 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"!
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 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  What advice do you have for those interested in giving back?
"Giving enriches our community no matter how small the gift. Give what you can, whether it is time, service and/or resources. Most of us give to others and don’t keep track. My advice is to be intentional in your giving to make an even bigger impact in our community and in the lives of others. ... ... The value of giving was instilled in me by my parents and grandparents at a very early age. As a child my parents and grandparents shared stories of their very modest means growing up. I watched them lend a helping hand, freely give and encourage countless family members, friends and even people they didn’t know. They taught me to be compassionate to others and be a blessing every opportunity I get." 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, Christel H. Curtis - "Our Giving, Our Stories!" - 8/268/26/2021  What advice do you have for those interested in giving back? "Find something that you are passionate about , and give whatever you can. It can be your time, talent or financial support. You will make a difference to someone. It is really that simple." Christel supports numerous organizations, including: Spelman College Church Scholarship Fund Hunger Relief Programs Cancer Society ( In honor of her parents) 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? "Seek innovative solutions to the issues you care most about. Be the groundbreaking thought in the room and represent for the people who need it most." Makenna supports numerous organizations, including: "While there are many organizations I love, three organizations I truly admire and enjoy working with are The 3rd, Freetown Farm (CEI), and Dreams to Reality. Each organization continues to lead the charge when it comes to environmental consciousness, business solutions, and racial equity. They consistently cater to the needs of their target populations and are always looking to find new ways to address large issues." 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, Germaine Bolds-Leftridge - "Our Giving, Our Stories!" - 8/238/23/2021  What advice do you have for those interested in giving back? "My advice to someone interested in giving back is to...JUST DO IT! Giving really makes you appreciate all the blessings that you have been given." Germaine supports numerous organizations: The Leftridge Family Foundation Delta Sigma Theta The Links CVS Second Chance Program 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 so true, it is better to give than to receive. The satisfaction received from helping others is so gratifying. My advice would be to begin a practice of giving as soon as possible; everyone can give of his or her time to issues they find important." Tracy supports numerous organizations: Compassion International St. Jude World Vision Bridgeway Community Church 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? "Find a cause that is truly meaningful to you, and you will get back what you put in, to a truly exponential level." Jarnell supports numerous organizations: United Way of Central Maryland KIF1-A Associated Neurological Disorder Foundation Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 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!
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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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