3 Questions With ... Philanthropist Tracy Broccolino

The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to amplify the voices and stories of women givers in our community through our regular series "Our Giving, Our Stories".

​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.​

This month for Independence Day/Spirit of Independence we are profiling Tracy Broccolino, President of the Community Action Council of Howard County.

We asked what motivates her to give her time, talent, and financial resources, and she said:

"My mom was a woman of strength and made our purpose in life clear from the beginning: Love God and make life better for others. As I grow in life as a woman, mother, wife, sister, and friend, I make every attempt to filter my words and actions through that mother-given purpose. I also consider if the organizations I support align with my purpose. I consider myself blessed to have been given such a mission."

We asked Tracy when she started giving to issues that are important to her, and here's what she said:

"My giving, my philanthropy started in elementary school back in church when we decorated orange juice concentrate cans (YES. That is a thing) with magazine pictures meaningful to us. We collected change to donate to hungry children in a disaster-stricken country. This simple act enlightened me as a child that there were others in the world besides me!"

And, we asked what advice she has for those interested in giving back, and she said:

"Giving is easy – and it doesn’t have to be the monumental amounts of time or money we see in media. It can start with small acts of kindness: Buying coffee for the person behind you in the drive thru; offering your time to your neighbor; committing to regularly saving a portion of your income to support your local nonprofit. Local impact goes so far. Don’t overthink it – just do it!​"

Here's several organizations that Tracy currently supports:

• Community Action Council
• Tunnel to Towers

Thank you, Tracy, for all that you do for our community!

Learn more about the ​WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories" and nominate a woman today! We are always accepting the names of women throughout the year who may be profiled for their inspiring philanthropic leadership.

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