WGC Leadership Spotlight: WGC Chair Candace Dodson-Reed

The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to spotlight the women who are leading our work this year - who are deepening our impact, and championing the power of collective giving in our community.

We asked WGC Chair Candace Dodson-Reed three questions about what inspires her, what she hopes to accomplish, and how she sees women’s philanthropy shaping our future. Her answers reflect the values at the core of the WGC: generosity, collaboration, and the belief that when women come together, we make lasting change.

1. What inspires you most about the Women’s Giving Circle and the work we do in the community?

What inspires me most is the women (and girl) philanthropists. There is something really powerful about women and girls coming together, pooling our resources, shaping our advocacy, and deciding that we can make a difference. I love that the Women’s Giving Circle gives us the opportunity to support people and organizations doing meaningful work in our community, and that we do it together.  

2. As you embrace your leadership role, what are your priorities for the year ahead?
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My biggest priority is building on the incredible foundation that already exists. I want to strengthen our membership, create more opportunities for women to connect and engage, and be thoughtful about where we can have the greatest impact. I also want us to have some fun along the way. We really leaned into the advocacy piece over the past couple of years and I think there are some more opportunities there. 

3. How do you see women’s collective philanthropy making a difference right now - and what excites you about where we’re headed next?

​I think we have always understood the power of relationships and community, and that collective philanthropy allows us to turn that into action. When we come together, our individual contributions become something much bigger. What excites me is the opportunity to continue growing that impact and to bring more women and girls into this work. 

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