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The Women’s Foundation’s 2023 Summer Recommendations List

Posted on by Sarah Weatherby

This summer, The Women’s Foundation has you covered with our first summer recommendations list!

Whether you’re unwinding at the beach, taking a road trip, or simply enjoying a laid-back afternoon, immerse yourself in our staff’s curated list of books, movies, TV shows, and podcasts that will be sure to enhance your summer experience.

12 Rules for Life: Antidote to Chaos by Jordan B. Peterson

Self-help book, 12 Rules for Life, is written by clinical psychologist Jordan Peterson and provides life advice through essays from religion, mythology and personal anecdote perspectives.

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

Recipient of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, Demon Copperhead, is a story of a boy who is to be born to a single-teen mother and his journey through life overcoming foster care, derelict schools and much more. 

Dyscalculia: A Love Story of Epic Miscalculation by Camonghne Felix

Romance novel, Dyscaluculia, covers the healing journey of the heartbreak of Camonghne Felix from her childhood trauma to her mental health journey. 

Good Night Irene by Luis Alberto Urrea

Historical fiction novel, Good Night, is an inspirational read of Luis Alberto Urrea’s mother and her service during World War II working at the Red Cross. 

Mad Honey by Judy Picoult

If you are looking for a page-turner, you will enjoy reading Mad Honey as you explore all things of suspense, drama, love and alternating narratives. 

Normal People by Sally Rooney

Fiction novel, Normal People, tells the story of a mutual fascination, friendship and love between two people who cannot seem to stay apart. 

Paradise

Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison offers a book on women empowerment through the development story of Ruby in an all-Black town in Oklahoma. Morrison explores Ruby’s journey to protect her “paradise” through the challenges of love and hate.  

Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab

Licensed therapist, Nedra Glover Tawwab shares how healthy boundaries may be exercised in everyday life through best practices and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.

She Would Be King by Wayétu Moore

She Would be King, is a novel that reimagines the story of the early years of Liberia history through magical realism through three characters in West Africa.

Unforgetting: A Memoir of Family, Migration, Gangs and Revolution in the Americas by Roberto Lovato

Autobiography of Robert Lovato, is a memoir of his life as an El Salvador immigrant growing up in San Francisco surrounded by gangs and his tumultuous relationship with his father. Lovato shares his views on the political crisis of the immigration system in El Salvador and in the United States. 

The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael Alan Singer

If you are looking to be free from limitations and push beyond your boundaries, read The Untethered Soul to help you find your inner peace and freedom. 

You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi

A New York Times bestselling author, this story is of a reimagined love of a woman seeking joy as she heels from a loss. 

65

In a catastrophic crash on an unknown planet, pilot Mills finds himself stranded on Earth 65 million years ago, forced to navigate treacherous terrain and evade perilous prehistoric creatures with only one shot at rescue alongside the sole survivor, Koa.

BlacKkKlansman

Based on true events, an African-American detective infiltrates the Ku Klux Klan, risking everything to expose their dangerous agenda.

The Covenant

Amidst the war in Afghanistan, a brave local interpreter defies all odds, risking his own life, as he traverses countless miles of treacherous terrain to carry an injured sergeant to safety.

Firefly Lane

Best friends since childhood navigate the ups and downs of life, love, and career over the course of several decades.

Insecure

Follow the hilarious and relatable misadventures of two black women as they navigate their personal and professional lives in Los Angeles.

The Last of Us

In a post-apocalyptic world overrun by infected creatures, a grizzled survivor and a young girl embark on a dangerous journey that will test their humanity.

The Little Mermaid

Dive into a whimsical underwater adventure as a young mermaid defies her father’s wishes and ventures into the human world to find true love.

Missing

A gripping thriller unfolds when a mother’s desperate search for her abducted child leads her down a dark and treacherous path.

Shooting Stars

This film illuminates the awe-inspiring rise of basketball legend LeBron James, chronicling his journey from a humble upbringing to becoming an iconic four-time NBA Champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.

Shiny Happy People

In a seemingly perfect suburban town, a series of mysterious events unravels the dark secrets hidden beneath the surface.

Succession

Follow the power struggles and family dynamics of a wealthy media mogul’s dysfunctional family as they vie for control of his empire.

A Thousand and One

In a daring act, unapologetic and free-spirited Inez kidnaps her 6-year-old son, Terry, from foster care, embarking on a journey through a dynamically evolving New York City to reclaim their lost sense of home, identity, and stability.

