 The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County is excited to announce a new Social Justice funding partnership with The 3rd and The Highland Project for the development and implementation of a Leadership Development program for Women of Color in Howard County, Maryland.
“Social Justice is the assertion of the ideal that all humans should have the same rights and opportunities; it is woven into the WGC’s mission, vision, goals and statement of unity, including our diversity, equity and inclusion focus and our efforts to raise awareness of gender disparities” said Barb Van Winkle, WGC Advisory Board Chair. The Women’s Giving Circle is providing a $20,000 multi-year grant to The 3rd as an investment in the growth of the organization broadly, and specifically to provide support for increased representation for Women of Color in leadership positions throughout the county. This Leadership Development program will be developed as part of the services offered at The 3rd and will provide information, training, resources and connections for increased representation on local committees, task forces, boards of directors, and other leadership bodies in Howard County. “The WGC is proud to partner nationally with The Highland Project and to invest locally in The 3rd” said Candace Dodson-Reed and Alison Canning, WGC Grants Committee Co-Chairs. “We are excited to provide support to a local organization that is focusing on gender and race equality, and now specifically on leadership opportunities for Women of Color.” The 3rd is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that is building a space that fosters dreams, creates community, and provides mentorship, which enables Women of Color to turn their ideas into economic power and freedom. As a co-created community of entrepreneurs, The 3rd has been developed with the belief that Women of Color need a space to build, execute, and thrive, and also need access to skill building, collaboration and accountability. “This is what this new funding partnership brings to The 3rd and to Women of Color throughout our community” said Laura Bacon, Founder of The 3rd. “Our growth will be exponential with the local support from the Women’s Giving Circle and the national support from The Highland Project, and we are thrilled that both organizations understand and support the unique challenges we face, and the unique gifts we bring to the table.” As part of this multi-year Social Justice Grant, the Women’s Giving Circle is also providing a $10,000 grant to The Highland Project, a national coalition that is cultivating a coalition of Black women who are leading communities, institutions, and systems in the creation of multi-generational wealth and change where they live and serve. The Highland Project will provide strategic guidance and coaching to The 3rd during the development stage of this personalized Leadership Development program. “We are very excited to support the leadership of The 3rd and women of color pathblazers in Howard County” said Gabrielle Wyatt, founder of The Highland Project. “We believe our partnership can serve as a national model for working with local giving circles and nonprofits to support leadership development for Women of Color around the country.” This partnership will support the growth of The 3rd overall, and this new leadership curriculum in particular that will be modeled on a version of the Highland Project, which we hope will cultivate a pipeline of Women of Color who are leading the way in all sectors in Howard County. “We know that gender and race equality are closely linked and we are honored to have the WGC invest in both to support leadership development for Women of Color through this important funding partnership” said Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, WGC Executive Director. Learn more at www.womensgivingcircle.org WGC Emergency Response Network Request - $1,000 - Can You Help Support Families This Thanksgiving?11/12/2021
Total of $60,000 awarded to big ideas for social change during social impact competition  The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County, Horizon Foundation, United Way of Central Maryland, and the Community Foundation of Howard County awarded a total of $60,000 at the 2021 Changemaker Challenge, an event focused on sparking innovation and fresh thinking to address some of Howard County’s most pressing issues. Ten finalists presented their ideas for social change to a live virtual audience of over 700 community members and a panel of judges. The winners of this year’s competition are:
“This event is always so inspiring and uplifting, and this year was no different,” said Nikki Highsmith Vernick, president and CEO of the Horizon Foundation. “Given the immense challenges we have faced as a community over the past year and a half, our goal for the Changemaker Challenge this year was to launch sustainable actions to help our residents recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and the inequities it exposed. We are so proud of all of our Changemakers for their creativity and commitment to help make our community a better place for everyone. We can’t wait to see these innovative ideas in action.” Franklyn Baker, president and CEO of United Way of Central Maryland, said, “Together with the Horizon Foundation and other partners in Howard County, the Changemaker Challenge began in 2017 to spark new ideas for social change. This initiative finds and supports grassroots, boots-on-the-ground leaders, who are among the best equipped to drive real change within their communities. The Changemaker Challenge give more people a seat at the table and provides a compelling way to share their big ideas: ideas that will help close service and resource gaps, so that together, we can help even more people.” We would like to thank all who joined us for this inspiring event, and to our opening guest speakers County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball, United Way of Central Maryland President and CEO Franklyn Baker and Nikki Highsmith Vernick. We would also like to thank our panel of judges: Cathy Hamel, Board Chair of the Horizon Foundation; Lisa Pearson, Vice Chair for the Horizon Foundation Board of Trustees; Barb Van Winkle, Chair on the Advisory Board for the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County; Teshia Davis, Chair of the Howard County RUN Board for United Way of Central Maryland, and; Ryan Brown, Board Member on the Howard County RUN Board for United Way of Central Maryland. "We are honored to partner with United Way of Central Maryland, the Horizon Foundation, and the Community Foundation of Howard County to elevate and celebrate big ideas for social change in Howard County through the Changemaker Challenge - congratulations to all!" said Barb Van Winkle, WGC Chair. We also thank all of our additional finalists for being part of the Changemaker Challenge and look forward to seeing their continued innovation and leadership in the future: 4Girls2STEM; Howard County Lynching Truth and Reconciliation, Inc.; HoCo Pirate Adventures, Inc.; Oakland Mills Online; Upcycled, Inc.; and Howard County Autism Society. “The Changemaker Challenge is an incredible platform to recognize and showcase the tremendous grassroots efforts by so many to improve lives in Howard County,” stated Beverly White-Seals, president & CEO of the Community Foundation of Howard County. “The finalists were all so inspiring, and they represent Howard County so well. We salute all of the participants and wish them continued success as they grow their innovative ideas to lift up the community.” The recording of the event is available here Learn more about the Changemaker Challenge, including past winners and their big ideas, at changemakerchallengehc.org. Hosted by the Horizon Foundation, United Way of Central Maryland, the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County and the Community Foundation of Howard County, the Changemaker Challenge is an event focused on sparking innovation and fresh thinking to address some of Howard County’s most pressing issues.
