A note from Women’s Fund of Central Indiana’s executive director, Jennifer Pope Baker:
Wow, what an incredible Power of Women’s Fund Philanthropy we had this year! Thank you to the 700 people who joined us on Sept. 26 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom for the event. I am truly grateful for the women who shared their personal stories with us!
Demetrees, from The Villages, helped us understand the value of providing support to teenage girls as they are preparing to age out of the foster care system. Demetrees’ journey from foster care to earning multiple degrees, including a doctorate, is truly amazing.
Anna spoke on behalf of the support her daughter has received from Girls Inc. Johnson County and the transformative experience it has been for Autumn, moving from someone looking up for help, to someone who is an inspiration to other girls. Anna also shared the assistance she received from Turning Point Domestic Violence Services . It was a good reminder to all of us that sometimes life it really complicated and you need to rely on multiple sources for the help and support you need.
Marvetta Grimes, executive director of Seeds of Hope, talked about how Seeds of Hope first helped her tackle her own addictions 18 years ago and then led her on the journey to today, now serving in the important leadership role to help other women face and conquer their own addictions.
Soledad O’Brien, award winning journalist, documentarian, news anchor, producer, philanthropist and founder and CEO of Starfish Media, was incredibly powerful, real and funny. People have been raving about her presentation. Here are some of the gems she shared:
- Being different has value, if you value it.
- Frame women and girls as assets, not deficits and invest in them.
- Take time to learn what women really need to succeed and then help them.
- When you have a seat at the table or a voice – use it!
- Don’t just give money, also use your connections to help people who do not have connections.
- We don’t make it alone, we are better when we work together.
Several people have asked for links to the videos we showed last night. You can view The State of Women and Girls video here. The Faces of Women’s Fund shows nearly 200 people who are on our boards, committees, OPTIONS/Alumnae, GO and Perspectives donors; watch it here.
Thank you for your support of Women’s Fund. I invite you to learn more about Women’s Fund and the many ways you can be involved in transforming the lives of women and girls in Central Indiana at womensfund.org. If you have been thinking about giving and are inspired to do so now, you may also give at womensfund.org.
Cheers,
Jennifer Pope Baker
Executive Director
Women’s Fund of Central Indiana
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