By the Book 

Do you enjoy self-help books? Join hosts Jolenta, Kristen and Nora as they dive into a different self help book each episode and discover which book resonates with you. 

Hidden Brain

If you are seeking a podcast about the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, then Hidden Brain will help you unlock your biggest “whys.”

Huberman Lab

Neuroscientist, Andrew Huberman, shares everything he knows on how our brain is connected to our organs and our behaviors. 

Mental Illness Happy Hour

Through comedy, the Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast explores mental illness, trauma, addiction, and negative thinking. 

Mindfulness Meditations

Are you looking for better ways to re-center and unwind? Try a free guided meditation with Western and Eastern physiologist Tarah Brach. 

Nobody Panic

Do you find yourself in a panic and overwhelmed sometimes? Hosts Stevie and Tessa want to help you know you are not alone.

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Storyteller and podcaster, Jay Shetty shares open and vulnerable conversations to help facilitate healthier relationships from some of the most insightful people.

The Read

Hosts Kid Fury and Crissle is a great listen if you are looking to stay up-to-date on today’s pop culture and hip-hop.

The Receipts Podcast

If you are looking for a fun listen, hosts Tolly, Audrey and Miley’s podcast, The Receipts, will cover everything from relationships and everyday life experiences with no filter.  

Serial 

Do you have a knack for crime podcasts? Serial will fulfill your needs. Serial shares all true crime stories through narration. 

Therapy for Black Girls

Join licensed psychologist, Dr. Joy Bradford, as she hosts a great podcast focusing on mental health and creating a safe space for Black women. 

Unlocking Us with Brené Brown

Are you looking for deep conversations that dig further into who we are and how we relate as humans? Unlocking Us with Brené Brown is a great listen for you!

Celebrating Pride Month with The Women’s Foundation

Posted on by WAWF

This June, The Women’s Foundation celebrates the impact and contribution of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community and their unwavering strides for equality. As a marginalized group, the LGBTQIA+ community confronts a myriad of unique challenges, setting them apart from the experiences encountered by their heterosexual counterparts.

Throughout history, the LGBTQIA+ community has witnessed a powerful journey of advocacy and activism. Since the transformative events of the Stonewall riot on June 28th, 1969, activists have championed numerous causes, including the decriminalization of homosexuality, destigmatization of homosexuality as a mental illness, and the legalization of same-sex marriage, to name a few. However, amidst these significant milestones, the community faces an alarming reality: there are currently 27 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills pending legislation and 80 anti-trans bills passed in 2023, highlighting the persistent challenges that demand our attention and collective action.

While there have been great strides for equality, there is a critical need for policymakers to pass more bills to secure rights and protection for LGBTQIA+ people. Within the Washington metropolitan region, there are 13 pending Anti-LGBTQIA+ bills that are detrimental to LGBTQIA+ people.

Focusing on passing laws, policies, and bills at the local, state, and federal level is at the forefront of the efforts of the agenda for activists and organizations fighting for queer rights. We must continue working with our justice systems to ensure LGBTQIA+ people have the same rights and protections as heterosexual people. 

In a quote from activist Petra E. Biloxi, she encompasses the “why” behind the need for equality, “All anybody is trying to do is live their lives and be given the service, be treated with respect as anyone else is treated. All we want is equality.”  

So, how can you show your support? Be an ally. 

There are numerous ways to be an ally, including asking someone for their pronouns, having open discussions in your workplace, being aware of microaggressions and transphobic language, and working with your policymakers to help pass nondiscrimination laws.  

People who are not a part of the LGBTQIA+ community have significantly impacted the advancement of equality for LGBTQIA+ people. As you expand your knowledge, being a bystander is not enough.

Allies must combat disinformation when they see or hear it — on social media, around dinner tables, or at water cooler conversations at work. Continue to be open-minded and be willing to learn.

As The Women’s Foundation reflects upon the victories achieved by the LGBTQIA+ community, it is essential to acknowledge the intersecting experiences of people of color within this community. We recognize true equality cannot be realized until we combat these intersecting systems of oppression. 

While June is federally recognized heritage month for LGBTQIA+, The Women’s Foundation is steadfast in ensuring our work supports protecting and advocating for the LGBTQIA+ beyond this designated period. 

