 WGC 2023 Annual Celebration & Pink Party
Wednesday, March 8, 2023, 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Howard Community College With Keynote Speaker: Victoria Vrana, CEO of Global Giving, Speaking on: “Building Community Through Cooperation + Collaboration” Purchase Tickets or Sponsor Here Join us to hear the latest update on the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County as we celebrate our collective efforts this year, and our cooperation and collaboration with our donors/members and our nonprofit and community partners to support women, girls and families in Howard County. Hear from Keynote Speaker Victoria Vrana, CEO of GlobalGiving. Formerly the Deputy Director of Philanthropic Partnerships at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, she is a global philanthropic leader and innovator who has broad experience overseeing portfolios in policy, data, and everyday giving and in collective giving. And, learn from a panel conversation with Victoria and WGC partners about how we are building community through cooperation + collaboration. Please join us!
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 The WGC Advisory Board had a wonderful night at The 3rd celebrating the end of our 20th Anniversary Year! We highlighted WGC's Leadership:
We are grateful to all of WGC's leaders for their generosity of time, talent, and treasure! For anyone interested in honoring Barb and all WGC leaders, please consider contributing to the WGC Barb Van Winkle Leadership Fund! We reviewed WGC's 20 Years of Impact - By the Numbers, WGC's 2022 Year in Review & Opportunities for Growth, reviewed and voted on our new WGC 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, and we discussed how Advisory Board members can continue to support WGC's efforts in 2023. And, we celebrated our members and nonprofit partners! We are looking forward to a meaningful year in 2023, together. Check out our upcoming Events, including our March 8, 2023 Annual Celebration and Pink Party with Keynote Speaker Victoria Vrana, CEO of Global Giving, who will discuss "Growing Philanthropy Through Cooperation + Collaboration". Sponsor or purchase tickets here!  Columbia, MD, December 1, 2022 - The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County is very pleased to announce the addition of two new members to its Advisory Board, as well as the full slate of Executive Committee and Advisory Board members for 2023.
The newly elected Advisory Board members are Adora Brown and Cheryl Gray Hines. “We are thrilled to welcome these two talented women, each of whom bring diverse experience and unique backgrounds to the Women’s Giving Circle” said Women’s Giving Circle Advisory Board Chair, Barb Van Winkle. Adora Brown: Adora Brown is an Emerson College sophomore working in journalism, marketing, and the nonprofit sector. She has written for various publications such as Baltimore Style, Milk Crate, The Mountain, and The Voiced Society. She does freelance marketing work for Melissa Curtin Coaching and other small businesses. In recent years, she has emerged in the nonprofit sector, accomplishing many creative goals with the Elma Lewis Center of Emerson College and The 3rd. Adora is on the WGC’s Events Committee and helping to manage the WGC’s Feminine Hygiene Product Drive. Cheryl Gray Hines: Cheryl Gray Hines is an accomplished entrepreneur, executive coach, and mentor with a mission to support women to live authentically and to be their best. Her deep expertise in leadership, organizational development, and business strategy has equipped her to coach executives and leaders through the most challenging transitions. As founder of C. Gray & Associates, she teaches Fortune 100 corporations, federal agencies, and high-net-worth entrepreneurs that leadership integrity is the foundation of stellar business performance. She is the author of the personal development book In Support of Myself: A Woman’s Guide to Asking for and Accepting Help from Others. Cheryl is on the WGC’s Membership & Development Committee. After four years of leadership, Barb Van Winkle’s term is ending as WGC’s Advisory Board Chair, and she will become WGC’s Immediate Past Chair and continue as part of WGC’s leadership team. We are excited to welcome Jennifer Bodensiek as the incoming WGC Advisory Board Chair, and Candace Dodson-Reed as the incoming Vice Chair. “Jennifer and Candace have deep community knowledge and a passion for philanthropy” said Barb. “We are fortunate to have them by our side as we work to shape the future for women and girls in Howard County through the power of collective giving”. The WGC is honoring Barb for all that she has done and will continue to do for the WGC with the Barb Van Winkle Leadership Fund and we invite gifts in honor of WGC women's philanthropic leadership the last 20 years with a gift in her/their honor. "I am deeply honored to have served the WGC for so many years, and so grateful to all of the leaders who have helped WGC grow to what we are today, 20 years later" said Barb. "I am so very humbled and grateful to everyone who has given to this fund to date and thank you all for your consideration!" We are very grateful to Kim Agnor and Alice Giles whose terms are ending on the WGC Advisory Board after years of dedicated leadership and service. The full 2023 slate of WGC Executive Committee and Advisory Board members are: 2023 WGC Advisory Board Executive Committee: Officers:
Advisory Board:
Dee Athey - CFHoCo Director of Grants and Community Engagement - Staff Liaison The Women’s Giving Circle 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. www.womensgivingcircle.org WGC Emergency Response Network Request - $1,000 for CCC on Giving Tuesday - Can You Help?11/29/2022
The WGC was out in full force supporting Women of Color entrepreneurs and our partners at The 3rd on Small Business Saturday! And, it was great to see so many women donating products in WGC's Feminine Hygiene Product Drive bin at The 3rd - thank you! The 3rd's mission is to build a space that fosters dreams, creates community, and provides mentorship, which enables Women of Color to turn their ideas into economic power and freedom. Take a visit this holiday season - there are so many beautiful, unique and tasty options! #community #partnership #givingcircles #collectivegiving #collectiveimpact
We had a fantastic time tonight at WGC’s Sunset Happy Hour at The Community Ecology Institute/Freetown Farm talking about building community and women supporting women! As WGC Executive Director Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz said, it was a true testament to the power of women supporting women to have so many women join us around the bonfire on such a chilly but beautiful night! Our thanks to CEI/Freetown Farm Founder Chiara D'Amore and her team for hosting us. We are proud to support their efforts and partner to build community for the future. You can find information about future WGC events on our website here.  Barb Van Winkle is a long-time supporter of the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County, and has been the WGC Chair for the last 5 years. She is one of the WGC's largest donors and has been a vocal cheerleader for the WGC since its inception 20 years ago!
