Fresh Start Women’s Foundation recently announced Kimberly J. McWaters, chairman and CEO of Universal Technical Institute (UTI) as the Founders’ Award recipient.
McWaters will be honored during the Fresh Start Fashion Gala, Feb. 21 at the Arizona Biltmore. The event, in its 19th year, raises awareness for the foundation along with $1 million for programs that help women transform their lives through education and engagement.
“Kim McWaters personifies what a woman can do regardless of her circumstances,” said Susan Berman, Fresh Start’s CEO. “We are thrilled to welcome her into a distinguished circle of long-time Fresh Start supporters.”
McWaters is familiar with many of the issues faced by women who turn to Fresh Start. As a young single mother, she took a job as a part-time receptionist with UTI in 1984. While working her way up through the ranks of the company, she earned a bachelor of science degree in Business Administration, raised three children and eventually became the company’s chairman and CEO. She is an active member of the community and has served on the Fresh Start executive board for more than a decade.
“None of us achieve success on our own. We need mentors, our families, other women leaders and committed organizations like Fresh Start to stand for us,” said McWaters. “I deeply admire and respect the founders of Fresh Start, Pat Petznick and Beverly Stewart, and am truly honored to receive this award.”
Proceeds from the gala will fund programs and services focused on personal development, economic self-sufficiency and education.
Leading up to the event, the foundation is also encouraging members of the community to share their stories of involvement, hope and success using the social media hashtag #myfreshstartstory.
For more information about the event, including sponsorships and table sales, contact Amanda Schmidt at (602) 261-7140 or aschmidt@fswf.org.
