WGC 2019 Annual Celebration - Thank You!

 The Sisterhood is Strong!

This was the theme of the WGC's 2019 Annual Celebration: A Tale of Two Women and Their Rise to Equality - Shattering Glass Ceilings in Howard County, with Keynote Speakers Lisa Myers and Christine Uhlhorn, Howard County's first female Police Chief and first female Fire Chief. It was a wonderful evening listening, learning, networking, and celebrating the collective work and successes of women in Howard County. 

WGC Chair Barb Van Winkle provided highlights of the important work the WGC has done this year and underscored that the WGC's success is our collective success, and couldn't happen without the investment of time, talent, and resources of everyone in the room, and all those who support the WGC at any level. She highlighted the WGC's 2019 grantmaking, local and national partnerships forged, fundraising, friendraising, programs, events, and new efforts for the future, including IMPACT 2024, WGC’s five-year, $500,000 fundraising effort and focus on diversity, equity and inclusion for women in Howard County. 

As she said, "it is great to see so many of you here - longtime supporters and friends, founders, and many new faces ... if you’ve been wanting a way to deepen your investment in women and girls, and diversity, equity and inclusion, we invite you to join us." Learn more about how to invest in the WGC through IMPACT 2024.

And, Barb underscored that it takes a special business or individual to understand the value of investing in efforts that support women and girls. We can’t thank all of our sponsors enough for your ongoing investment - friends, please support businesses and individuals that support women and girls! 

Chiefs Myers and Uhlhorn provided smart, funny, thoughtful, relatable and inspirational remarks about their paths as women who shattered glass ceilings to make history, and make it to the top of their fields. They discussed the power and importance of the sisterhood that helped them along the way, and the ways in which they now mentor other women. And, they highlighted that there is still work to be done, together.

Their meaningful commentary stayed with all of us throughout the evening, and will serve as inspiration and motivation as we move forward with our collective work:

• “Thank you WGC for having this ... diversity is so important ... where were you 50 years ago?! ... if you are doing your job, and changing the status quo, expect pushback.” - Lisa Myers, Howard County Police Chief
• "Having a sister in this leadership role is so important. We are a united front." - Christine Uhlhorn, Howard County Fire Chief
• "Own your own unique abilities as a woman" - Lisa Myers, Howard County Police Chief
• “Being outspoken and using your voice is important ... the louder you use your voice, the more people will listen ... we’ve come a long way, baby!” - Christine Uhlhorn, Howard County Fire Chief

Here's just some of the great feedback we've heard from donors and friends who attended:

• "Inspiration running low? Look no further than the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County. Amazing evening of networking, celebrating the good work of the WGC, and listening to amazing pioneers speak their truth. Feeling tired today? Nope. Not anymore. Feel like giving up? Nope. Not anymore. Frustrated by obstacles in your way? Nope. Not anymore. Cup filler night."
• "Thanks to the Women’s Giving Circle for hosting Chief Uhlhorn and Chief Myers, who shared stories of where they’d come from and how far we need to go. We ALL benefit when our leaders and communities represent diversity in thought, perspective, gender, socio economic level, culture, and identity. The rest is just stagnation and status quo at best, oppression and harm at worst. Thanks to all who stand up and speak up despite the pushback."
• ​"What an amazing event and messages of hope and encouragement. Learning to know your value and staying true to your purpose and passion. Thank you WGC for hosting this inspiring event."
• "I cannot begin to tell you how much I enjoyed myself at my first WGC event! Everyone was so welcoming and the speakers were truly inspiring. It was exciting to hear about the amazing work you all have done this year and the work you have planned for the future. Kudos to you!"
• "Such an amazing night with two powerful, relatable, strong women!"
• "What an amazing night with Chiefs Myers and Uhlhorn. Howard County citizens are fortunate to have them at the helm of these essential agencies. True leaders in the County in so many ways."
• "The speakers were phenomenal and motivating!"
• "At the WGC's Annual Celebration, a room full of powerful women and businesses here in Howard County. Honored to be here!
• "So proud to be a part of the Women's Giving Circle."
• "The Sisterhood is strong!"

Thank you all for attending this year's Annual Celebration, and for all you do to ensure that we continue to support women and girls in Howard County! See more pictures here.

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