 In honor of LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to recognize Catherine Hyde as part of the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories" profile series. Catherine is a fearless community advocate who has worked in the social justice arena, primarily around housing insecurity.
When her child told her, at the age of 4, that he was supposed to be a she, she did not understand transgender or gender identity until National Public Radio educated her years later. Since that awakening and education, she has volunteered as Transgender Coordinator for PFLAG Howard County and speaks and trains on transgender understanding and sensitivity. Catherine has been honored both locally and nationally for her work on behalf of the transgender community. She has received awards, testified before the US Senate, served on the PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) and the Howard County Human Rights Commission. 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"!
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 In honor of LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to recognize Ying Matties as part of the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories" profile series. Ying is part of the Howard County Immigrant Justice Coalition and the Chinese American Network for Diversity and Opportunity.
Ying works on behalf of LGBTQIA+ Youth and is a founding member of Community Allies of Rainbow Youth (CARY), who are family, friends and allies of LGBTQIA+ youth in Howard County, Maryland. CARY “advocates for LGBTQIA+ youth in our schools and community, get involved in local politics, and support and uplift one another. As many of these youth are from traditional immigrant communities, Ying works to promote understanding and compassion for them and their families. She strongly believes “Love is Love.” Learn more about what's happening in Howard County at the PFLAG website. She also works tirelessly on behalf of the immigrant community, seeking to bring an end to the current pervasive atmosphere of racism, hatred and fear, experienced by so many immigrants. As part of this effort, she organized a Stop Asian Hate Rally on to honor those Asian women who were killed in a hate crime last March. Ying gives her time, talent and treasure to fully support both her causes and their members. 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"!  Many thanks to all of our members - long-time and new - who have given to the WGC recently. You are appreciated!
Cyndi Gula, Kate Schulze, Julia McCready, Donna Richardson, Jennifer Bodensiek, Lynne Schaefer, Shirley Harden, Roslyn Jones, Keedra Brown, Sandra te Plate, Shannon Schneider, Melissa Curtin, Megan Bruno, Jacqueline Burrell, Christine Meket, Nadine Green, Jade McDuffie McClary, Kimberly Agnor, Britt Spears, Beatrice Dane, Beth Harbinson, Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, Paula Seabright, Kari Staddon, Lisa de Hernandez, Ellen Flynn Giles, Robyn Peters, Susan Clack, Arlene Sheff, Jordan Turner, Hima Jain, Valerie Beyers, Bonnie Bricker, Kay Fandetti, Connie Matheson, Tanya Rapacz, Heather Yeung, Kathryn Ariano, Robin Sturman, Lisa Schoenbrodt, Valerie Montague, Patricia Clifford, Christina and Jim Beaudoin, Carole Fisher, Ulrike Jaller, Howard County Dads, Theresa Billow-Supple, Sharice Hammond, Jade McDuffie McClary, Jessica Feldmark  The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is building a community of philanthropists and creating a permanent legacy to address the needs of women and girls in Howard County. We bring women together to learn about issues impacting women and girls in our community, and pool our dollars to fund programs that address those issues so we can have a greater impact together than we might otherwise have alone.
The WGC was founded in 2002 with 16 founding members. We started almost 20 years ago with multiple giving levels as we built an endowment. Today, we have hundreds of members who have given in the last 20 years, have awarded approximately $750,000 in grants to date, and have built a $1.2 M+ endowment. Please Save the Date for March 8, 2022 for our 20th Anniversary Annual Celebration, on International Women's Day, and stay tuned for a number of opportunities to learn more about our history, our impact, our future plans, and how you can join us throughout 2022!
 What moves you to give your time, talent and financial resources? "The Women’s Giving Circle is dear to my heart. It promotes confidence in young girls to help them face the world. I am reminded of my late mother who was very strict about sharing our resources with those less fortunate. She encouraged me to get an education, to make a living and to give back to my community. I am so delighted that my contributions to JA (Junior Achievement) Rising Women have given young girls an opportunity to excel in areas that interest them." - Bach Jeffrey Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories", a year-long series of giving profiles designed to celebrate women's philanthropy and amplify the voices of women and girls in Howard County. Double click the profile to the right to read it as a large PDF - enjoy! Dr. Jeffrey was born in Saigon, Viet Nam. Her family emigrated first to Switzerland, then to the US. She is a graduate of UMBC and the University of Maryland Dental School. Overcoming language and cultural barriers, she became a dentist with a practice in downtown Columbia. She and her husband Bob have been active philanthropists in Howard County. They were early active supporters of the Women's Giving Circle, underwriting the Junior Achievement JA Women Rising program. Her profile outlines some of their other philanthropic ventures, which includes the Community Foundation of Howard County; FIRN; Leadership, Howard County; Howard Community College and many others dating back over thirty years.
