Celebrating the Power of We During Women's History Month

(L-R) Cheryl Gray, Lee Rees Draminski, Barb Van Winkle, Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, Hali Lee, Kashonna Marrow, Jade McDuffie McClary, Esq.

Happy Women's History Month!

More than 150 donors, nonprofit leaders, and community partners gathered for the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County’s Annual Celebration & Pink Party - celebrating The Power of WE: Courageous Philanthropy for Complex Times and the impact that happens when women come together to invest in women and girls in our community.

Donor Engagement Committee Co-Chair Jade McClary hosted the evening, acknowledging the complex moment in our country and world and reminding us that it is often in times like these that community matters most. She then guided the program through a series of reflections and conversations that highlighted the strength and impact of our collective philanthropy, setting the stage for WGC Chair Candace Dodson-Reed to reflect on the purpose and urgency of the Women’s Giving Circle’s work.

Chair Candace Dodson-Reed grounded the evening in our WHY - reflecting on the growing challenges facing women and families and the importance of continuing to invest in solutions that help women and girls thrive. She also recognized the many women in the room who have helped build the Women’s Giving Circle over the past 24 years - from founders to current Advisory Board members and the broader community of donors and leaders who continue to carry the work forward. As she reminded us, “In times of uncertainty, philanthropy is more than generosity - it is leadership.”

Donor Engagement Committee Co-Chair Cheryl Gray shared the many ways donors can support and engage with the Women’s Giving Circle - from annual giving and sponsorships to legacy gifts and participation in The Big Give, our collaborative grantmaking experience.

We were honored to welcome keynote speaker Hali Lee, author of The Big We, with a fireside conversation facilitated by WGC Vice Chair Kashonna Marrow. Hali shared powerful insights about the growing movement of collective giving and how generosity, trust, and shared leadership can unlock new possibilities for impact when people come together around shared values.

Grants Committee Chairs Paula Seabright and Laura Bacon shared how our collective investments are supporting nonprofit partners across Howard County and highlighted the leadership of our Young Women’s Giving Circle, including their work on the Break the Cycle Period Product Drive and advocacy for menstrual equity.

The evening also marked the presentation of the inaugural Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz Women’s Philanthropy Award, with a $5,000 grant directed to Trinity Maternal Wellness. “This award isn’t just about the $1.3 million in grants we’ve made or the $1.3 million endowment we’ve built" said Buffy. "It’s about the women who stepped forward, claimed their seat at the philanthropic table, and built this movement together.” 

We were also honored to receive proclamations recognizing the Women’s Giving Circle during Women’s History Month from Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Howard County Council Chair Opel Jones. The proclamation recognizing the inaugural Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz Women’s Philanthropy Award was read by WGC Advisory Board member Shaundra Turner Jones, making the moment especially meaningful for our community.

The Women’s Giving Circle is a fund of the Community Foundation of Howard County, and the partnership continues to strengthen opportunities for collective philanthropy in our community. As Melissa Curtin, President & CEO of the Community Foundation, shared, “The Women’s Giving Circle reflects the power of women coming together to learn, give, and lead - and we are proud to support this extraordinary community of philanthropists.”

As the evening concluded, Jade McClary reflected on the spirit of the night and the future of the Women’s Giving Circle: “Together, we continue to build a powerful community of philanthropists - and as we look ahead to the Women’s Giving Circle’s 25th anniversary year, we invite you to be part of the story as the Power of WE continues to grow.”

What’s Next

Inspired by The Power of WE? Join us!

• Join The Big Give - our collaborative grantmaking experience. The deadline to sign up is April 17.
• Support our Young Women’s Giving Circle - by participating in our next Break the Cycle Period Product Drive on April 18, donating to purchase products, or purchase items on our Amazon Wish List

If you know someone who believes in the power of women investing in women and girls, invite them to be part of the Women’s Giving Circle!

#PowerOfWE #TheBigWe #CollectiveGiving #WomensPhilanthropy

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