 In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to recognize Cris Oviedo as part of the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories" profile series.
A professional with a passion for broadcasting, acting, and serving others, Cris was born in Ecuador, moved to the United States in 2001, and is fluent in English and Spanish. A graduate from Towson University's EMF program, Cris is the Program Director at Howard Community College’s Dragon Digital Radio, where she has the opportunity to help in all capacities at the radio station from editing to directing and hosting shows like Live with Cris. She also produces and hosts Caliente, a Spanish show that looks to bring valuable information to our Latino community in Maryland serving as a bridge between services and nuestra gente, closing that gap through education and empowerment. "Cris is committed to serving the Hispanic community in all aspects of her professional and personal engagements. She offers bilingual programming through the HCC Dragon Radio, initiated the Howard County Latino Facebook group, and was elected Co-Chair of the Howard County Executive’s Alianza Hispanic initiative" said Feli Solá-Carter, Coach, Excellence in Government Program at the Partnership for Public Service and Howard County Community Leader. Cris is constantly looking for ways to serve, empower, and bring opportunities to the Latino community in Howard County, and she’s striving to become a better leader and advocate. She recently joined Alianza Latina, a county group that she co-chairs with Danielle Duran Baron, where along with other community leaders, she is working to create a strong voice and presence for all Latinos in Howard County. "She is an up and comer" said Stacie Hunt, President & CEO of Leadership Howard County. "She’s smart and is learning how to use her voice." We are fortunate that we have Cris in our community working with us to elevate the voices of women and girls. Thank you for joining us in recognizing her by clicking on this image to read her full WGC "Our Giving, Our Stories" profile, and learning more about all of the amazing women who are part of WGC "Our Giving, Our Stories"!
1 Comment
 The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County (WGC) would like to express our sincere appreciation to all 31 inspirational women who participated in our “Our Giving, Our Stories” philanthropist profile series in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month 2021.
The WGC is proud to be a financial supporter of National Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), which is observed every August. The primary aims of BPM are informing, involving, inspiring and investing in Black philanthropic leadership to strengthen African-American and African-descent giving in all its forms, for the benefit of our planet, our communities, our organizations and our lives. Starting on August 1 and each day in August thereafter, the WGC has shared daily profiles of Howard County philanthropists in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month. We have enjoyed highlighting these inspirational stories of women in our community who discussed what moves them to give their time, talent and financial resources, when they started giving to issues that are important to them, and what advice they have for those interested in giving back. “I am thrilled to have lead the WGC’s “Our Giving, Our Stories!” Profile effort for Black Philanthropy Month” said Malynda Madzel, philanthropist and former WGC Advisory Board Member. “As a long-time supporter of the WGC, I’m excited to have elevated the voices of women in our community who give back in so many ways.” We hope you enjoy the inspirational stories of these 31 Howard County philanthropists in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month 2021. Double click on each image to read the full profile! 3 Questions With ... Philanthropist, Tracey L. Williams - "Our Giving, Our Stories!" - 8/318/31/2021  What advice do you have for those interested in giving back? "I recommend that those who want to give back start as soon as possible. Look for causes that are close to your heart and learn all you can about them. It is great to give but it is more important to give where the need is greatest ... ... I feel that it is my calling to volunteer my time, talent, and financial resources to the community. I have been blessed to have so many opportunities that it is second nature for me to want to contribute to the lives of others." Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Daily Profile Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2021. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2021 #BPM2021 Double click the profile to read it as a PDF - enjoy!  What advice do you have for those interested in giving back?
"My advice for those interested in giving back is to align with organizations that are sustainable, align with your core belief, and drive your participation. I think volunteers should clearly understand their role as stakeholders and share responsibility for the success of the organization and its service in the community. " "I like to spread the word for the American Red Cross to encourage blood donations. At any given time, there are multiple disasters where blood donations can save lives. Sickle cell anemia remains present in black and brown communities. Blood donations can be tagged specifically for those suffering from this illness. St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital is also one of my favorite charities. I encourage everyone to participate in giving at least $19 per month. There is a great opportunity to save children for the cost of just six cups of coffee! Imagine if everyone joined in giving. As we mark the 58th anniversary for the August 28, 1963 March on Washington, that sparked the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, people of color continue to experience disenfranchisement at the polls. I urge all people to stand up and get involved with organizations working to protect the right to have an equal voice in the direction of the nation." Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Daily Profile Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2021. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2021 #BPM2021 Double click the profile to read it as a PDF - enjoy! 3 Questions With ... Philanthropist, Khelli M.J. Bryant - "Our Giving, Our Stories!" - 8/298/29/2021  What advice do you have for those interested in giving back? "You never know how your time, experiences, knowledge, life lessons, and accomplishments can support and help someone in need. There are various ways to give back and support your community. It’s about finding out how you can best contribute and help. It’s important to give back in way that feels best to you. It should be genuine and wholehearted." Khelli supports numerous organizations, including: Wilde Lake High School Student Food Pantry Ohana HC Howard County Food Bank Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Daily Profile Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2021. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2021 #BPM2021 Double click the profile to read it as a PDF - enjoy!  What advice do you have for those interested in giving back? "It is impossible to do it all! It's hard saying no sometimes because you want to help that person however you can but it is so easy to spread yourself too thin and feel like you're drowning. Giving back is a great thing to do and it can teach you so much, but it can also overwhelm you and it's okay to ask for help yourself too." Aniah supports numerous organizations, including: Ohana HC Nourish Now Greene and Gold Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Daily Profile Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2021. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2021 #BPM2021 Double click the profile to read it as a PDF - enjoy!  Many thanks to all of our members - long-time and new - who have given to the WGC recently.