 In honor of Veterans Day, the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to recognize Wanda Riddle as part of the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories" profile series.
Wanda has dedicated her career to serving our country. She continues to contribute her time, talents and resources to veterans causes, including serving on the board of directors of The Howard County Veterans Foundation. Her extraordinary leadership and dedication to the mission of the Foundation have made her an indispensable part of that organization. Learn more: What moves you to give your time, talent and financial resources? I was raised in a family where duty to country and service to others were fundamental in our mindset. My parents were part of the Greatest Generation having lived through the depression and having served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Growing up, we were taught to always be thankful for what we had, share what we could, and to be respectful, courteous and helpful to others. My mother in particular was a shining example of generosity and selflessness. Those early lessons continue to guide me today. When did you start giving to issues that are important to you? Throughout my thirty years of military service, I volunteered in some form or fashion with various civilian community groups and organizations. Each duty station provided new opportunities to be involved and to contribute. It ranged from tutoring inner city children to assisting with therapeutic equine riding programs. When I retired from active duty and moved to Maryland, I gravitated towards those organizations that support and advocate for military veterans and their families. One such nonprofit is The Howard County Veterans Foundation. The Foundation is currently working towards making a veterans and military families monument a reality for our community. I am also a member of the local American Legion Post where I enjoy the camaraderie of fellow members and advancing programs that assist other veterans. It was an honor to have served my country in uniform, and it is now my privilege to serve my community as a civilian. What advice do you have for those interested in giving back? Everyone has something to offer. Find your passion or at least identify your interests and get involved. There is a special satisfaction in knowing you are contributing to making life better for someone else and helping to improve your community. Just go for it! We are fortunate that we have Wanda in our community working with us to elevate the voices of women and girls. Thank you for joining us in recognizing her and learning more about all of the amazing women who are part of WGC "Our Giving, Our Stories"!  Time is running out! Register for the 2021 Changemaker Challenge
Join us for the virtual live event Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. The 2021 Changemaker Challenge is almost here! Join the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County Horizon Foundation, United Way of Central Maryland, and the Community Foundation of Howard County on November 9 to watch our 10 finalists compete for up to $35,000 to bring their big ideas for social change in Howard County to life. Register for FREE today! A panel of judges will select three winners to receive grants totaling $60,000. All finalists will be eligible for a grant of either $25,000, $15,000, a $10,000 grant for an initiative that supports women and girls in Howard County and event attendees will select the winner of the audience choice award of an additional $10,000. Meet our finalists and learn about their big ideas to drive social change in Howard County. Register now!  In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to recognize Rayna DuBose as part of the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories" profile series.
Rayna was a star athlete from Howard County, who earned a full scholarship to play basketball at Virginia Tech. But after contracting bacterial meningitis, she woke up from a 3-week long coma to discover her limbs had been amputated. Now a motivational speaker, Rayna speaks on how she overcame adversity and found her purpose through strength, power and community engagement. "I have a passion for the youth in our community and the betterment of our community and world" said Rayna. "I believe that the children are our future so let’s give them all the tools and knowledge to prepare them for anything they go through in their lives." When asked about her giving, she said "I started giving honestly after a tragic accident that occurred in my life ... when I truly learned and felt what it is to be blessed, grateful, appreciative, and thankful genuinely." 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"!  The WGC is is proud to partner with United Way of Central Maryland with a $5,000 multi-year grant to help support the new UWCM Family Center and in turn, support women and their families in need of quality, affordable childcare in Howard County.