To support our organization to help us advocate and create safe spaces for underrepresented communities, donate today! Your gift will help ensure that every woman, girl, and gender-expansive youth of color in the Washington region has access to the resources that will help them attain economic security and thrive.

To learn more about how you can be a better ally, check out the recommendations from the Human Rights Campaign https://www.hrc.org/resources/being-an-lgbtq-ally.

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Posted on by Sarah Weatherby

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI) honors and commemorates the Asian American communities that contribute to the diverse culture and history of our Nation. This AAPI Heritage Month, The Women’s Foundation is honored to highlight Asian/ Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project (DVRP). 

It is imperative for AAPI survivors to have support from bilingual case managers providing culturally-specific services. DVRP is the only Pan-Asian Pacific Islander organization meeting the needs of survivors of gender-based violence, power-based violence, and responding to systemic violence in DC. DVRP provides free services in over 20 Asian languages through mental health professionals, financial support, and transportation support. Survivors can receive support regardless of income level, immigration status, or English proficiency.

Not only does DVRP play a unique and crucial role as the only pan-A/PI anti-violence organization in the DMV, but their arts-based practice, analysis of broader systems of violence, and survivor/ community-centered approach distinguishes their work from non-culturally specific organizations. 

Through funding from The Women’s Foundation, DVRP has provided honorariums to 30 community members impacted by COVID, economic justice, and transportation needs. DVRP hosts listening sessions to understand the needs of the AAPI community. From the listening sessions, DVRP is able to understand the value of transportation for survivors who do not have access to public transportation. 

As DVRP implements an arts-based practice, they’ve created a graphic novel, Recipes for Healing, to address causes of inequity and dismantle systemic forms of oppression. Recipes for Healing identifies gender-based violence surrounding transphobia and sexual violence. The novel is written in Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese, Urdu, and Japanese to reach non-English speaking communities and is available on their website at www.dvrp.org/recipesforhealing.

Sharing the same values as The Women’s Foundation, DVRP is dedicated to advancing equity and justice for women of color in our community. 

Today and every day, we are proud to stand behind DVRP as they work to serve the AAPI community and help us achieve our goal.

To learn more about DVRP, visit https://www.dvrp.org.

AskHer Series: Advancing Pay Equity in Early Care and Education Systems

Posted on by WAWF

Early childhood educators and faculty play a critical role in the formative years of our children’s development—helping shape their cognitive, emotional, and social skillset. Yet despite their integral role, they remain ranked at nearly the bottom of the annual pay scale compared to all other U.S. occupations.

During the webinar, panelists discussed the impact pay has on those working in early childhood education. The conversation also centered on the importance of redefining an economic system that builds equity across the board and how we—as allies—can take further action to help advance programs and policies to eliminate systemic barriers often faced by educators and faculty of color.

The conversation was moderated by Dawnn Leary (Chief Program Officer, Greater Washington Community Foundation) and featured Lavontte Chatmon (Executive Director, Nonprofit Montgomery), Cynthia Davis, (Executive Director, DC Family Child Care Association), and Emily Griffey (Chief Policy Officer, Voices for Virginia’s Children). 

Join us in the fight to advance pay equity for early care workers by making a donation to The Women’s Foundation. Your generous contribution will help increase our efforts to ensure fair and just compensation for those who are instrumental in shaping the future of our children.

Make a Donation!

Insights From BIPOC Women in Philanthropy

Posted on by Sarah Weatherby

From leading major foundations and corporate giving programs to working on the front lines of social service organizations and community-based groups, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) women in philanthropy are making an invaluable impact. Yet, BIPOC women in philanthropy often shoulder a huge burden at the cost of their own well-being.

How intentional are foundations in supporting women and BIPOC women in philanthropy? Internal foundation staff strategies, external grantmaking, and community building are strengthened by putting well-being first. Our Program Officer, Chika Onwuvuche, joined a candid discussion with BIPOC women in philanthropy on how to start, elevate, and broaden support for roles and voices for women of color in philanthropic work. The conversation was led by Sha-Kim Wilson, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Tides Foundation. It was hosted by Catchafire—an organization facilitating connections between grantmakers and corporations seeking to equip nonprofits with capacity-building resources and professionals who want to donate their time and talent through virtual volunteering with nonprofits who need their skills.

Other guest speakers included:

  • Amanda Andere, CEO, Funders Together to End Homelessness
  • Aiyana Marcus, Senior Program Manager, Charlottesville Area Community Foundation

Watch the discussion here.

