Washington Area Women's Foundation

- Meet Sydnie
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Through the Rock Star Fund, Sydnie will engage youth in digital media, using social-first strategies and communication skills to foster community change and development.
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What inspired Sydnie to apply for the Rock Star Fund, and how will this project fit into the larger movement for women's empowerment and gender equality? ⁠
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👉🏾 Visit our website to learn more! or wawf.org/RSFPGC2024
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Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday for our Early Care and Education (ECE) Community Roundtable!

The session, featuring Abriana Kimbrough of The Women's Foundation, Demetria Joyce of Bainum Family Foundation, LaDon Love of SPACEs In Action, and Marla Dean of Greater Washington Community Foundation, shed light on how our investment of over $5 million in advocacy for systems change has led to significant policy shifts. We also discussed how our role as an intermediary in the region resulted in close-knit partnerships with over 35 early childhood researchers and practitioners, allowing us to remain aware of ECE issues.

Thank you also to National Women's Law Center for hosting us in your space.

Local and national leaders, businesses, foundations, and individuals recognize increasing the quality and capacity of and access to ECE is a critical issue that deserves urgent attention.

👉🏾 Visit our website to learn more about how you can get involved or contribute to help make a difference! https://thewomensfoundation.org/early-care-education/
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To every woman who has ever found her voice and stood her ground, you have paved the way for us all...Because each time we rise, we rise together! 💚
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Yesterday, our President & CEO, Tamara Wilds Lawson, and our dear friend, Dr. Indira Henard, Executive Director of DC R**e Crisis Center, took the stage at the National Sexual Assault Conference to discuss our "Thrive As They Lead" report and the critical (and urgent) infrastructure needed to support Black women and gender-expansive leaders nationwide.

The conversation was raw, uplifting, and vulnerable and provided insights into ensuring Black women leaders feel heard, seen, valued, and equipped to thrive in their roles.

👉🏾 Interested in being part of this movement? Learn more about our Black women's leadership project and download our report: https://thewomensfoundation.org/black-women-and-gender-expansive-leadership-project/

🎉 SAVE THE DATE: Stand Together Reception 2024

Join us for our annual Stand Together Reception, where we'll convene more than 400 of the top business, philanthropic, and political leaders in the Washington metropolitan area to celebrate our shared commitment to investing in women and girls in our community.

We'll also honor Angela Franco, President & CEO of the DC Chamber of Commerce, and Deryl McKissack, Founder, Chairwoman, & CEO of McKissack & McKissack with our 2024 Visionary Award.

👉🏾 Get your tickets or become a sponsor today! https://thewomensfoundation.org/2024-reception/

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Please join us in welcoming Lynn English of English Hudson Consulting and Shenique Gray of Deloitte to our Board of Directors! We're excited to have their wealth of experience and passion on our team as we continue our mission of investing in women and girls in the Washington metropolitan region.

👉🏾 Meet Lynn and Shenique: https://wawf.org/newboardmembers2024

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What a fun Friday we had convening a few of our former and current Rock Star Fund awardees for our first "Chat & Chew"!

Led by our wonderful Program Officer, Chika Onwuvuche, participants had the opportunity to connect and share their experiences as entrepreneurs. They also heard from our Communications Director (and entrepreneur herself), Sarah Weatherby, who dropped some gems on building and communicating a personal brand.

A special THANK YOU to the National Women's Law Center for allowing us to use your space!

Want to learn more about the Rock Star Fund and how it supports young women and gender-expansive youth of color ages 12-24? Check it out here: https://thewomensfoundation.org/young-womens-initiative/

As we reflect on the past year, we're incredibly proud to share the progress we've made in advancing the power and potential of women and girls of color across the Washington metropolitan region.

Because of your support, we've been able to:
- Amplify the voices and experiences of women and girls of color
- Influence policies and philanthropic practices with a focus on gender and racial equity
- Elevate organizations led by and serving communities of color
- Invest in programs that promote economic security, educational opportunities, and leadership development

Our 2023 Community Investment Report details our collective work and impact. Check it out to learn how your investment has made a difference!

