WGC Co-Hosts PowerUP! Baltimore 2023!

After 14 months of planning, we just finished up the Philanos PowerUP! Baltimore National Women's Collective Giving Conference that brought together over 300 women to learn, share, network, and connect about the power of women's philanthropy, giving circles, and giving together.

The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County was proud to co-Host this incredible event and WGC Executive Director Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz served as co-Chair, who also serves on the Philanos Board of Directors along with Barb Van Winkle.

WGC leaders helped plan the conference, worked with our sponsors, spoke on panels, served as DEI advocates, and took the time to attend this important gathering - huge thanks to Barb Van Winkle, Jennifer Bodensiek, Laura Bacon, Nette Stokes, Kashonna Marrow, Cheryl Gray, Faith Wachter, Mary Ann Scully, Lynne Schaefer, Jade McDuffie McClary, Esq., and Malynda Madzel - who was honored with the Willoughby Award for women who are changemakers in philanthropy!

We shared information on how we are using data from The WGC's State of Women and Girls in Howard County, we provided information on fundraising strategies, we provided expertise on creating a social media roadmap, we told our story about how we elevate the voices and stories of our members to highlight philanthropy, and we listened and learned from so many others.

Our leadership had the opportunity to work with other giving circle leaders and philanthropic networks that we've partnered with for years. We laughed, we learned, we connected with Philanos Board members, affiliates, partners and sponsors, and we left energized and inspired to continue to try and make a difference where we live.

Women's collective giving is investing millions of dollars in our local communities each year - we are stronger together. Many thanks to the countless amazing women who rolled up their sleeves to make PowerUP! Baltimore 2023 a huge success!

---