Beaufort County’s Own Maureen Cooley Named 2024 Woman of the Year
Beaufort County is basking in the glow of goodwill and community spirit after one of its own was recently honored for her incredible service. Maureen Cooley, a resident of Dataw Island, shone bright at the United Way of the Lowcountry’s Women United Fall luncheon held at the stunning Culinary Institute of the South in Bluffton on October 25. It was here that Cooley was recognized as the 2024 Woman of the Year.
A Heartfelt Honor
The coveted Woman of the Year award is not given lightly. It celebrates women who have made a significant impact in their communities through volunteerism. Cooley’s dedication to helping others was honored in a ceremony that highlighted not only her achievements but the work of inspiring women in the Lowcountry. She was one of four finalists who were all doing remarkable things in the community, including:
- Feneshiae Greene – founder of Heart of God Outreach Ministry
- Meredith Keene – owner of Meredith A Keene CPA LLC
- Tameka Walker – a holistic doula and founder of Energy Evolution
A spokesperson for the United Way described the award as a recognition of women who serve as role models for others, emphasizing their commitment to uplifting their communities. In Cooley’s case, she has shown unwavering dedication to serving both Beaufort and Jasper counties. Her many roles include organizing donation drives that benefit various organizations.
Driving Change and Caring for the Community
Through her tireless efforts, Cooley has collaborated with numerous organizations like Hopeful Horizons, St. Francis Center, the Keyserling Cancer Institute, the Salvation Army, and the Beaufort County Animal Shelter. During her donation drives, she and her team have distributed care packages filled with essentials such as food, clothing, toys, and baby supplies. The sheer volume of support delivered can’t be overstated, as hundreds of carloads filled with gifts hit the roads to provide crucial assistance to those in need.
The honor was wholeheartedly supported by Claudia Aller, the 2023 Woman of the Year recipient, who stated, “Maureen exemplifies everything that Women United and this award represent. Through her tireless dedication to helping those in need, she has touched countless lives and created lasting change in our community. She is a true advocate for the most vulnerable among us.” It’s hard not to feel inspired by such heartfelt words!
Empowering Future Leaders
The gala also showcased some of the brightest stars in the community as Women United recognized its largest class of Women United Scholarship Fund Award recipients to date. The recipients included:
- Geobana Alvarez – majoring in Accounting at the Technical College of the Lowcountry
- Alyssa Robert – majoring in Elementary Education at the University of South Carolina Beaufort
- Kayla Townsend – also majoring in Elementary Education at the same university
- Paul Madrid – pursuing Nursing at the Technical College of the Lowcountry
- Tymeca Sawyer – also a Nursing major there
- Angela Thomas – majoring in Business Administration/Management at the Technical College of the Lowcountry
The Women United Scholarship Fund has been empowering non-traditional female students for four years now, helping them pursue their academic dreams while making sure they stay involved in their communities.
With a minimum GPA requirement and a commitment to volunteerism, these emerging leaders embody the spirit of the Lowcountry, proving that a little love and support can go a long way in nurturing our future!
In Conclusion
Maureen Cooley’s honor is a testament to the impact one person can make in a community. It reminds us all that by giving back and lifting each other up, we can create a brighter future for everyone. For more information on the wonderful initiatives by Women United and how you can get involved, check out their website at https://uwlowcountry.org/womenunited/.