👉🏾 https://wawf.org/CIR2023
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Congratulations to the inaugural recipients of our Prince George's County, Maryland Rock Star Fund!

This exciting expansion, as part of our Young Women's Initiative, is dedicated to investing in the boundless potential of young women, girls, and gender-expansive youth of color ages 12-24.

Through our participatory grantmaking process, five individuals with unique visions and projects aligned with our Blueprint for Action will receive a $2,000 grant to fuel their leadership and create a positive impact for women and girls within our community.

👉🏾 Learn more and meet our 2024 cohort! https://thewomensfoundation.org/2024/meet-our-2024-pgc-rock-star-fund-awardees/
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Thank you Debbi Jarvis and Washington Gas for hosting us this week for our 50 for $50K reception! We are grateful for the opportunity for our president and CEO, Tamara Wilds Lawson, to share the vital work of The Women's Foundation and its impact in our region from birth to the boardroom.

Interested in helping us unlock a $50,000 challenge match grant before the end of our fiscal year on June 30?

Your support today will help us double our investment in the power of women and girls of color, providing a total of $100,000 to support our regional grantmaking and advocacy efforts.

👉 Donate now: https://thewomensfoundation.org/match/

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🎉 We're proud to be a recipient of Crimsonbridge Foundation's generous grant program, allowing us to continue our investment in women and girls of color, from birth to the boardroom, living in the D.C. metropolitan region. Thank you for helping us make a difference!

👉 Learn more:

Crimsonbridge Triples Funding to Support Women’s and Girls' Leadership and Civic Engagement Programs and the People Who Run Them Washington, DC – The Crimsonbridge Foundation has awarded 15 local, regional, and national organizations $340,000 in grants through its Women and Girls' Leadership and Civic Engagement program. The grants represent an increased investment aimed at encouraging civic engagement, increasing represent...

🎉 Join us for our 2024 Stand Together Reception, where we'll celebrate the strength and power of our community alongside the top political, business, and philanthropic leaders from the Washington region.

During this event, we'll honor trailblazers Angela Franco (President & CEO of the DC Chamber of Commerce) and Deryl McKissack (Founder, Chairwoman, & CEO of McKissack McKissack) with our 2024 Visionary Award, and reaffirm our commitment to creating an equitable and just future where women and girls can thrive.

👉 Become a sponsor or purchase tickets today at wawf.org/2024reception or

- As we wrap up our DC Rock Star Fund spotlight series, we'd like you to meet the final member of our 2024 cohort, Destiny Wilson! ⁠
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Through the Rock Star Fund, Destiny will expand BlisX DC, a program for youth to release their creativity through fashion. ⁠
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What inspired Destiny to apply for the Rock Star Fund, and how will this project fit into the larger movement for women's empowerment and gender equality? ⁠
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👉 Visit our website to learn more: wawf.org/RSF2024

Join us for this month's with Kristi Matthews-Jones of the DC Girls' Coalition and Erin Whelan of SMYAL, as we explore critical issues impacting LGBTQ+ youth in the Washington metropolitan region.

From mental health struggles and safety concerns to housing challenges and discrimination, we'll discuss each of these organizations' transformative advocacy work and highlight how parents, families, and communities can foster environments that are more supportive and inclusive.

RSVP 👉 https://wawf.org/askherloveinaction
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Last month our Early Care and Education (ECE) Program Officer, Abriana Kimbrough, stood before the D.C. Council on behalf of The Women's Foundation urging them to restore funding to the Early Childhood Education Pay Equity Fund—an initiative designed to establish equal pay for early childhood educators and their counterparts in K-12 education.⁠
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Her testimony was in response to Mayor Bowser's proposed 2025 budget, which would cut the Fund, disrupting the early education sector and reversing DC's commitment to supporting Black and brown educators.⁠
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✅ Read Abriana's full testimony: https://thewomensfoundation.org/2024/the-womens-foundation-calls-on-d-c-council-to-close-the-pay-equity-fund-gap/

✅ Visit under3dc.org to learn more about immediate steps you can take to get involved and protect our early educators.⁠
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Don't miss out this Thursday (6/6)! Join our president and CEO, Tamara Wilds Lawson, and Marla Dean, Board Chair of Philanthropy DMV, as they discuss our latest report, "Thrive As They Lead," and the critical infrastructure needed to support Black women leaders in our community and their journey toward greater impact.