What does wellness look like?

BIPOC women in philanthropy have long been underrepresented and overlooked. As the sector strives to become more diverse and inclusive, it is critical to recognize the importance of creating wellness for BIPOC women in philanthropy. BIPOC women in philanthropy are on the frontlines of complex and challenging community issues that require a consistent pull on their physical and emotional well-being. Just like their leadership requires their active presence, their rest is just as important and requires active support. For these women, wellness involves creating a safe space for dialogue, collaboration, and advocacy. This means having access to resources and support to help them achieve their goals. It also involves having equitable representation in leadership and decision-making roles.

Holistic wellness looks different for everyone. It’s essential to define what it means to you—and to make space for it in your daily life. Developing a culture of well-being is also a generational issue; often, philanthropic leaders feel guilty for taking rest and taking time to put themselves first. Many are accustomed to doing everything at once and running on fumes.

For Chika, wellness means:

Chika: It’s about institutions creating conditions for wellness and us listening internally to our bodies. It’s about modeling wellness to folks around me so we can create a cultural shift around rest. How do you create a space where others can talk? It shouldn’t be rest to fill someone else’s cup; it’s because I need to breathe, eat, and do things that are a necessity in life for me to engage in joy. Model and create those spaces for those around you to be vulnerable and share in that space. What are things I’m doing to contribute? I need to listen to what my body and soul need. Find what wellness is for you.

What can philanthropy do to create a culture shift around well-being?

The importance of investing in BIPOC women in philanthropy is undeniable. The mental and physical well-being of BIPOC women in philanthropy is closely connected to the success of nonprofits and their communities.

What should philanthropy be doing differently for the next generation? What does a sector shift toward wellness look like?

Chika: We know that young people are not prioritized in decision-making happening around their lives. Girls have higher rates of anxiety, depression, or almost anything; you name it. We’re so advanced technologically, yet we can’t resolve wellness. There’s a lot philanthropy can and should be doing to fund young people to make decisions for their health.

There shouldn’t be a fight for trying to center young people in places like healing circles where they can talk about their feelings. There’s a lot of talk around resources for young people, a social worker here or there, but that is rooted in capitalism. There’s medical insurance people have to navigate. They have to go through the welfare system/parents/guardians, creating many barriers to even access that. There aren’t enough of us, Black women, in that space to provide coverage.

We need a larger community-centered approach in problem-solving: how do we fund and uplift more healing circles and spaces for young people to gather? How do we ensure mental health and wellness are included in the curriculum so young people can learn about their bodies? We know these things exist, but we have to fund them. Having conversations is a great first step. There are resources out there, but we have to put that into the hands of young people well-equipped to address wellness.

There needs to be a cultural shift in how we think about work. As adults, we have ideas on what it takes to be a successful person; young people are showing me that version of success doesn’t align with them.

Chika believes shifting the narrative of work starts with:

  • Instituting four-day workweeks
  • Generous time off so people can focus on their personal lives
  • Increasing paid and maternity leave

With the use of social media and technology, young people are pivoting. Social media is one of the ways Black girls congregate—so how do we engage people in a less harmful way to be able to communicate and engage with folks from all over in how they practice wellness? 

In addition to a cultural shift, what can philanthropic organizations include in their wellness policies to take care of their teams?

Chika: Extended time off. I believe in the ability to step away. What does it look like to support folks across the spectrum to do what they like? We have these confines of time, but the energy I’m giving this week is not the same as the energy I’m giving next week. How can we respond to our bodies?

One key part of a culture and policy shift is the importance of modeling. The more individuals and organizations develop a culture of well-being, the more it will be normalized in the sector as a whole:

Chika: We need to see it be modeled from leadership. If your leader can model the well-being practices that you want to see, you’re more likely to engage in the same type of behavior. I was lucky to work in a place where each month, we’d get additional leave time. These are internal policies that can be changed more easily. Be liberal with the way you give that time off. 

About The Speakers

Amanda Andere, CEO, Funders Together to End Homelessness

Amanda has spent over 15 years working in the nonprofit & public sector as a leader committed to racial and housing justice. She served as CEO of Wider Opportunities for Women, a national advocacy org. She’s a board member of the United Philanthropy Forum and Equity in the Center and also serves on the Leadership Council for the DC Partnership to End Homelessness. As a former Co-Chair of A Way Home America, Amanda is a co-conspirator in their work to end youth and young adult homelessness.

