columbus Regional, before ultimately assuming her current role at the Pastoral Institute.

In addition to her professional pursuits, Laura is devoted to her family. She is married to Colby Cardin and is the proud parent of two children, Sarah Beth (22) and Logan (19). Beyond her professional engagements, Laura finds solace in gardening, cooking, socializing with friends, and traveling for amazing meals.

barbara Gauthier

Bio Coming Soon!

Dr. Asanté Hilts

Dr. Asante’ Hilts is the CEO of Valley Healthcare System Inc, a community health center offering comprehensive, preventative health care for the Chattahoochee Valley. Dr. Hilts is a passionate health administrator with over 13 years of community health experience. Dr. Hilts was born and raised in Rochester, NY. And completed her Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Master’s Degree in Public Health, and Doctorate degree in Social Behavior and Community Health from the State University of New York, University at Albany.

Dr. Hilts has worked in public health at the local and state levels in research, evaluation and program implementation in HIV/STI prevention, environmental health, and emergency preparedness. In 2018, Dr. Hilts left the New York State Department of Health and relocated to Columbus, Georgia accepting the District Program Manager position with the Georgia Department of Public Health overseeing public health programs for the 16 counties of the West Central Health District.

Dr. Hilts serves on several boards including Midtown Inc., Chattahoochee Valley Libraries, Coumbus Family Connections, Columbus Three River Area Health Education, Columbus House of Hope, and Cure Violence Columbus. As a public health practitioner and epidemiologist, Dr. Hilts is committed to integrating the social determinants of health into health care, program planning and service delivery. Dr. Hilts is also passionate about mentoring students and is currently a faculty member at Columbus State University and Mercer University.

Dr. Hilts is a committed Volunteer at the Columbus Dream Center serving residents in need in the Chattahoochee Valley. Dr. Hilts is a member and serves as a Minister at Faith Nation Church in Columbus. In 2024 Dr. Hilts celebrated 20 years of marriage to her husband Edward and they have four children: Justice, Freedom, Truth, and Wisdom.

Christina Martin

Christina Martin is a dynamic coach, trainer, and motivational speaker who has traveled the country helping executives, leaders, and professionals bridge the gap between their goals and the confidence and action needed to achieve them. With a knack for turning “I can’t” into “Watch me!”, Christina has mastered the art of empowering her clients to tackle their goals head-on—minus the boring pep talks. She’s part motivator, part strategist, and 100% allergic to self-doubt. Her mission? To arm you with the skills (and sass) to lead boldly, think big, and maybe even laugh a little along the way.

Buckle up— this ride is packed with laughs, learning, and leveling up!

Lindsey Reis

I’m Lindsey Reis, the Executive Director of Hope Harbour, where I’ve dedicated 19 years to supporting victims of domestic violence and their children across six counties in Georgia and one in Alabama. When I’m not at work, you’ll likely find me at the ball field, cheering on my two boys as they play baseball or dive into their latest sports adventures.”