 Like most organizations, COVID-19 has necessitated that the Women’s Giving Circle (WGC) of Howard County conduct the business of the WGC virtually this past year.
While not planned, we have found that not only have we been successful in doing so, but it has allowed more women to engage and participate on a regular basis in our Executive Committee, Advisory Board, Committee meetings, and our virtual events. The WGC Advisory Board has made a policy change regarding the work of the WGC: moving forward, even when we can gather in person again, we will conduct the majority of the WGC business virtually. As a part of our overall Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts, WGC will virtually conduct the Advisory Board, Executive Committee and Committee meetings. WGC will focus on being together in-person for our ongoing Giving, Learning, Networking, and Celebrating events throughout the year. Moving forward, as a women’s organization, the WGC believes that conducting WGC business virtually will be of assistance to women as they strive to reach a healthy work/life balance. We hope that this policy change will remove obstacles presented for women who wish to volunteer and have either traditional workplace commitments or who may have family, health, or other life commitments. “Our goal is to continue to increase inclusivity while having more diverse voices at the 'virtual” table'" said Hina Naseem and Judy Smith, WGC DEI Committee Co-Chairs. “We hope by conducting our WGC operations virtually, we will be providing a more equitable platform for women to engage in the work of the WGC.” We hope that by making this shift in policy, we will encourage other organizations to consider the same - resulting in a more diverse group of women engaging in volunteer efforts in our community now, and in the future. “It’s a win-win-win scenario” said Barb Van Winkle, WGC Advisory Board Chair. “Our organization, our volunteers, and our community all win.” Many thanks to all of our members - long-time and new - who have given to the WGC recently. You are appreciated!  Megan Bruno, Anne Johnson, Maryland Orthodontic Specialists, Feli Sola-Carter, Horizon Foundation, Phyllis Yigdall, Margaret Wilson, Joanne Jackson, Ellen Liebert, Dee Athey, Bonnie Heneson Communications, Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, Jackie Crispell, Jordan Turner, Allison and Alan Korn and Clardy, Judy Barnett, Kimberly Prescott, Nette’ Stokes, Andrea Ingram, Susan Porter, Dana Delott, Laurie Scudder, Nina Yudell, Mary Jordan, Julia McCready, Jennifer Kubina, Erika Chavarria, Tanya La Salle, Lori Fuchs, Theresa Billow-Supple, Maria Ferraro, Malynda Madzel, Wendy Baird, Robyn Peters, Mary Peitz, Safa Hira, Louise Kiblet, Denise Sampson, Paula Seabright, Deirdre Mary McElroy. Rhonda Neubauer, Karen Crowder, Beverly Byron, Angela Alston, Cathy Bell, Susan Otradovec, Karen Hussey, Regina Clay Consulting Group LLC, Dawn Popp, Leslie Marsiglia, Laura Salganik, Brenda von Rautenkranz, Paula Rasera, Cheryl Griffin, Barbara Peart, Jennifer Cavey, Arlene Sheff, Robert Sheff, Katherine Zaeh, Nina and Marvin Yudell, Kathryn Haines, Mike Peduto, Karen Jensen, Barb Van Winkle, Jennifer Manner, Jason Price, Wendy Royalty, Natalie Ziegler, Jennifer Smith, Elizabeth Kromm, Gayle Siegel, Joan Hash, Alison Canning, Mary McCally, Kimberly Agnor, Janet & John Rohde, Ray Mellott, Beth Leaman, Carol Mellott, Suzie Wolfinger Schmitt, Tahira Mussarat Hussain, Robin Steele, Suriya Kaul, Naomi Slagowski, Teresa Chaconas, Hurley Group Consulting, Yolanda Bruno, Mary Cannon, Jennifer Broderick, Melissa Rosenberg, Mary Matthews, Leah Musiker, Krista