Did you know childcare in Howard County for two averages about $2,000 a month? On average, across all income levels, Howard County families spend about 20% of their income on childcare − double the national recommendation of 10%. "We know that child care is necessary for parents—particularly women—to work and earn an income, yet it has become an increasingly crushing expense for families with young children in Howard County" said Kari Staddon, Senior Director of Strategic Impact at United Way of Central Maryland. "We are grateful for the partnership and support of the Women's Giving Circle as we aim to provide quality, affordable child care for women and families in our community." While Howard County is known for having one of the highest median incomes in the nation, it also has one of the highest costs of living, making it a difficult place for people earning low or moderate incomes to get ahead. Nearly 30% of households in Howard County can't afford the basics, like a safe, affordable place to call home; medical care to keep their families healthy; or a car to get to work or to the grocery store. And a vast majority of these households are families with children. Higher than average childcare costs in the area make it tough for families with children who are already struggling to make ends meet. For many of these families, childcare is their second-highest expense after housing. The new United Way Family Center will provide parents who qualify with affordable, high-quality childcare at a cost below market rate. And all staff working 20 hours or more will receive full benefits and be paid above-average wages. "We are proud to provide this multi-year grant to support the new UWCM Family Center" said Barb Van Winkle. "As we work to shape the future for women and girls through the power of collective giving, we see this as an important resource for women and their families seeking quality, affordable childcare in our county." Learn more here  "Strong women ... May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them." #IDG2021
Today is International Day of the Girl, which focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights. Adolescent girls have the right to a safe, educated, and healthy life, not only during these critical formative years, but also as they mature into women. If effectively supported during the adolescent years, girls have the potential to change the world – both as the empowered girls of today and as tomorrow’s workers, mothers, entrepreneurs, mentors, household heads, and political leaders. An investment in realising the power of adolescent girls upholds their rights today and promises a more equitable and prosperous future, one in which half of humanity is an equal partner in solving the problems of climate change, political conflict, economic growth, disease prevention, and global sustainability. Girls are breaking boundaries and barriers posed by stereotypes and exclusion, including those directed at children with disabilities and those living in marginalized communities. As entrepreneurs, innovators and initiators of global movements, girls are creating a world that is relevant for them and future generations. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by world leaders in 2015, embody a roadmap for progress that is sustainable and leaves no one behind. Achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment is integral to each of the 17 goals. Only by ensuring the rights of women and girls across all the goals will we get to justice and inclusion, economies that work for all, and sustaining our shared environment now and for future generations. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls: empowering women and girls and promoting gender equality is crucial to accelerating sustainable development. Ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls is not only a basic human right, but it also has a multiplier effect across all other development areas. (Excerpted from the United Nations Day of the Girl Child) Learn more about the WGC's grantmaking focused on girls. Get your ticket to see who will win up to $35,000 at the virtual live event Nov. 9 The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County, Horizon Foundation, United Way of Central Maryland, and the Community Foundation of Howard County are thrilled to announce the finalists for the 2021 Changemaker Challenge! These 10 finalists will compete for the chance win up to $35,000 to bring their big ideas to life! Get your FREE ticket today to watch them Nov. 9 at the Changemaker Challenge live virtual event.  Meet the finalists and their big ideas for social change in Howard County:
A panel of judges will select three winners to receive grants totaling $60,000. All finalists will be eligible for a grant of either $25,000, $15,000, a $10,000 grant for an initiative that supports women and girls in Howard County and event attendees will select the winner of the audience choice award of an additional $10,000. Join us for the live virtual event on November 9 to get inspired and learn more about these innovative ideas to make our community a better place! Hosted by the Horizon Foundation, United Way of Central Maryland, the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County and the Community Foundation of Howard County, the Changemaker Challenge is an event focused on sparking innovation and fresh thinking to address some of Howard County’s most pressing issues.
 Thank you to all who have given to the WGC this past month: Jean Lewis, Tara Hart, Megan Bruno, Kimberly Agnor, Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, Beth Harbinson, Melissa Curtin, Beatrice Dane, Sharice Hammond, Stephanie Wall, Barb Van Winkle Thank you for being a part of the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County and our powerful network supporting women and their families in our community - we are having a greater impact together!  Junior Achievement (JA) of Central Maryland has been granted another $20K this year by the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County for its JA Rising Women program. The WGC has invested over $150,000 to date over the past seven years.
JA Rising Women is the WGC’s multi-year grant supporting a 13-week after-school entrepreneurship program for girls grades 9-12, in partnership with Junior Achievement of Central Maryland that gives young women in Howard County the opportunity to start their own companies alongside local women business mentors. JA Rising Women provides real-world experiences to help build entrepreneurial and business mindsets in young women and girls, and to date has launched numerous student-run companies which have earned more than $3,000. These profits have been donated back into the community, benefitting local organizations such as the Howard County Food Bank, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Special Olympics, and the Linus Project. “We are thrilled to continue our wonderful partnership with JA of Central Maryland on the JA Rising Women program” said Barb Van Winkle, chair of the Women’s Giving Circle. “It’s exciting to be able to fund another year of this exceptional entrepreneurship program for girls that has yielded clear results and has exceeded our expectations!" To find out more, click here.  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"!  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 |
"Women’s philanthropy shapes the future for women and girls through the power of collective giving." - Barb Van Winkle, Chair
|
|
