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WGC OF HOWARD COUNTY
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Leading with Purpose: Young Women, Community, and Collective Impact

4/18/2026

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There are moments when you can truly see the power of community in action - and today was one of them.

The Women’s Giving Circle’s Young Women’s Giving Circle (YWGC) Period Product Drive Up & Drop Off was an incredible success, but even more meaningful was the leadership on display. This single photo captured it beautifully: young women leading the way, standing alongside WGC leadership and elected officials like Del. Jessica Feldmark and Del. Pam Guzzone - all united in support of women and girls in our community.

This image reflects something powerful. It shows what happens when the next generation steps forward, when community leaders stand beside them, and when we come together around an issue that matters. Menstrual equity is not just about products - it’s about dignity, access, and opportunity. And today, that commitment was clear.

“What stood out most today was the way our community showed up - young leaders, WGC members, and elected officials all coming together around an effort that is simple, meaningful, and impactful for women and girls,” said Paula Seabright, WGC Grants Committee Co-Chair and Chair of the Young Women’s Giving Circle.

For more than two decades, the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County has been building a community of philanthropists to address the needs of women and girls. Through grantmaking, advocacy, and engagement, WGC has invested over $1.3 million back into the community - supporting nonprofit partners who are doing this important work every day.

The Young Women’s Giving Circle is a powerful extension of that mission. These high school students are not only learning about philanthropy - they are leading it. Through initiatives like the “Break the Cycle” Period Product Drive, they are raising awareness, mobilizing resources, and taking action to address period poverty right here in Howard County.

Over the years, this effort has grown into a meaningful community-wide initiative - collecting thousands of pounds of period products and raising critical funds to ensure that our nonprofit partners can meet the needs of the women and girls they serve.

“Today is a powerful reminder that when young women are given the opportunity to lead, they rise, and they bring our entire community with them. This work is about more than collecting products - it’s about dignity, equity, and ensuring every woman and girl has what she needs to thrive,” said Lee Draminski, WGC Secretary.

Today was a reflection of that impact - and a reminder of what is possible when we lead together.

If you weren’t able to join us, there’s still time to be part of this effort. Donations are still being accepted to support the purchase of period products for our nonprofit partners who serve women and girls across our community.

You can donate here

Together, we can continue to break the cycle, and ensure that every woman and girl has access to the basic necessities she deserves. Thank you for your support!

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WGC at Columbia Inspired Magazine's Cover Girl's Brunch

4/17/2026

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WGC was in the house for today’s important Columbia Inspired Magazine Cover Girl Brunch focused on Maternal and Community Health. Thank you Anika Baty-Mills for your partnership and for collecting products for WGC’s Young Women's Giving Circle of Howard County Period Product Drive.
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WGC Emergency Response Network - $1,000 - Can You Help?

4/14/2026

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The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County invites you to join us in raising at least $1,000 through our Emergency Response Network to support a client at HopeWorks.

This woman is facing a difficult and uncertain moment after being displaced from her home and moving in with a partner - a situation that has since become unsafe.

At the same time, she has taken on unexpected caregiving responsibilities while doing everything she can to stay afloat, actively seeking employment and supplementing her income.

She is seeking help from multiple resources and support from the WGC’s Emergency Response Network of at least $1,000 would provide critical relief - helping her catch up on essential bills, remain current on her rent, and work toward stability and a safer future.

Together, we can help provide her with a pathway forward during this pivotal time.

Can you help?

Any amount is valued and appreciated! Thank you.

Candace Dodson-Reed, WGC Chair
Alison Canning, WGC ERN Chair

Laura Bacon & Paula Seabright, WGC Grants Committee Co-Chairs
www.womensgivingcircle.org
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April at the WGC: Connection, Community & The Big Give 2026

4/7/2026

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the big give.

Friends,

There’s something special about this time of year - a renewed sense of connection, energy, and possibility across our community, even in challenging times.

At the Women’s Giving Circle, that spirit shows up in how we come together by building relationships and investing in the well-being of women an
d girls in Howard County.

READ THE FULL ENEWSLETTER HERE


That sense of connection is at the heart of The WGC’s Big Give 2026.

What is it?
  • Now in its fifth year, The WGC’s Big Give 2026 is a fast-paced, "pop-up" giving circle experience where women come together on May 11 and May 18 to learn, connect, and participate directly in the grantmaking process.
  • Over the past four years, we’ve collectively granted nearly $100,000, supporting nonprofits that serve women, girls, and families in our community.
  • Two Nights. One Community. Big Impact. 

We’re also excited to welcome members of our Young Women's Giving Circle, who will participate alongside us with their own "Mini Give" - bringing fresh perspectives and helping to inspire the next generation of women philanthropists.

This year’s Big Give is being led by Co-Chairs Kashonna Marrow and Laura Bacon. As Kashonna shares: "We firmly believe that women’s philanthropy is shaping the future for women and girls through the power of collective giving.”

I’ve participated in The WGC’s Big Give each year, and it continues to be one of the most meaningful and fun ways to engage with our work. There is something special about being in the room, learning alongside other women, and making decisions together that have a direct impact on our community. Whether you join as an individual or as part of a team, your participation contributes directly to the grant pool and helps shape the funding decisions we make together.

I invite you to be part of The WGC’s Big Give 2026 - to gather a few friends, join a team, or participate on your own. Learn more and register here by April 24
​

Have questions? I’d love to connect - please feel free to reach out. I truly hope you’ll join us!

Sincerely,

Candace Dodson-Reed
WGC Advisory Board Chair
[email protected]
www.womensgivingcircle.org

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"Women’s philanthropy shapes the future for women and girls through the power of collective giving​." - Candace Dodson Reed, Chair
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WGC is proud to be a fund of the
​Community Foundation of Howard County - cfhoco.org

EIN Number: 52-0937644
Find us on Guidestar Here
​​​WGC is a proud member of and partner with local, regional and national philanthropic organizations 
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  • Home
  • About
    • WGC Mission, Vision, Values, Goals
    • WGC Advisory Board
    • WGC Committees
    • WGC 2023-2026 Strategic Plan
    • WGC Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
    • WGC is a Fund of the Community Foundation of Howard County
    • WGC - 20 Years at a Glance
    • WGC Herstory
    • WGC - Get Involved
  • Give
    • WGC General Donation
    • WGC Events
    • WGC's Emergency Response Network
    • WGC's "Break the Cycle" Period Product Drive
    • WGC's Young Women's Giving Circle
    • WGC Sponsor >
      • Thank You 2026 Sponsors!
      • Thank You 2025 Sponsors!
      • Thank You 2024 Sponsors!
      • Thank You 2023 Sponsors!
      • Thank You 2022 Sponsors!
    • WGC Big Give Member >
      • WGC Big Give $1,200 Individual Donation
      • WGC Big Give $1,200 Team Donation
      • WGC Big Give Process and Grantmaking Guidelines
    • WGC's Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz Women's Philanthropy Award
    • WGC In Her Honor
    • WGC Legacy Member
    • WGC's Barb Van Winkle Leadership Fund
  • Grants
  • Events
  • News
    • WGC's State of Women and Girls in Howard County
    • WGC's "Elevating to Evolve" Report
    • WGC's Our Giving, Our Stories Series >
      • Monthly OGOS Profiles
      • Black Philanthropy Month OGOS Profiles
      • OGOS Nominations
    • WGC's 20 Years, 20 Stories
    • WGC's (S)hero Mosaic
  • Blog
  • Contact