During this season of gratitude, it's only fitting that after 20 years of support for the WGC, as she ends her tenure as WGC's Advisory Board chair in December 2022, we honor Barb for all that she has done and will continue to do for the WGC with the Barb Van Winkle Leadership Fund! Our goal is to raise at least $20,000 in honor of Barb's 20 years of leadership and support for the WGC, and in honor of ALL WGC leaders the last 20 years - who have helped the WGC grow to having over 1,600 donors, a $1.3M endowment, and over $1M in grants! All funds raised will go toward WGC's grantmaking and core support as we look to the next 20 years, with a focus on WGC's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts - Barb's legacy. As she always says: "Women’s philanthropy shapes the future for women and girls through the power of collective giving." Please join us to celebrate Barb and WGC women's philanthropic leadership the last 20 years with a gift in her honor! She will be informed of every gift, and will see every note that accompanies each donation. PLEASE DONATE HERE Thank you for helping us honor this incredible philanthropic leader! Jennifer Bodensiek and Candace Dodson-Reed, WGC 20th Anniversary Co-Chairs Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, WGC Executive Director The WGC 2022 Advisory Board  We are proud to be among the first organizations in Howard County to become #SobarCertified.
What does this mean? It means we are committed to providing more equitable drink options to our donors, partners and community at WGC events by partnering with Sobar. Sobar's mission is to encourage choice in how we celebrate by providing a variety of sophisticated non-alcoholic beverages to consumers and hosting alcohol-free bars and events. We look forward to providing delicious, healthy, and exciting drink options in partnership with Sobar for the future. Learn more about Sobar here.  Wow, we had a great night tonight at the WGC's Big Give 2022! What is the Big Give? It's for those WGC members who want to learn more about grantmaking to women and girls through a four-month, hands-on learning and grantmaking experience. Big Give participants used words such as "inspired, humbled, grateful, excited, proud, hopeful, honored, and thankful" regarding their experience. "As we celebrate our 20th Anniversary year, we are proud and honored to engage WGC donors through The Big Give!" said Barb Van Winkle, WGC Chair. "This opportunity to give collectively is another way WGC is meeting our mission of building a community of philanthropists and creating a permanent legacy to address the needs of women and girls in Howard County." This year's inaugural Big Give had 27 women participating - individually or as part of a team - who learned, shared, and together, collectively gave $20,000 to 3 WGC nonprofit partners - Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, HopeWorks, and the HCC Educational Foundation.
