As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we’re proud to highlight one of our dedicated Women United members, Beth Hirz, Erie County’s District Attorney. Beth has been a longtime advocate and supporter of United Way’s work in our community. We recently sat down with her to learn more about why she believes in our work and what inspires her continued support.
What inspires you about the United Way Community School Model?
Community schools recognize the importance of action and collaboration. When schools partner with families, local organizations, mental health providers, and public agencies, they create a support network that addresses the root causes of many of the challenges we see later in the justice system. From a prosecutorial standpoint, I see firsthand how instability, untreated trauma, and lack of opportunity can push young people toward the justice system. The community school model interrupts that path. The attention and sense of belonging is one of the strongest protective factors. Addressing public safety begins long before a case gets to my office – it starts in the classroom, along with the support of community members working together to give these children every opportunity to succeed.
Why is it important to help our most vulnerable children in Erie County by investing in breaking the non-academic barriers to learning so they may thrive academically and therefore creating unlimited opportunities?
As District Attorney, I firmly believe that investing in our most vulnerable children is one of the most powerful public safety strategies we have. These children deal with very real challenges: homelessness, food insecurity, mental health needs, exposure to violence and trauma. These issues directly impact whether a child can feel safe, focus in class, and build relationships – these barriers cannot be ignored. Early intervention can help change trajectories. When children believe in their own potential and are equipped to pursue it at an early age, they create unlimited opportunities not only for themselves, but for their families and our entire community.
What is your message to other women who may be interested in joining Women United?
In my role as District Attorney, I have the privilege of seeing both the challenges in our community and the incredible strength of the people who show up to meet those challenges. So, to any woman considering joining Women United my message is simple: show up.
Women United is not just an organization where women come together to talk about change - we create it. We advocate for children; we support and strengthen families and neighborhoods. Regardless of your background there is a place for you at the table.
Joining Women United means surrounding yourself with driven, community-minded women who believe in the power of action and collaboration. It means investing not only resources, but turning ideas into initiatives that have real, measurable impact in our community.
What are words that you live by or perhaps something a woman mentor told you that you cherish?
“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” ― Frederick Buechner