Aiyana Marcus, Senior Program Manager for the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation

Aiyana manages the development, implementation, and evaluation of grant programs along with other resource deployment strategies that support an ecosystem of trust-based, equitable philanthropy. She is also a community-focused artist with 20 years of experience promoting the authentic storytelling of Black lives, including writing, directing, and producing four of her original plays. Most recently, She Echoes on the Vine premiered at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center in 2021.

Chika Onwuvuche, Program Officer, Washington Area Women’s Foundation

Born and raised in Washington, DC, Chika is committed to ensuring area residents are afforded equitable resources and services to live self-determined productive lives. She is a champion of youth-led initiatives that empower for systems change and manages the foundation’s youth and safety grant portfolios with support for advocacy efforts of collaborative grantee partners. Chika has a bachelor’s in poli-sci and social work from UW-Madison & an MS in social work from UPenn.

Sha-Kim Wilson, Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships, Tides Foundation

With over 20 years of experience as a sales executive, Sha-Kim has built her career being a client advocate and trusted advisor for midsize to large organizations across the globe. She is the founder of Helen’s Hands, a nonprofit organization that advocates for Alzheimer’s caregivers. Sha-Kim received her undergraduate degree from Florida International University, MBA from University of Phoenix, and is currently pursuing her PhD in Organizational Leadership.

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A Discussion About Modern Grantmaking for the Leaders of Tomorrow 

Posted on by Sarah Weatherby

The Women’s Foundation practices modern grantmaking by exploring innovative ways to support nonprofits and those it serves year-round. We turn to our communities through listening tours and strategic planning discussions to learn how to meet community needs best.

As part of our strategic vision, we created the Rock Star Fund—our participatory grantmaking program—that places youth as decision-makers and provides young women and gender-expansive youth of color ages 12-24, living in D.C., with $2,000 to advance their own community project idea.

The Rock Star Fund is part of a two-year leadership program—in collaboration with the D.C. Girls Coalition and the community-generated Blue Print for Action—and is making a difference for the next generation of youth leaders. 

Last month, we were thrilled to have one of our program officers, Chika Onwuvuche, join a conversation with Guenevere Crum, Director of Community Engagement at Catchafire, to discuss the Rock Star Fund.

Watch the discussion here.

Catchafire is an organization that partners with grantmakers to connect nonprofits with pro-bono professionals that provide full-service, on-demand solutions. When foundations work with Catchafire, they invest in modern grantmaking; their innovative technology and capacity help directly drive community impact. Nonprofits save time and money by leveraging the support of skilled volunteers from across the globe.

During the webinar, attendees learned more about Chika, the Rock Star Fund, and critical narratives around modern grantmaking. The conversation also opened the floor for improved collaboration and communication between grantmakers and grantees. 

Chika’s Role

Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Chika is committed to ensuring area residents are afforded equitable resources and services to live self-determined productive lives. She is a champion of youth-led initiatives that empower systems change and manages our foundation’s youth and safety grant portfolios with support for advocacy efforts of collaborative grantee partners.

During the discussion, Chika spoke about our modern grantmaking approach to supporting women and girls of color—in which we aim to create a space to engage with and support youth. In addition to youth work, Chika also focuses on safety by providing resources and grants to nonprofits that support survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence and give culturally specific help.

Listening to Our Community

Before the pandemic, we held a series of listening sessions with stakeholders and youth to learn about the community’s critical issues, challenges, and needs. In return, we received recommendations on what young people wanted to see in D.C.

“We offered a space where young people, who are often overlooked, were able to engage in conversations around what they wanted to see in their community. Having these conversations over two years materialized into this great body of work,” said Chika.

The work resulted in creating the Blue Print for Action and the Young Women’s Advisory Council, with recommendations on how different agencies should center young women and girls of color. These programs emerged in a variety of ways:

  • Mentorship opportunities
  • Culturally responsive mental health resources
  • A safe space to come together

“The first step is listening to them. They know what they need. Make the spaces that you are engaging with them accessible. We, as adults, create parameters and expectations on how young people should show up and have conversations with us. Creating accessibility is really important. I think we have an idea of how the world is going to go and is supposed to go, but they’re the future—they’re going to be the ones deciding this. Give them the space to be able to do so, give them a space for them to show up authentically. They need a space to be authentic and allow them, partner with them, and lead them on what those spaces could look like,” Chika added.