👉 Secure your spot! https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2k7Tw2LdQyOs7URm8PKc7g #/registration
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- Meet Jadyn Settles! ⁠
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Through the Rock Star Fund, Jadyn will expand access to cashless donations to unhoused community members. ⁠
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What inspired Jadyn to apply for the Rock Star Fund, and how will this project fit into the larger movement for women's empowerment and gender equality? ⁠
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👉 Visit our website to learn: wawf.org/RSF2024

- Meet Alluorra Rosé! ⁠
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Through the Rock Star Fund, Alluorra will develop a film that addresses the challenges that a Black deaf trans woman faces in a homeless shelter.⁠
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What inspired Alluorra to apply for the Rock Star Fund, and how will this project fit into the larger movement for women's empowerment and gender equality? ⁠
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👉 Visit our website to learn more: wawf.org/RSF2024

- Meet Rocheny Pricien! ⁠
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Through the Rock Star Fund, Rocheny will provide safe spaces for women of color to gather and uplift one another through artistic expression. ⁠
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What inspired Rocheny to apply for the Rock Star Fund, and how will this project fit into the larger movement for women's empowerment and gender equality? ⁠
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👉 Visit our website to learn more: wawf.org/RSF2024

Thank you Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP for hosting us yesterday and giving The Women’s Foundation a platform to present the vital work we're doing in our community with your Washington DC Women's Firm Resource Group!

We look forward to our continued partnership as we champion the investment in our region's women and girls of color.

Learn more about our work: wawf.org
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"My mother is the one person in my life who celebrates every one of my achievements, big or small. She has seen me through many dark times by believing in me even when I couldn’t believe in myself. My mom is amazing!!"

Barbara McLaughlin shares a lovely photo of her mom this Mother's Day.
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It's not too late to make a donation in honor or celebration of Mother's Day! When you make a gift of $25 or more today, your donation will help us unlock a $50,000 matching grant from a generous anonymous foundation.⁠
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What better way to honor or celebrate that special woman in your life than with a gift that will help ensure current and future generations of women receive the resources and support they need to thrive!⁠
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Donate today! https://thewomensfoundation.org/mothers-day/?bbeml=tp-5nY91kOyd0CTtZnTIoCWTQ.jAJOYu53WKU-mXVo3MYSmgg.rU34MLE_K_kmGuxf5ujQ27g.l8cj1tfLRZUKQkfgWvLv1Ag

"Happy Mother’s Day to my mom Loveline! She is the epitome of care, strength, love and joy. I’m grateful to be a reflection of what she embodies and even more."

Chika Onwuvuche shares a picture of her, her siblings, and her mom, Loveline.
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It's not too late to make a donation in honor or celebration of Mother's Day! When you make a gift of $25 or more today, your donation will help us unlock a $50,000 matching grant from a generous anonymous foundation.

What better way to honor or celebrate that special woman in your life than with a gift that will help ensure current and future generations of women receive the resources and support they need to thrive!

Donate today! https://thewomensfoundation.org/mothers-day/?bbeml=tp-5nY91kOyd0CTtZnTIoCWTQ.jAJOYu53WKU-mXVo3MYSmgg.rU34MLE_K_kmGuxf5ujQ27g.l8cj1tfLRZUKQkfgWvLv1Ag

"This Mother's Day, I made a donation to The Women’s Foundation in memory of my grandmother, Virginia M. Allen. Instead of enjoying her retirement years, my grandmother raised me as her own with love and instilled in me the values I would need to maneuver through life. I will cherish the memories we shared and am forever grateful for all of the sacrifices she made to ensure I would become the woman I am today."

Crystal Rucker shares a picture of her and her grandmother in celebration of Mother's Day!