Baker, Stephanie Schultz, Deborah Hurley, Lynne Schaefer, Marci Brand, Wendy Slaughter, Susan R. Buswell, Mary Peitz, Stephanie Brown, Laura Sullivan, Diana Bailey, Tanya La Salle, April Pardoe, Rebecca Gibino, Arielle Karp, Christina Beaudoin, Diane O’Connor, Gina Seyfried, Kelly O'Connor, Laura Mettle, Patricia Clifford, Sue Briggs, Susan Wilensky, Carlessia Hussein, Ellen Millhollon, Katherine Tetrault, Linda Evans, Suzanne Colvin, Patricia Wecker, Laurie Scudder, Nuala Duffy, Vickie Ethridge, Karen Crowder, Neil Davis, Judy Smith, Jean Moon, Linda and Bill Wilson, Renee Lowden, Jocelyn Apollon, Britt Spears, Ruth Japzon, Bronwyn Belling, United Way of Central Maryland, Cynthia Bell, Mary Ann Scully, Christine Meket, Sharon Runge, Joan Hash, Dana Carr, Ann Strozyk, Meg Feroli, Jaki Ulman, Hima Jain, Lisa Terry, Lois Dreisbach, Tina Broccolino, Angie Kozlowski, Sherri Witzke, Tricia Hudson, Beth Harbinson, Beatrice Dane, Linda Eggbeer, Razia Kosi, Tufton Capital Management, Ann Selnick, Amanda Hof, Michele Dudley, Berlyn & Gene Carlson, Junior League of Howard County, Ann McNary, Lynn Coleman, Kari Staddon, Caryn Lasser, Donna Richardson, Maura Dunnigan, Sharice Hammond, Jade McDuffie McClary, Joan Webb Scornaienchi, Pam Foster, Howard Hughes, Sheila Young, Courtney Moon, Valerie Mathis, Rebecca Beall, Beth Ditman, Whittney Carmer, Steven Breeden, Megan Bruno, Deanna Sakellaris, James Melonas, FIRN, Inc., Lisa Schoenbrodt, Salma Kaul, Stacie Hunt, Dorothy Doub, Tonya Aikens, Laura Ciccone, Carolyn Kelemen, Sharon Nussbaum, Buffy Illum, Deb Jung, Robin Sturman, Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts, Suellen Seigel, Robin Kittleman, Lisa Hall, Kim Drake, James Burns, Kimberly Leakey, Kristin Mentz, Suzi Padgett, National Family Resiliency Center, Inc., Elexis Lawson, Dept. Community Resources and Services, Howard County Government, Karen Pitsley, Vanessa Atterbeary, Linda Ostovitz, Linda Lamppert Leslie, Linda Kuberek, Bormel, Grice & Huyett PA, Temple Isaiah, Davis Agnor Rapaport and Skalny, Jessica Feldmark, Nina Basu, Susan Hobby, Karen Hussey, Dana Sohr, Wendy Ryan, Donna Wecker, Carol Kressen, Colleen Ratliffe, Susan Lyons, Emily Shreve, Susan Hobby, Laurie Scudder, Stephanie Schultz, Beth Singleton, Jeffrey Boutwell, Tanya La Salle, Nicole Berger, Carol Beatty, Becky Lessey, Judy Pittman, Jean Silver-Isenstadt, Margaret Shomali, Heidi Abdelhady, Kyle Reis & Sabina Taj, Deborah Gottwals, Angie Kozlowski, Barbara Fowler, Pam Long, Andrea Moore, Kristyn Berger, Roslyn Jones, Bank of America Private Bank, Crystal Konny, Lee Draminski, Donyel Bacon, Kashonna Holland, Mia Draminski, Mary Thompson
 What moves you to give your time, talent and financial resources?
"I grew up in Howard County in a family that believes in sharing our time, talent and treasure. I watched my mom serve our community in a variety of volunteer positions and was inspired by her giving spirit. Now, the greatest inspiration for both my volunteer and professional work is my own children. I am motivated to help make our community as vibrant and healthy as I can for them as well as all of the children of Howard County. It is my deep joy to create opportunities where individuals and families gather together to share positive experiences in nature." - Chiara D'Amore Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories", a year-long series of giving profiles designed to celebrate women's philanthropy and amplify the voices of women and girls in Howard County. Double click the profile to the right to read it as a large PDF - enjoy!  Elevating the voices and philanthropy of our members and friends throughout the year.