Next Generation Leadership

The Women’s Foundation partners with the D.C. Girls Coalition, a youth-led group with young women who curate events and discuss critical issues in the community. The Coalition is tasked with selecting the recipients of the Rock Star Fund and $2,000 microgrant for learning opportunities and community projects. “They are the changemakers!” Chika says. “We have a lot of power within foundations, and it’s so amazing to see them take it in their hands.”

For many, the D.C. Girls Coalition is their first experience in philanthropy, and they develop insights on what should and shouldn’t be funded. Award recipients and their projects address various community needs, from advocating for youth eligibility for homeless shelters and arts and culture initiatives to health care and recreation.

The community needs are diverse and are represented by the projects of the Rock Star Fund. Some projects that have received funding include:

  • A literary magazine using the funding to catapult its work to the next level
  • Mentorship programs
  • Confidence building through equine care and riding experiences
  • A hair care line with the goal of healthier beauty products in stores

As part of her role, Chika works with the awarded Rock Stars as they implement their projects, helping them address any barriers they encounter, providing feedback, and supporting their entrepreneurial work. The cohorts also have a series of networking events, allowing for peer learning and creating a community of women and girls of color doing incredible work. By providing these resources, these microgrants are helping close the gender gap in D.C. and giving more women and girls a chance to succeed in their chosen fields.

With the help of these current grantmaking initiatives, D.C. women and girls can access resources and support networks that can help them reach their goals. These grants are helping to create a more equitable and inclusive society, all while supporting the entrepreneurship and vision of the next generation.

Get involved and learn more about our Young Women Initiative here.

12 Empowering Reads by Women Authors

Posted on by Sarah Weatherby

This Women’s History Month, The Women’s Foundation is excited to share with you twelve (12) of our staff’s favorite reads that celebrate the diverse voices and experiences of women.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration, knowledge, or simply a good read, these books are sure to leave a lasting impact.

Check them out below!

Assata: An Autobiography – Assata Shakur

This memoir follows the life of Assata Shakur, a former member of the Black Liberation Army who was falsely convicted of murder and eventually escaped to Cuba. Through her own words, Shakur provides a powerful account of her experiences with racism, police brutality, and political oppression, as well as her unyielding commitment to social justice.

Comrade Sisters: Women of the Black Panther Party – Stephen Shames and Ericka Huggins

This illuminating book explores the experiences of the women who were at the forefront of the Black Panther Party. Through interviews and photographs, Shames and Huggins provide a detailed portrait of the role that women played in the Party’s activism and the sacrifices they made to advance the cause of racial justice.

Daughters of the Dream: Eight Girls from Richmond Who Grew Up in the Civil Rights Era – Tamara Lucas Copeland

In this moving book, Copeland tells the stories of eight young women who came of age during the civil rights movement in Richmond, Virginia. Through their own narratives, Copeland highlights the resilience and courage of these girls in the face of racism and segregation.

Girl, Woman, Other – Bernadine Evaristo

This innovative novel tells the interconnected stories of twelve different women of color living in contemporary Britain. Through their diverse perspectives, the author explores themes of identity, gender, race, and sexuality, creating a nuanced and thought-provoking portrayal of modern life.

Little Fires Everywhere – Celeste Ng

This bestselling novel follows the intertwined lives of two families in the idyllic suburb of Shaker Heights, Ohio. As secrets are revealed and tensions rise, Ng explores themes of motherhood, identity, and the weight of the past in shaping the present.

Moonrise Over New Jessup – Jamila Minnicks

As the winner of the 2021 PEN/Bellwether Prize for Socially Engaged Fiction, this thought-provoking and enchanting novel is about a Black woman doing whatever it takes to protect all she loves at the beginning of the civil rights movement in Alabama.

Parable of the Sower – Octavia E. Butler

Set in a dystopian future where climate change and social breakdown have plunged America into chaos, this visionary novel follows the journey of a young woman named Lauren as she seeks to create a new religion that will help her survive and thrive in the harsh new world.

Under the Skin: The Hidden Toll of Racism on American Lives and on the Health of Our Nation – Linda Villarosa

Through personal stories and rigorous research, Villarosa examines how racism affects everything from maternal mortality rates to chronic diseases, and argues that dismantling systemic racism is essential to creating a more just and equitable society. This eye-opening and thought-provoking book sheds light on the often-overlooked ways in which racism harms individuals and communities, and provides a powerful call to action for all those seeking to create a more equitable world.