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It's not too late to make a donation in honor or celebration of Mother's Day! When you make a gift of $25 or more today, your donation will help us unlock a $50,000 matching grant from a generous anonymous foundation.

What better way to honor or celebrate that special woman in your life than with a gift that will help ensure current and future generations of women receive the resources and support they need to thrive!

Donate today! https://thewomensfoundation.org/mothers-day/?bbeml=tp-5nY91kOyd0CTtZnTIoCWTQ.jAJOYu53WKU-mXVo3MYSmgg.rU34MLE_K_kmGuxf5ujQ27g.l8cj1tfLRZUKQkfgWvLv1Ag

- Meet Nyirah Newton! ⁠
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Through the Rock Star Fund, Nyirah will expand and facilitate a second year of self-care and empowerment youth-led workshops and classes through her initiative, CROWNED.⁠
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What inspired Nyirah to apply for the Rock Star Fund, and how will this project fit into the larger movement for women's empowerment and gender equality? ⁠
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👉 Visit our website to learn more: wawf.org/RSF2024

Check out our latest interview with ECEFC Co-chairs, Julia Lipton (Program Officer at Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation) and Carmen Wong (Program Director at The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation)!⁠
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👉 Learn more: https://thewomensfoundation.org/2024/ecefc-co-chair-spotlight/

- Meet Debkanya Mitra! ⁠
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Through the Rock Star Fund, Debkanya will develop a mentorship program for young women of color who want to release their own music.⁠
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What inspired Debkanya to apply for the Rock Star Fund, and how will this project fit into the larger movement for women's empowerment and gender equality? ⁠
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👉 Visit our website to learn more: wawf.org/RSF2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Thomasenia "Tommie" Duncan, a founding mother of Washington Area Women’s Foundation.

Tommie's dedication to advocating for women and girls and advancing gender and racial equity has left an indelible mark on our community. Her legacy will forever shine bright in our hearts and guide our future work.

Today, and everyday, we honor her gentle and beautiful spirit.

Our thoughts are with her loved ones and all those who knew and cherished her during this difficult time. 🕊️💚

Our Rock Star Fund has officially expanded to Prince George's County, Maryland!

If you or someone you know is a young women or gender-expansive youth of color (ages 12-24) living in Prince George's County, we invite you to apply by May 31, 2024.

👉 Learn more: wawf.org/PGCRockStar2024
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The Rock Star Fund, through our Young Women’s Initiative, provides a one-time award of $2,000 to invest in the learning, leadership, ideas, and community projects of young women, girls, and gender-expansive youth of color (ages 12-24) living in Prince George's County, Maryland.

As part of the Rock Star Fund, participants will:

✅ Receive a one-time grant of $2,000 to help advance the recommendations of the BluePrint for Action⁠

✅ Attend quarterly cohort meetings with other awardees⁠

✅ Receive 1-on-1 coaching and support from The Women’s Foundation staff and community members.⁠
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Please note: Applicants must be a resident of Prince George’s County.⁠
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*US citizenship is not required⁠
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The deadline to apply is May 31, 2024.

- Meet Camila Marryshow! ⁠
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Through the Rock Star Fund, Camila will launch the "Create2Learn Program," which aims to provide guidance and resources to girls of color in foster care. ⁠
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What inspired Camila to apply for the Rock Star Fund, and how will this project fit into the larger movement for women's empowerment and gender equality? ⁠
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👉 Visit our website to learn more: wawf.org/RSF2024

Join us on Tuesday, April 30, at 1 p.m. EST for : "Addressing Our Black Maternal Health Crisis" as we explore critical issues surrounding the health and well-being of Black mothers.⁠
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Black women in the United States face a maternal mortality rate nearly three times higher than their white counterparts. Despite medical advancements, racial disparities persist, leaving Black women overlooked and marginalized by healthcare providers.

This session will spotlight the importance of personalized, supportive healthcare approaches that can positively impact the lives of Black women, empowering them with informed decision-making and comprehensive care throughout their maternal journey.

Don't miss out!
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Register for free today: https://wawf.org/askherblackmaternalhealth