United Way of the Lowcountry's Women United is currently accepting nominations for the 2017 Woman of the Year.&nbsp;

The nominees must be female; a resident of Beaufort or Jasper counties; have made a powerful impact on the local community through their volunteer efforts; and served as a role model for inspiration and achievement of other women.

Nomination forms can be downloaded on the United Way of the Lowcountry website at www.uwlowcountry.org. &nbsp;

Completed forms should be emailed to jdaileyvergara@uwlowcountry.org or mailed to United Way of the Lowcountry, Attn: Jaime Dailey-Vergara, P.O. Box 202, Beaufort, SC 29901.

Nominations should be submitted no later than 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24.

For questions, contact Dailey-Vergara at jdaileyvergara@uwlowcountry.org or 843-982-3040.&nbsp;

The Women United Steering Committee will review the nominations and announce the winner at the Power of the Purse event at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 9, at the Dataw Island Clubhouse.

The three finalists will be contacted prior to the event to ensure their attendance. &nbsp;

Proceeds from the Power of the Purse will support education initiatives benefiting children and families throughout Beaufort and Jasper Counties through Women United's Breaking Barriers to Education Fund. &nbsp;

This fund seeks to help fulfill needs that would otherwise prevent a student from attending school or from reaching their full potential. This fund is administered by the United Way of the Lowcountry HELPLINE, which works with school officials to directly remove financial barriers that stand in the way of a child's education. &nbsp;

Tickets for the Power of the Purse are available for purchase at www.uwlowcountry.org. &nbsp;