The Vanishing Half – Brit Bennett

In this book Bennett tells the story of twin sisters who grow up in a small, Southern Black community in the 1950s, but who later take very different paths in life. One sister “passes” as white and begins a new life with a new identity, while the other remains in their hometown and becomes increasingly involved in the civil rights movement. Through the lives of these sisters and their families, Bennett explores themes of race, identity, and belonging, and shows how the choices we make can have profound and lasting consequences.

Women Who Inspire Us: Meet Our Team

Posted on by Sarah Weatherby

As we celebrate Women’s History Month this March, The Women’s Foundation is proud to recognize and honor the incredible women who make up our team. Each day, these inspiring women work tirelessly to support and empower women and girls of color, investing in their futures and helping them achieve their highest potential.

Our team comes from all walks of life and brings many skills, experiences, and perspectives to our work. They are leaders, advocates, and changemakers committed to creating a more equitable and just society for all.

Today and every day, we celebrate them and the many women breaking down barriers, shattering stereotypes, and making a difference in our communities.

Meet each of these women below, and learn more about the motivation behind their work and how they empower themselves and other women.

Name: Abriana Kimbrough

Title: Program Officer, Early Care & Education

What inspires you most about The Women’s Foundation and your work?

I am most inspired by the hardworking women I have the pleasure to call colleagues. The women who make the work of the Women’s Foundation possible are community leaders and dedicated activists. The passion within the organization drives me to give my best to those we serve.

How do you empower yourself and the women around you?

I empower myself and those around me through radical self-care. By exemplifying what it means to put self first, I can pour more into my community.

 If you could describe yourself using one adjective, what would it be?

Cool

Name: Jacquelyn L. Lendsey

Title: Interim President & CEO

What inspires you most about The Women’s Foundation and your work?

I am inspired by the diverse group of women I work with daily at the foundation. Women who model what it means to commit to serving women and girls of color in our region every day through their outreach in the community, their work with grantee partners, and their willingness to advocate on issues that are not always popular but are necessary to move the conversation on what it will take to ensure the foundation opens doors to opportunity and safety for the women and girls we serve.

How do you empower yourself and the women around you?

I believe as women, we have the power to control our lives and change our destinies. That power extends not just to myself but to the women around me. I hope I not only model this thinking but also encourage it.

If you could describe yourself using one adjective, what would it be?

Thankful

Name: Chika Onwuvuche

Title: Program Officer, Young Women’s Initiative

What inspires you most about The Women’s Foundation and your work?

I’m inspired by the way we engage young women and gender-expansive youth of color as decision-makers. It’s one thing to say you support youth, but it’s another to resource youth to be able to make decisions about changes they want to see in their communities. I am also inspired by the legacy of this foundation—how far we have come and how far we will go—in partnership with such brilliant and dynamic colleagues, leadership, grantee partners, and community members to create change!

How do you empower yourself and the women around you?

I feel empowered when I can show up as myself, and I try to ensure that the women and folks around me also feel like they can show up as their true and authentic selves. Vulnerable conversations, experiences, and interactions with my community about the strength they often wield, the rest they need and should take, and the resources needed are steps towards feeling and being empowered. Rest is essential.

If you could describe yourself using one adjective, what would it be?

Magnetic

Name: Crystal Rucker

Title: Director of Development

What inspires you most about The Women’s Foundation and your work?

As a native Washingtonian, I am inspired by the incredible work of The Women’s Foundation and our mission because we continue to invest in the power of women and girls in the Washington, DC region, especially women and girls of color. I have been even more inspired as I’ve learned more about the important work of our grantee partners and have also been inspired by our Women’s Foundation supporters who continue to invest in women and girls in our community through their philanthropic efforts. In this work, I will continue my dedication to advocating for and raising funds to support women and girls, especially women and girls of color.

How do you empower yourself and the women around you?

I empower myself through my faith. As I ground myself in my spirituality, I understand that I am right where I am supposed to be, and no matter what challenges or adversity come my way, my life trajectory has proven to me that when I believe in my own ability, I am always provided with all that I need to feel empowered at just the right time. I am able to empower other women around me by reminding them of our strength as women. When women come together, we are stronger together because we make change happen, not only in our own lives but for the betterment of those around us.