Megan Bruno, Melissa Curtin, Kimberly Agnor, Lynne Schaefer, Wendy Scherer, Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, Cynthia Campbell, Barb Van Winkle, Jetheda Hernandez, Julia McCready, Michele G. Crosby, Nancy Pirritano, Stephanie Lyon, Malynda Madzel, Patricia Clifford, Kimberly Prescott, Sharon Nussbaum, Theresa Billow-Supple, Rhonda Neubauer, Patricia Wecker, Diana Bailey, Angie Kozlowski, Karen DeBlasio, Paula Seabright, Stephanie Schultz, Linda Lamppert Leslie, Karen Crowder, Glennor Shirley, Xina Kojzar, Beth Harbinson, Beatrice Dane, Sharice Hammond The Core Collaborative Inc. in Honor of Kim Flyr's Birthday  What advice do you have for those interested in giving back?
"Giving enriches our community no matter how small the gift. Give what you can, whether it is time, service and/or resources. Most of us give to others and don’t keep track. My advice is to be intentional in your giving to make an even bigger impact in our community and in the lives of others. ... ... The value of giving was instilled in me by my parents and grandparents at a very early age. As a child my parents and grandparents shared stories of their very modest means growing up. I watched them lend a helping hand, freely give and encourage countless family members, friends and even people they didn’t know. They taught me to be compassionate to others and be a blessing every opportunity I get." Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Daily Profile Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2021. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2021 #BPM2021 Double click the profile to read it as a PDF - enjoy! 3 Questions With ... Philanthropist, Christel H. Curtis - "Our Giving, Our Stories!" - 8/268/26/2021  What advice do you have for those interested in giving back? "Find something that you are passionate about , and give whatever you can. It can be your time, talent or financial support. You will make a difference to someone. It is really that simple." Christel supports numerous organizations, including: Spelman College Church Scholarship Fund Hunger Relief Programs Cancer Society ( In honor of her parents) Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Daily Profile Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2021. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2021 #BPM2021 Double click the profile to read it as a PDF - enjoy!
 What advice do you have for those interested in giving back? "Seek innovative solutions to the issues you care most about. Be the groundbreaking thought in the room and represent for the people who need it most." Makenna supports numerous organizations, including: "While there are many organizations I love, three organizations I truly admire and enjoy working with are The 3rd, Freetown Farm (CEI), and Dreams to Reality. Each organization continues to lead the charge when it comes to environmental consciousness, business solutions, and racial equity. They consistently cater to the needs of their target populations and are always looking to find new ways to address large issues." Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Daily Profile Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2021. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2021 #BPM2021 Double click the profile to read it as a PDF - enjoy! 3 Questions With ... Philanthropist, Germaine Bolds-Leftridge - "Our Giving, Our Stories!" - 8/238/23/2021  What advice do you have for those interested in giving back? "My advice to someone interested in giving back is to...JUST DO IT! Giving really makes you appreciate all the blessings that you have been given." Germaine supports numerous organizations: The Leftridge Family Foundation Delta Sigma Theta The Links CVS Second Chance Program Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Daily Profile Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2021. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2021 #BPM2021 Double click the profile to read it as a PDF - enjoy!  What advice do you have for those interested in giving back? "It is so true, it is better to give than to receive. The satisfaction received from helping others is so gratifying. My advice would be to begin a practice of giving as soon as possible; everyone can give of his or her time to issues they find important." Tracy supports numerous organizations: Compassion International St. Jude World Vision Bridgeway Community Church Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Daily Profile Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2021. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2021 #BPM2021 Double click the profile to read it as a PDF - enjoy!  What advice do you have for those interested in giving back? "Find a cause that is truly meaningful to you, and you will get back what you put in, to a truly exponential level." Jarnell supports numerous organizations: United Way of Central Maryland KIF1-A Associated Neurological Disorder Foundation Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Daily Profile Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2021. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2021 #BPM2021 Double click the profile to read it as a PDF - enjoy!