"We are excited about the response to our inaugural WGC Big Give!" said Melissa Curtin, WGC Membership and Development Committee Chair. "It's a new and exciting way for women to invest their philanthropic dollars so that they have a bigger impact together than they might otherwise have alone." Here's how the Big Give worked:
"Being part of the Big Give was a truly humbling experience" said Jessica Terrazas-Moreno. "It was bittersweet to learn that so many amazing organizations in Howard County need extra funds, but they never stop fighting the good fight to help our neighbors." Let us know if you’re interested in the WGC's Big Give 2023 - we already have women signing up! "We firmly believe that women’s philanthropy is shaping the future for women and girls through the power of collective giving" said Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, WGC Executive Director. "WGC's The Big Give is empowering women to support other women in our community now, and in the future." Wow, what a morning at our partner The 3rd! Run, don’t walk to this amazing, community building, gathering place! The food, the atmosphere, the products made by women of color - all are unique, tasty, and beautiful. How lucky we are to have this gem in our community! Congratulations Laura Bacon + team !  We are honored to partner with United Way of Central Maryland and so many others on the United Way Family Center - providing affordable, accessible childcare for those who live or work in Howard County. United Way has a proven track record of helping families and their children succeed. We were honored to be with UWCM, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, Howard County officials, local executives and other partners as they opened the organization’s third Family Center in central Maryland, located at 7115 Columbia Gateway Drive in Columbia, Maryland. The Columbia Family Center will provide quality, accessible childcare and early childhood education to parents in Howard County. Learn more here  We had a great night tonight at the WGC's Big Think, part of the WGC Big Give Membership! What is the Big Give? It's for those WGC members who want to learn more about grantmaking to women and girls through a hands-on learning and grantmaking experience. This year's inaugural Big Give has 27 women participating who are learning, sharing, and collectively giving $20,000 together to 3 WGC nonprofit partners. At the Big Think tonight, Big Give members read through and discussed 13 proposals, and then made the decision together to invite 3 nonprofits to join them next month for the Big Give, and to learn how much funding they will receive based on their proposals. Here's how it works: 2022 WGC Big Give Membership Structure and Timeline: BIG KICK: Philanthropy Overview Thursday, July 28, 2022, Community Foundation of Howard County WGC Big Give members gathered for two hours at the Community Foundation of Howard County to meet one another and learn about the community foundation, WGC, and the broader philanthropic landscape. Pre-reading materials were sent in advance and refreshments were served. BIG LEARN: WGC’s Grantmaking History and Future Wednesday, August 24, 2022, 6:00 - 8:00 pm via Zoom WGC Big Give members participated virtually in an overview of WGC’s history, grantmaking, the Status of Women and Girls in Howard County, and our grantmaking parameters, followed by review and discussion about the pre-vetted nonprofit partners who provide programs that support women and girls in Howard County. Post-reading materials were sent to prepare for the Big Think. BIG THINK: Giving Discussion Thursday, September 29, 2022, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, Community Foundation of Howard County WGC Big Give members engaged in the final discussion, asked questions, and voted for the final three nonprofit partners who will make a final presentation in October at The Big Give. Each of the three nonprofits will receive a grant award. Pre-reading materials were sent in advance and refreshments were served. BIG GIVE: Big Voting/Giving Event Wednesday, October 26, 2022, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, Community Foundation of Howard County WGC Big Give members will gather with all Big Give Members to hear from the three nonprofits about their proposed programs and vote on the grant award amounts. Then ... we'll celebrate!  WGC's 2022 "Our Giving, Our Stories" Series in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month
The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), 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. One way WGC is doing this is through WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" daily profile Series each August. Each day this month we are sharing daily profiles of incredible women in our community who are giving in so many ways - in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month. Today, we elevate the voice and story of philanthropist Eleanor JoAnne Sellers: What moves you to give your time, talent and financial resources? It is my faith that drives me. I grew up in a family that instilled strong Christian values. My parents taught me that in order to experience true joy be of service to someone else. It is the Lord Christ you are serving, even through earthly tasks. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” - Colossians 3:23 (NIV) When did you start giving to issues that are important to you? I really began focusing on giving to issues that were important to me while I was in college as we supported underserved families with food gift baskets for Thanksgiving. As a retired educator, I am most passionate about community service activities that advance educational opportunities. I have expanded my volunteer service activities as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. It has also been rewarding to help raise funds to support students at Howard Community College while serving on the Silas Craft Collegians Scholarship Endowment & Program Fund Committee. I am also active with community service outreach events at my church. I will continue to volunteer and give my resources to causes that support education. What advice do you have for those interested in giving back? Find a volunteer role that makes you feel fulfilled and happy. It can be a fantastic way to relax, prioritize someone else’s needs and alleviate day- to -day pressures of work, school, or family. Have fun! Mahatma Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2022. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2022 #BPM2022  WGC's 2022 "Our Giving, Our Stories" Series in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month
The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), 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. One way WGC is doing this is through WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" daily profile Series each August. Each day this month we are sharing daily profiles of incredible women in our community who are giving in so many ways - in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month. Today, we elevate the voice and story of philanthropist Dianne Polson Oliver: What moves you to give your time, talent and financial resources? At an early age, my parents lit the flame of giving in me. They led by example, always doing for others whenever the need arose. They encouraged my participation in Girls Scouts of America where my involvement in community service was started as well as promoted. When did you start giving to issues that are important to you? Since giving is in my DNA, as a very young girl I started giving through and to my church, which I still do. Continuing on the “giving track” after graduating from Morgan State University, I started “giving back” to my undergraduate alma mater financially, as well as my time and talent to the alumni association on the local and national levels. After obtaining my Master’s degree from Bowie State University, I started “giving back” financially to Bowie. For several years I had the opportunity to use my time and talent volunteering as a Reading Tutor for 2nd graders who were at risk of having a reading deficiency. To see the students progress in their reading during the school year was such a rewarding experience, not only for the students but for me as well! I also volunteered my time and talent for several years to help produce a local cable TV program called “Spotlight on Seniors,” first as a Production Assistant and later as Host of the show for a couple of years after the original Host and Co-Host passed away. The show ended its existence in 2017, but for many years it provided educational information to senior citizens on a variety of topics. What advice do you have for those interested in giving back? Find something that you are passionate about and go for it. Quite often time and talent are more important than money. One of the greatest rewards is making a difference in someone’s life. Where do you focus your time, talent, and treasure?
Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2022. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2022 #BPM2022  WGC's 2022 "Our Giving, Our Stories" Series in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month
The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), 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. One way WGC is doing this is through WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" daily profile Series each August. Each day this month we are sharing daily profiles of incredible women in our community who are giving in so many ways - in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month. Today, we elevate the voice and story of philanthropist Jonelle Ocloo: What moves you to give your time, talent and financial resources? I am moved by the verse in Scripture that says: "to whom much has been given, much will be required." I have been blessed with so much in my life including a loving family that valued education and believed that a woman could do anything. I understand that I am where I am and can do what I can because of the people who sowed into my life. Therefore, I am motivated to do what I can to make a positive impact in other's lives -- whether it's through my time, talent, or financial resources. I immigrated to the United States as a child. It is an honor to be able to help other people on their immigrant journeys and to help them to achieve their American dream. When did you start giving to issues that are important to you? I have been giving since childhood. I remember putting in money that my mother gave me in the offering plate at church. But it felt better to contribute my own money that I earned. As far back as high school, my friends and I enjoyed participating in telethons at our local public television station. I got a free ride to college. So as soon as I graduated and got my first job, it was important to me to contribute the the alumni association's scholarship fund since I was a scholarship recipient. What advice do you have for those interested in giving back? It is never too little or too late to give back. Any amount (no matter how little) is a lot when it's done with a generous heart. (Remember the story of the widow's mite.) Also, your gifts and efforts combine with those of other people to make a large impact. So your gift is never too small. Also, if you are not already giving back, it is not too late to start now. Better late than never. Where do you focus your time, talent, and treasure?
Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2022. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2022 #BPM2022  WGC's 2022 "Our Giving, Our Stories" Series in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month
The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), 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. One way WGC is doing this is through WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" daily profile Series each August. Each day this month we are sharing daily profiles of incredible women in our community who are giving in so many ways - in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month. Today, we elevate the voice and story of philanthropist Chaye C. Suber: What moves you to give your time, talent and financial resources? My mother instilled in my family to give back and help those who are less fortunate. My mother was a single parent, experiencing her struggles and obstacles made me realize there are probably others who are in the same boat. Ever since I was a child, I have been giving back volunteering wanting to make the same impact I experienced. Some people have mental health issues because of their struggles why not share my knowledge and skills to help those. When did you start giving to issues that are important to you? In middle school, I volunteered on Thanksgiving at a homeless shelter. I served food and spoke to the mothers and families to let them know that this is a small setback for a bigger comeback. Also, I worked with organizations with voter registration and made the residents aware that even if they have a felony, they were able to still vote. They didn’t know that information. Brought a smile to my face. Having that dialogue and providing them with the resources so they can register to vote and other issues. What advice do you have for those interested in giving back? You never know how you can make an impact on a person whether it's by your actions or words of advice. Find a social issue you care about, always research the organizations you want to be a part of and verify they have the same interest and mission as you. Or find other people with the same interests. There are many ways to help a cause, by either donating or volunteering your time. Giving back should be a good feeling and not feel like it's work. Where do you focus your time, talent, and treasure?
Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2022. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2022 #BPM2022  WGC's 2022 "Our Giving, Our Stories" Series in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month
The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), 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. One way WGC is doing this is through WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" daily profile Series each August. Each day this month we are sharing daily profiles of incredible women in our community who are giving in so many ways - in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month. Today, we elevate the voice and story of philanthropist Antonia Watts: What moves you to give your time, talent and financial resources? I believe in the power of change through service. When did you start giving to issues that are important to you? I started volunteering in college when I realized the impact that my time could have on an important issue. What advice do you have for those interested in giving back? Start local and start small. Local issues have the greatest impact on our day to day life. Start by writing emails to local representatives about issues impacting your community. Start by donating small amounts to those who care about issues that matter to you most. Where do you focus your time, talent, and treasure?
Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2022. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2022 #BPM2022 |
"Women’s philanthropy shapes the future for women and girls through the power of collective giving." - Barb Van Winkle, Immediate Past Chair
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