The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County has launched the "Our Giving, Our Stories" Recognition Series, a year-long series of giving profiles designed to amplify the voices of women and girls in Howard County, Maryland. Building on the August 2020 "Our Giving, Our Stories" month-long series of giving profiles in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month, "Our Giving, Our Stories" is now enhanced as a year-long opportunity to highlight women philanthropists in our community. We are accepting the names of women throughout the year who may be profiled. You can read our first 2021 OGOS profile of Dr. Chiara D'Amore in celebration of Earth Day, here. "We are excited to build upon our support of National Black Philanthropy Month to develop "Our Giving, Our Stories" into a year-long philanthropic leadership recognition effort" said Hina Naseem and Judy Smith, co-Chairs of WGC's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. "Inspiring philanthropic leadership and increasing giving by amplifying the voices of women and girls are among the goals of this effort and we are committed to advancing this important work in our community." The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to elevate the voices and giving of our members and friends throughout the year, which will include, but is not limited to:
Learn more about each day/month/event for which you may submit a name for recognition here “I was thrilled to lead the WGC’s “Our Giving, Our Stories!” profile effort for Black Philanthropy Month in August 2020” said Malynda Madzel, philanthropist and former WGC Advisory Board Member. “As a long-time supporter of the WGC, I was so excited to elevate the voices of women in our community who give back in so many ways and look forward to enhancing this effort year-round." Please share your story and/or submit the names of women philanthropists here We'll be promoting the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories" on an ongoing basis on our website, in our eNewsletter, and through social media to elevate the voices and actions of women in our community who give in so many ways including time, talent, and financial resources. “Elevating the important stories of how women and girls are giving is critical as we work to engage others in collectively addressing issues in our community, and our country” said Barb Van Winkle, WGC Chair. Thanks to so many women and girls in our community for your voices, your stories, and all that you do to make a difference in Howard County!"
All ticket purchases include four delicious mini "Mother of All Cupcakes" delivered to your door. The cupcake package by Chef Jamila of The 3rd includes these four flavors, all that can be make gluten and/or alcohol free - indicate your preferences when purchasing your ticket:
 As we kicked-off Women’s History Month, over 200 attendees joined the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County virtually for our March 8, 2021 Annual Celebration – on International Women’s Day!
We discussed the work of the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County and to get involved, and we heard about “Democratizing and Diversifying Philanthropy Through the Power of Collective Giving” from our Keynote Speakers Valaida Fullwood and Sara Lomelin. And, we focused on “(S)heroes Among Us” during our Annual Celebration, believing that all women are (S)heroes in their own ways – women admired for their courage and outstanding achievements. We viewed our Virtual (S)hero Mosaic, highlighting over 500 local (S)heroes, and we featured five (S)heroes Among Us who have led critical efforts on behalf of organizations that we have funded this year through our Emergency Response Network, who are focusing on widespread community needs affecting women, their families, and the broader community. If you were unable to join us you can view the recorded event here and read the event program here. We invite you to join us for a follow-up conversation on April 14 at 8:30 am with each of our Featured (S)heroes to hear about their organizations and how you can get involved. Hear from: Jen Broderick, Erika Strauss Chavarria, Bita Dayhoff, Dr. Mariana Izraelson, and Vanita Leatherwood. Click on the links to read more about each of them, and register here to hear directly from them. We thank all the (S)heroes Among Us in Howard County who make a difference every day in our community! shero – /ˈSHirō,ˈSHērō/ Noun A woman admired or idealized for her courage, outstanding achievements Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz is the Executive Director of the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County. She can be reached at: buffybschwartz@wgchowardcounty.org and www.wgchowardcounty.org
 The last year has seen an increase in racist and xenophobic assumptions, rhetoric, behaviors and reported attacks against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, in particular the recent horrid events in Georgia. Hate, racism, misogyny and violence are contrary to the founding principles of our country, and therefore have no place in our society.