 What advice do you have for those interested in giving back? "All of us have talents that can be used to give back: we can give time, give a voice to an organization, offer tangible resources, assist in making connections, as well as giving financial support. Giving the best of ourselves is often the most impactful." Nia supports numerous organizations: Jack and Jill, Inc. Delta Sigma Theta Howard Hospital Foundation Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Daily Profile Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2021. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2021 #BPM2021 Double click the profile to read it as a PDF - enjoy!  What advice do you have for those interested in giving back?
"Philanthropy is not solely about financial means; it’s about seeing the need around you and contributing what you can. Find your passion, give your time and share your talents. Giving something as simple as a listening ear or a friendly smile can be the start to making a difference in someone’s life." Donna supports numerous organizations: "As a teen, I volunteered with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, raising money and awareness on behalf of my brother and other hospitalized children. My corporate career allowed me to continue my philanthropic passion on a much larger scale; serving on boards such as March of Dimes and Healthcare for the Homeless, sponsoring events and providing a platform to highlight nonprofit organizations focused on community betterment." Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Daily Profile Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2021. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2021 #BPM2021 Double click the profile to read it as a PDF - enjoy! 3 Questions With ... Philanthropist, Shaundra Turner Jones - "Our Giving, Our Stories!" - 8/178/17/2021  What advice do you have for those interested in giving back?
"We are all really good at something. You were given that gift for a reason, so use it for good. Just your presence can benefit someone more than you will ever know. " Shaundra supports numerous organizations, including: Thurgood Marshall College Fund Pearl Foundation, Inc. through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Iota Lambda Omega Chapter (Howard County, MD); Hampton University Alumni Association, Inc. Corduroy’s Closet through Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Columbia, MD Chapter Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Daily Profile Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2021. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2021 #BPM2021 Double click the profile to read it as a PDF - enjoy!  What advice do you have for those interested in giving back?
"Find something that you are passionate about or a group of people that you would want to help. This will make it easy for you to want to give back and help those people and you won't feel like it's a chore and you are more willing to go above and beyond. There are so many places where you can have a positive impact. Just start asking around. And, young adults should not be afraid to volunteer! Our youth bring good insights to the boards that they volunteer on." In addition to the Women's Giving Circle, Alicia supports numerous organizations, including: Academic of Finance NAF Junior Achievement Assisting students in understanding finance at public schools Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Daily Profile Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2021. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2021 #BPM2021 Double click the profile to read it as a PDF - enjoy!  What advice do you have for those interested in giving back?
#givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2021 #BPM2021 Double click the profile to read it as a PDF - enjoy! 3 Questions With ... Philanthropist, Mamie Johns Perkins - "Our Giving, Our Stories!" - 8/148/14/2021  What advice do you have for those interested in giving back? "My advice to those looking to give back is always the same. First figure out what truly fuels your soul and then try to leave a place better than you found it." Mamie supports numerous organizations, including: Howard Community College Foundation Leadership Mentor for AACPS St. Johns Baptist Church Youth Ministry Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Daily Profile Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2021. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2021 #BPM2021 Double click the profile to read it as a PDF - enjoy!  What advice do you have for those interested in giving back? "I give because I want to see our communities thrive in mind, body, and spirit ... never stop uplifting humanity." Denée supports the following organizations: Women's Giving Circle of Howard County Howard County Arts Council Howard County Historical Society Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Daily Profile Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2021. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2021 #BPM2021 Double click the profile to read it as a PDF - enjoy! 3 Questions With ... Philanthropist, Jocelyn Whitfield - "Our Giving, Our Stories!" - 8/128/12/2021  What advice do you have for those interested in giving back?
"Find out what you are most passionate about and then not counting the cost; remembering this one thing that “you are impacting someone’s life for the greater good” and at the same enabling them to give back as well. You are not really living until you have given to better the lives of others." In addition to the Women's Giving Circle, Jocelyn supports numerous organizations, including: Changing Destinations SEWA International COVID United Way of Central Maryland Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Daily Profile Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2021. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2021 #BPM2021 Double click the profile to read it as a PDF - enjoy! |
"Women’s philanthropy shapes the future for women and girls through the power of collective giving." - Barb Van Winkle, Chair
|
|
