2025 Celebration of Women and Girls - Washington Area Women's Foundation Website

Celebration of Women And Girls

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US!

The Celebration of Women & Girls was held on October 22, 2025, and convened over 100 of the top business, philanthropic, and political leaders in the Washington metropolitan area to celebrate and honor remarkable trailblazers with our Visionary Award and recognize their exceptional work equipping women and girls on their paths to success.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US!

The Celebration of Women & Girls was held on October 22, 2025, and convened over 100 of the top business, philanthropic, and political leaders in the Washington metropolitan area to celebrate and honor remarkable trailblazers with our Visionary Award and recognize their exceptional work equipping women and girls on their paths to success.

Honorary host committee

Tim Abercrombie
Maya Ajmera
Marion Ballard
Joyce Brayboy
Patrice Brickman
Phyllis Caldwell
Donna Callejon
Jennifer Cortner
Andrea Dykes
Laurie Emrich
Lynn English
Amy Falk Sheldon
Deb Gandy
Katie Gibson

Shenique Gray
Debbie Jarvis
Rachel Kronowitz
Lynn McNair
Anne Mosle
Teresa Payne-Nunn
Vivian W. Pinn, MD
Jennifer Parker Porter, MD
Michelle Rice
Shannon Scott
Victoria Vrana
Lori Weinstein
Tiffani Whittaker

All proceeds from the 2025 Celebration of Women and Girls will support Washington Area Women’s Foundation’s mission to invest in the power of women and girls of color in the Washington, D.C. region. Since 1998, we have awarded more than $17 million in grants to more than 215 local community-based organizations and individuals.

OUR 2025 VISIONARY AWARD HONOREES

Tonia Wellons

We are proud to honor Tonia Wellons, President & CEO of the Greater Washington Community Foundation, the largest public foundation in the Greater Washington region. Under her leadership, The Community Foundation launched a bold 10-year strategic vision to help close the region’s racial wealth gap by directing capital, strengthening civic and philanthropic infrastructure, and centering economic justice.

Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation

We are proud to honor the Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, with the award accepted by Jane Lipton Cafritz, Board Chair and CEO. The Foundation is deeply committed to improving the quality of life for all Washington, DC metropolitan area residents, responding to community needs and opportunities in the areas of Arts and Humanities, Community Services, Education, the Environment and Health.

Mistress of ceremonies

Lesli Foster, Weeknight Anchor, WUSA9

Lesli Foster is an award-winning journalist and mainstay of Washington news as a weeknight anchor for WUSA9 evening broadcasts Monday through Friday. She is also part of WUSA9’s Special Assignment Unit, leading our “Impact” coverage that aims to tackle community issues. Lesli joined the station in 2001 and has covered the major events of our times across the area.

Known for her warmth and ability to share impactful stories that have an effect on our wider community, she thrives on work that touches everyday living. While her work has allowed her to interview many local, national, and international luminaries, she most enjoys talking with ordinary people who use their lives to do extraordinary things.