Better World for Women and Girls
By Dawn Forlini, Resource Development
Hey there! It’s Dawn Forlini here, and I’m taking over the column this week to share a special event I had the privilege of attending: The Zonta Yellow Rose Luncheon. I’ve worked alongside Angie Matthiessen at United Way Charlotte County (UWCC) for almost eight years, usually behind the scenes. But this week, I had the chance to be part of something truly remarkable.
At the luncheon, Angie was honored by the Zonta Club of Punta Gorda – Port Charlotte as Zonta’s Yellow Rose for 2025, recognizing her as a positive role model for women and girls. It was such a wonderful event, and I couldn’t be happier for Angie.
Angie’s commitment to supporting women and girls is the core of everything she does at UWCC. Her passion for caring for those who need help is at the heart of her work. During her acceptance speech, she reflected on the women, friends, and mentors who have supported her throughout her journey. She shared, “Sometimes, we just need a little guidance to find our way. Who can we encourage on our walk? How can we daily empower those around us?”
It was easy to see why Angie received this recognition. She cares deeply about each person—her team, her staff, and her community. She is a connector, always listening and bringing together the right people and programs. Over the years, as we’ve worked closely together, I’ve come to appreciate her not just as a colleague, but as a friend. We’ve shared the highs and lows, and of course, our love for good food, coffee, and everything Italian.
Kristin Cardona, the UWCC Board Chair, also shared some thoughtful words during the event, saying, “Angie’s style of leadership has created a culture that fosters ideas, collaboration, and change. I’m proud to say that under Angie’s leadership, UWCC has continually responded to our community’s needs in a dynamic way.”
The luncheon was filled with friends, board members, and staff—many of whom Angie has worked with for years. It was also wonderful to see Angie’s husband and daughter there, supporting her on this special day.
Interestingly, many of us hadn’t heard of Zonta or didn’t know much about the organization’s history. Zonta has a rich legacy, including funding care for 115,000 orphaned children and women in Turkey, honoring Amelia Earhart, and establishing the “Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women” campaign. They’ve also provided healthcare to more than 20,000 girls in Peru. It’s clear that Zonta has empowered women and girls worldwide for decades.
Today, Zonta International is a global network of 26,000 passionate individuals across 1,100 clubs in 64 countries. In 2019, they celebrated their 100th anniversary, reflecting on their incredible impact over the years. Our local Zonta Club of Punta Gorda – Port Charlotte has been serving women and girls in our community for 46 years.
The emcee for the luncheon, Ellen Webb, shared that she’s known Angie the longest, which is a true statement. Ellen also mentioned that all proceeds from the lunch would go toward scholarships for women and girls pursuing education, which is a core mission of Zonta.
Judi Wilson, Immediate Past President of Zonta, explained that the Yellow Rose Luncheon is held every March in celebration of International Women’s Day. Each year, they select a local woman who embodies Zonta’s mission of empowering women and girls, and the proceeds from the luncheon support scholarships.
Last week, it was really special when the Charlotte County Commissioners also issued a proclamation, declaring that March 8, 2025, will be recognized as Zonta Yellow Rose Day in honor of Angie Matthiessen. This will coincide with Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day.
If you are looking for connection through Zonta or Women United, please visit: unitedwayccfl.org/YellowRose
For more information about United Way Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org