Earlier this week Beyonce premiered the video for her latest single “Run the World (Girls)” on American Idol.  The song asks the rhetorical question “Who runs the world?” with the bold response being GIRLS.

At The Women’s Foundation, that message is part of what drives our work.  Empowered girls become empowered women.  Empowered women uplift themselves, their families, and their community.  And the outcomes of girls who are not given the opportunity to reach their potential are disheartening.

Research from our recent report 2010 Portrait of Women & Girls in the Washington Metropolitan Area shows that girls in the metro area who do not earn a high school diploma will potentially earn three times less than women with a graduate or professional degree.  That’s why we work with amazing Grantee Partners like Community Bridges, Crittenton Services, Beacon House, and The Campagna Center, among many others.  These organizations focus on providing girls with role models, mentors and opportunities to overcome their circumstances.

Our hope is that the girls of the Washington metropolitan area will be able to fend for themselves on the figurative battlefield presented in Beyonce’s video.  Rather than a post-apocalyptic world, we want DC-area girls to be able to stand their ground professionally, socially and personally.

So Beyonce, I say thank you for this song and its powerful message.  You should come to our Annual Leadership Luncheon on October 19^th and experience our truly inspiring, vibrant gathering of women and men from all corners of the community.

Lena Peterson is the Development Associate at Washington Area Women’s Foundation.

Over the years it has been noted that there’s a definite discrepancy in the traditional media coverage of men’s and women’s NCAA basketball.  However, as a Connecticut native and a UConn fan, lack of recognition for women’s basketball is a foreign concept to me.

Recognizing women’s athletics is important because it gives girls role models outside of the typical gender roles in society.  Growing up, I remember how exciting it was to watch the Lady Huskies dominate on the court.  And as my mom always reminded me, the players were both athletes AND scholars.   Supporting women’s athletics, especially at the college level, sends the message to young girls that you can be strong and smart.  Numerous Grantee Partners at The Women’s Foundation, such as Prince George’s Tennis and Education Foundation (PGTEF), understand the importance of this concept and use it to uplift girls in our greater Washington community.

PGTEF develops athletic, academic and life skills through programs that foster self-esteem and academic achievement.  Participants become good athletes; and they also become outstanding students and citizens.

As UConn basketball coach Geno Auriemma tries to chastise unrepentant journalists into leveling the playing field when it comes to coverage of men’s and women’s sports, he and the Huskies can be assured that they have plenty of fans watching them as they move into the Elite Eight.  As UConn continues their legacy as a power house team in the NCAA Division 1 Finals, I just want to congratulate the Huskies on their win over Georgetown yesterday and wish them luck against Duke tomorrow!

Photo credits: UConn photo from UConnHuskies.com. Tennis photo courtesy of Brenda Gilmore.

Lena Peterson is the Development Associate at Washington Area Women’s Foundation.

Yesterday, in honor of the 100^th Anniversary of International Women’s Day, Google teamed up with Women for Women International for Join Women on the Bridge, a unique campaign to raise awareness and show their solidarity about the issues that affect women.

I love the literal and figurative symbolism of standing together on a bridge.  It’s such an inspiring reminder that together we can bridge the challenges that women face in terms of education, economic security, health, safety and security.  Just as my colleague Mariah said in her blog post from yesterday entitled “Celebrating International Women’s Day – From Bowie to Bhutan,” “as we celebrate the accomplishments and raise awareness about the needs of women around the world, it’s important that we not forget ourselves and our neighbors.”

At the Women’s Foundation we do just that.  Our findings in Portrait Project 2010 show that we live in a region divided.  The Women’s Foundation helps bridge the socio-economic gaps in our region through strategic investment in our Grantee Partners.  Help us continue our work that builds bridges of economic security from Bowie to Bright Seat, to Brentwood to Bethesda.  Please donate now at our secure link.

Lena is the Development Associate at Washington Area Women’s Foundation.

Photo on the Duke Ellington Bridge courtesy of MBS photos.