Sharon Hawkins to Receive Woman of Impact Award

Her accomplishments and volunteer service are far too many to list.

Whether it was her time serving on the Cape and Islands United Way board of directors, volunteering countless hours at the Hyannis Rotary, We CAN, or American Red Cross, Sharon Hawkins has made quite an impact on the Cape and Islands.

Her service, dedication, and commitment to many causes on the Cape and beyond are why the Cape and Islands United Way and its affiliate Women United will honor Hawkins with the 2025 Woman of Impact award. Hawkins will be honored at the annual Power of the Purse gala on October 16, 2025, at the Hyannisport Club.

“I am filled with gratitude to receive this award,” Hawkins said from her winter home in Naples, FL, where she “retired” and now volunteers for several organizations there as well. “The award is a reminder of all the amazing people I have had the privilege to work with and who positively impacted not only my life, but so many lives in our community.”

Hawkins and her husband, Dr. Allen White, are longtime residents of Centerville. She spent many years working for Dowling & O’Neill Insurance, now the HILB Group.

In addition to some of the organizations previously listed, Hawkins also serves the Bluecoats of Barnstable, an organization supporting our men and women in blue, was board chair of the Hyannis Area Chamber of Commerce, board member of the Cotuit Center for the Arts, the president of the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Cape Cod, and board member for the JFK Hyannis Museum.

“I’m exhausted just listing all of her accomplishments,” said Mark Skala, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cape and Islands United Way. “I’ve known Sharon for some time, and she always gives 100 percent. She’s warm, gracious, and has made an incredible impact here. And I know she’s far from done. We are honored to recognize her accomplishments.”

Since the first Power of the Purse event seven years ago, Hawkins has provided one of her hand-crafted Nantucket purses – a highlight of the night’s auction, Skala said.

Hawkins is the sixth recipient of the award, previously presented to businesswoman and philanthropist Doreen Bilezikian, who, with her husband Chuck, created the Christmas Tree Shops; Dorothy Savarese, former Chief Executive Officer and chairman of the Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank and community advocate; Trish Kennedy, businesswoman and philanthropist; Jen Villa of Love Live Local and The West End in Hyannis; and philanthropist Mauren Wilkens.

Power of the Purse raises funds and awareness for causes around women, children, and families supported by Women United. The event features a reception with food stations and a lively silent auction.