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Sanders selected as panelist for United Way's Women Who Rule event
luella sanders
Luella Sanders.

Luella Sanders is no stranger to giving back. 


The Bryan County NAACP president has been a longtime supporter and volunteer with the United Way of the Coastal Empire, and has worked with local non-profit initiatives such as youth enrichment program Girls of Purpose while working as the current AVP of Regional Community Engagement with VyStar Credit Union. 


And this year, Sanders will feature as a panelist at the United Way’s “Women Who Rule” luncheon on March 4, 2026 at the Savannah Convention Center.


Powered by the United Way’s Women Fund, the annual event raises funds for the Women United Transportation Fund, which supports women and caregivers across the region who need dependable transportation to support their families.


“It’s important to have this fund, to help people during those transitions, so that they don’t fall behind," said Sanders about the Transportation Fund. 


Contributions to the fund help provide gas cards, bus passes, minor car repairs and other transportation assistance to families in the Coastal Georgia region.


Of special concern for the United Way is Coastal Georgia’s ALICE population, or Asset Limited Income Constrained, and Employed, which refers to households earning above the federal poverty level but not enough to cover housing, child care, food and transportation expenses. 


“The money that is being raised in this event helps people in our community, people that live right here,” said Sanders about the “Women Who Rule” luncheon. “These are our neighbors, our co-workers, our friends and family.”


In addition to supporting the Transportation Fund, Sanders says that the Women Who Rule event is a great way for young girls in the area to be inspired by local women in a wide variety of leadership positions. 


“It gives us the opportunity to invite young girls and expose them to all these women in leadership positions,” explained Sanders. “Because this is [also] about having a lasting impact in our community.”


“If you can see it, you can be it.”


The United Way's Women Who Rule event is on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. To learn more about the United Way’s Women Who Rule luncheon or the Women United Transportation Fund, visit https://uwce.org/women-who-rule/.