The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County condemns these actions and stands in support of our AAPI families, friends, and colleagues. As stated in our DEI charter, the WGC promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion among our Board, professional staff, and members of the Women’s Giving Circle, as well as the community at large. The WGC will continue to demonstrate our commitment to the AAPI community through our philanthropic activities and will continue our work in the community to realize equity, inclusion and justice. We are committed to working collaboratively through our programs and activities to promote a community where all residents are free and comfortable to work, play and live. - The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County Advisory Board TODAY: There is a Solidarity Rally in Support of the AAPI Community planned at the Columbia Lakefront on Wednesday, March 24 at 5:30 pm. Learn more here.  Wow, what a night!
Thanks to the over 200 attendees last night who joined us for the WGC's March 8, 2021 Virtual Annual Celebration on International Women's Day! We hope you enjoyed hearing about the work of the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County and how you can get involved, listening to the conversation about “Democratizing and Diversifying Philanthropy Through the Power of Collective Giving” from our Keynote Speakers Valaida Fullwood and Sara Lomelin, and viewing our Virtual (S)hero Mosaic, highlighting over 500 local (S)heroes. And, we hope you enjoyed learning more about our five Featured (S)heroes, the important work their organizations are doing on the ground in Howard County, and how you can support them. If you were unable to join us you can view the recorded event here, read the event program here and watch an event snippet here. We appreciate the wonderful feedback! Here's just a few thoughts from several attendees:
If you are as inspired as we are to continue making a difference collectively, here are 5 Actions Steps you can take today:
Once again, we thank our incredible sponsors - all 118 of you! It takes a special person and individual to understand the value of investing in the WGC and supporting women and girls by sponsoring events such as ours tonight, and we appreciate you! Take a look at the goodies in our Virtual Swag Bag from some of our sponsors. Many thanks to our fabulous Keynote Speakers, Valaida Fullwood and Sara Lomelin - you can learn more here about Philanthropy Together and Black Philanthropy Month. And, thank you to the WGC Advisory Board and Committee members, including our terrific Membership & Events Committee who made tonight possible, our partners at the Community Foundation of Howard County, our food and drink partners throughout Howard County, our five Featured (S)heroes, and all of you - so many (S)heroes Among Us, for taking the time last night to GIVE | JOIN | CONNECT with the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County to make things happen in our community. We truly believe that women’s philanthropy is shaping the future for women and girls through the power of diversified and democratized collective giving. Thank you for being a part of it. Sincerely,
 February 2021
WGC Members, Partners, and Friends, So far this year we continue to engage members of our community to pool our dollars so that we can make grants to support women and girls and have a greater impact together than we might otherwise have alone. This is the value of collective giving, and we appreciate those of you who have supported the WGC the last 19 years, and welcome our many new members! READ THE FULL eNEWSLETTER HERE I hope you are planning to join us at our upcoming 2021 Virtual Annual Celebration - "Celebrating (S)heroes Among Us" on Monday, March 8, 2021 - International Women's Day. Our Host, Candace Dodson-Reed will discuss “Democratizing and Diversifying Philanthropy Through the Power of Collective Giving” with our Keynote Speakers, national philanthropic leaders Valaida Fullwood and Sara Lomelin, on how the landscape of philanthropy is shifting, and how collective giving is continuing to play a transformational role in bringing in many more — and more representative — women donors to the table to create more equitable communities, and make a difference through the power of giving, together. Tickets are available for purchase and we have numerous sponsorships available, starting at $100. Many thanks to the 104 sponsors who have already chosen to invest in our 2021 Annual Celebration! It takes a special individual or business to understand the value of investing in women and girls - thank you. And, we have partnered with some of Howard County’s best to provide guests with numerous food and drink options for purchase, pick-up and to consume during our March 8, 2021 Virtual Annual Celebration. We appreciate the opportunity to support local female business owners, and/or highlight female vintners, and hope you like the diversity of options from around the county for non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, appetizers, desserts, and/or entrees from our partners at Sobar, Cured | 18th & 21st, Ranazul, and the Wine Bin! This year, we are proud to feature five (S)heroes Among Us who have led critical efforts on behalf of organizations that we have funded this year through our Emergency Response Network, who are focusing on widespread community needs affecting women, their families, and the broader community: Jen Broderick - Bridges to Housing Stability Erika Strauss Chavarria - Columbia Community Care Bita Dayhoff - Community Action Council Dr. Mariana Izraelson - Grassroots Crisis Intervention Vanita Leatherwood - HopeWorks of Howard County And, we are highlighting “(S)heroes Among Us” before, during, and after our Annual Celebration - all of YOU. All women are (S)heroes in their own ways - women admired for their courage and outstanding achievements. This year we will be honored to acknowledge the many ways women are supporting our community through our beautiful Virtual (S)hero Mosaic. Over 450 women in our community have been highlighted by friends and family so far, and we have room for everyone! Please take a moment to highlight YOUR Howard County (S)heroes today. I look forward to "seeing" you at our March 8, 2021 Virtual Annual Celebration - join us! Barb Van Winkle WGC Advisory Board Chair www.womensgivingcircle.org
"Our Giving, Our Stories" in Celebration of Black History Month  February 2021
By Malynda Madzel, Chair, WGC’s “Our Giving, Our Stories” Committee In 2021, as we celebrate Black History Month, we continue to honor the leaders who unselfishly gave of themselves to fight to ensure equitable access to basic necessities like food, housing, health care, education and civil rights. In the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County our programming pays tribute to that legacy. Leveraging the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories" daily profile series of 31 Howard County philanthropists, published in August 2020, we continue the celebration of the contributions and sacrifices of our citizenry. We were honored to highlight these inspirational stories of women who discussed what moves them to give their time, talent and financial resources to enrich the community. In presenting these stories, we were moved to look back at Howard County’s history and found many African American women philanthropists who worked tirelessly to “give back” to their community. These women were instrumental in establishing a culture of giving, despite some having limited resources. Bessie Bordenave, President of the Harriet Tubman Foundation, gave us names of the many women who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Howard Countians during the time of segregation and Jim Crow. She said, “These women are my ‘Sheroes.’ They gave so much of themselves in order that we would have opportunities that many of them did not have. When I think of each of them, I reflect on the many sacrifices they made for others—their time, guidance, support, love and much more for our community. I can only say ‘Thank you, Thanks a Million!’ Your legacy will continue to live through us as we continue to tell your stories to this generation and the generations to come. You are indeed, the ‘Wind Beneath Our Wings.’ Peace and Love.” Some of the names are recognizable, and some are not, however, these are just a few of the women who left us with a legacy of giving that uplifts our entire community: Mrs. Ruth James was
Mrs. Mildred Woodson was
Dr. Wylene Burch was
Rev. Mrs. Aileen Moore was
Mrs. Eva Anderson was
Mrs. Maggie Brown was
Mrs. Leola Dorsey-African American, Political Activist was
“I personally knew and respected all of these ladies" said Joan Hash, Native Howard Countian, Philanthropist and WGC Black Philanthropy Month Honoree about these historic women. "In their own way, they were all soldiers in the fight to uplift the Black community by leading the way in the areas noted ... they had vision and determination in their quest to make a difference for future generations and we have all benefited by their efforts. As we reflect on Black (S)heroes during this Black History Month, I cannot thank the Women’s Giving Circle enough for recognizing them because by raising up their names, you raise up all of us who remember and try to live up to the examples they set ... they stand as 'Giants' in the history of Black women in Howard County and their contributions should never be forgotten." "The Women’s Giving Circle is humbled by the contributions these courageous women have made to our community. We truly “stand on their shoulders” having learned from them the values of leadership and cooperative giving to better the lives of women and girls” said Barb Van Winkle, WGC Advisory Board Chair. The WGC is proud to recognize the women who came before us and we look to their example to improve our own philanthropic endeavors—focusing our collaborative giving on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “We are inspired by these amazing women who led to way by doing the important work of elevating the Black community during very difficult times" said Hina Naseem and Judy Smith, Co-Chairs of WGC's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. "They are truly our role models as we commit ourselves to advancing the diverse voices in our community.” As we acknowledge and celebrate Black History Month, we invite you to highlight YOUR (S)heroes on the WGC's Virtual (S)hero Mosaic Wall that is part of our upcoming Virtual Annual Celebration on March 8, 2021, where we are celebrating (S)heroes Among Us, and discussing "Democratizing and Diversifying Philanthropy Through the Power of Collective Giving" - please join us!
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"Women’s philanthropy shapes the future for women and girls through the power of collective giving." - Barb Van Winkle, Chair
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