Women Who Rule event recognizes Carol Bell, raises funds for transportation

On Tuesday, March 5, United Way of the Coastal Empire honored Carol Bell as Woman of the Year during their annual Woman Who Rule event. Nearly a thousand guests attended the luncheon that was held at the Savannah Convention Center.

In addition, a record breaking $27,500 was raised during the event, totaling more than $91,500 raised throughout the Women Who Rule campaign. Proceeds from the campaign benefit the Women United Transportation Fund, which supports residents who need reliable transportation to get to work, school, medical appointments and more. 

“Reliable transportation is key to helping our neighbors not only survive but thrive,” says Diana Morrison, Women Who Rule Campaign Chair. “I am grateful for the more than 30 women who volunteered their time and talents this year on the 2024 Women Who Rule Committee and all of those who supported the cause to make this year’s event a success. Thanks to their commitment, more women and caregivers throughout Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty counties will receive transportation assistance in the form of gas cards, bus passes, and minor car repairs.”

Carol Bell, a trailblazer and longtime United Way supporter and volunteer was recognized as the 2024 United Way Woman of the Year.  She was the first African American board chair in 1998 and has continued to give, advocate, and volunteer to support the organization ever since. Bell broke barriers in 1976 as the first African American female manager for the City of Savannah, retiring in 2011 as Central Services Director and transitioning to become a City Councilwoman. Her extensive community involvement spans leadership roles in various organizations, including the Governor's Children and Youth Coordinating Council, the United Negro College Fund's telethon, and esteemed groups like Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the Links, Savannah Chapter.

Three panelists including Chatham Area Transit Authority Chief Executive Officer Faye DiMassimo, State Transportation Board of Georgia Vice Chairman Ann Purcell, and United Way of the Coastal Empire 211 Director Ariane Wallace took the stage to answer a variety of transportation questions.

Watch our slideshow to see photos from the event.