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Friends, As we continue through the summer, I'm inspired by the incredible community of women who make the Women's Giving Circle so special. Your generosity, leadership, and willingness to come together in support of women and girls continue to strengthen Howard County in meaningful ways. One of the greatest strengths of the WGC is the relationships we build along the way. Every gathering, conversation, and shared experience reminds us that collective giving is about more than making grants - it's about learning from one another, strengthening our community, and inspiring even more women to become philanthropists. To that end, I hope you'll join us on August 4 for our annual Black Philanthropy Month Happy Hour, co-hosted with the Black Philanthropy Circle. As giving circles and funds of the Community Foundation of Howard County, we are proud to come together to celebrate the legacy, leadership, generosity, and community impact of Black philanthropy. Tickets are just $25, and for those looking to further support the event, $100 sponsorships are available and include event admission along with recognition on our website, social media, and event materials. I encourage you to invite a friend, become a sponsor, and join us for an inspiring evening of connection and community. You can learn more here. Thank You to Our Sponsors to Date! Donyel Bacon * Mae Beale * Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz * Marilyn Berchie-Gialamas * Korliss Britt * Antoinette Brown * Candace Dodson Reed * Carla Gates * Cheryl Gray * Tina Greene * Beth Harbinson * Farah Iapichino * Bergina Isbell * Vivian Lawyer * Derrick Leak * Joy Lennon * Jade McClary * Melissa Green Parker * Paula Seabright * Robin Steele * Barb Van Winkle Together, we are making a difference and continuing to empower women’s philanthropy. I hope to see you on August 4! Sincerely, Candace Dodson-Reed WGC Advisory Board Chair [email protected] www.womensgivingcircle.org The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to spotlight the women who are leading our work this year - who are deepening our impact, and championing the power of collective giving in our community. We asked Vice Chair Kashonna Marrow three questions about what inspires her, what she hopes to accomplish, and how she sees women’s philanthropy shaping our future. Her answers reflect the values at the core of the WGC: generosity, collaboration, and the belief that when women come together, we make lasting change. 1. What inspires you most about the Women’s Giving Circle and the work we do in the community? The intentional work we do with women and girls is the key, but the doors are the organizations we have the opportunity to partner with to get that work done. I am inspired by community leaders who don't just talk, but take action. 2. As you step into this new leadership role, what are your priorities for the year ahead? I am honored to work alongside Candace Dodson-Reed to ensure WGC continues the work we've been doing at an even greater capacity. My priorities are to remain aligned and true to the legacy of the Women's Giving Circle. We want to increase awareness of the work we are doing through our membership and donor efforts, collaborate and help fund organizations that are doing aligned work through our Big Give, and inform and educate those who want to leave a legacy through opportunities such as planned giving. 3. How do you see women’s collective philanthropy making a difference right now - and what excites you about where we’re headed next? When I see our Young Women’s Giving Circle interns and the work they are doing on the Break the Cycle Period initiative, I am excited! They are our NOW and they are showing us that collective philanthropy is alive and well! When I think about how WGC has awarded more than $1.3 million in grants and built a $1.2 million endowment to sustain long-term impact, I am excited! All signs are pointing to a promising future where women and girls thrive far beyond any and every societal limitation. 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: 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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