If you could describe yourself using one adjective, what would it be?

Resilient

Name: Sylvia Padilla

Title: Finance and Operations Associate

What inspires you most about The Women’s Foundation and your work?

What inspires me the most is collaborating with like-minded women who not only have vision and passion but are very action-oriented. The Women’s Foundation has a safe space to openly communicate and have those “uncomfortable” conversations in order to shed light on an issue and find creative ways to help the community. Hearing what my peers have to say gives me the confidence that we can get there.

How do you empower yourself and the women around you?

To give back to other women authentically, I first start with myself. I show grace and kindness to myself as much as possible. I set short-term goals (little wins make a huge difference!) and encourage the women around me to allow themselves to give 1% every day. Why 1% and not 100%? We as women have been operating at the “Give 100%” mentality, which leaves us rundown and with no energy to give back to ourselves, to truly enjoy the fruit of our efforts, and find enlightenment in our day-to-day life. I do my best to encourage doing things outside the “comfort zone”. I’m a habitual individual and love my daily rituals; however, this can also make the space too comfortable without enough space for growth. It ties to “short-term goals”, do something that makes you uncomfortable at least once every other month.

If you could describe yourself using one adjective, what would it be?

Cheerful

Name: Sarah Weatherby

Title: Director of Communications

What inspires you most about The Women’s Foundation and your work?

Every day, I am reminded of women’s critical challenges, from systemic discrimination and inequality to personal hardships and struggles. What inspires me is the resiliency, strength, and determination of the women we serve and witnessing first-hand the impact The Women’s Foundation is making within our region and nationally. I’m also inspired by our incredible staff and the sisterhood we share. Through my work, I have the privilege of highlighting not only our outstanding work and the work of our grantee partners and other community leaders and changemakers, but I have the privilege of amplifying the voices and stories of women and girls—particularly of color—to inspire and empower others, while also building a sense of community and solidarity among women.

How do you empower yourself and the women around you?

True empowerment comes from a deep sense of self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-love. By taking the time to reflect on my strengths and weaknesses, setting goals for myself, and working towards them with determination and perseverance, I can empower myself in ways I never thought were possible. As far as others, I’m a Southern girl (Mississippi), and I’m all about family and community. I’m passionate about uplifting others and helping them see their own potential. Whether through mentoring or simply being a supportive friend and ally, I do my best to listen to others’ needs, provide guidance and resources, and help them overcome their obstacles.

If you could describe yourself using one adjective, what would it be?

Connector

Name: Donna Wiedeman

Title: Executive Assistant to the President & CEO

What inspires you most about The Women’s Foundation and your work?

I am in awe of and grateful for the amazing women who do the work we are privileged to fund. Their dedication, creativity, intelligence (in all its many guises), and courage inspire me every day.

How do you empower yourself and the women around you?

By reminding them that they are already “enough.” Brave enough. Smart enough. Strong enough. Compassionate enough.

If you could describe yourself using one adjective, what would it be?

Resourceful

12 Inspirational Reads for Black History Month

Posted on by Sarah Weatherby

Black History Month is a special time in February dedicated to honoring the rich history, culture, and influences of Black Americans throughout our nation’s history. It is also a time to celebrate the voices that have and continue to pave pathways that inspire and create spaces for global change.

This Black History Month, The Women’s Foundation is excited to share twelve (12) of our staff’s favorite reads written by some of the most brilliant Black writers and thinkers.

Check them out below, and let us know what you think!

All About Love: New Visions – bell hooks

All About Love breaks down why love remains elusive for many of us. From our flawed understanding of what love is to our misguided expectations of romantic love, author bell hooks examines common barriers to love and explains the steps individuals need to take for society to become more loving and nurturing.

Finding Me – Viola Davis

Finding Me is EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards) winning actress Viola Davis’ story, in her own words, and spans her incredible, inspiring life, from her coming-of-age in Rhode Island to her present day. It is a deep reflection, a promise, and a love letter of sorts to self. 

Homegoing – Yaa Gyasi

Homegoing is a story of race, history, ancestry, love, and time that traces the descendants of two sisters torn apart in eighteenth-century Ghana and their descendants through eight generations: from the Gold Coast to the plantations of Mississippi, from the American Civil War to Jazz Age Harlem. The novel shows how the memory of captivity has been inscribed on the soul of our nation.

How the Word is Passed – Clint Smith

How the Word is Passed examines the legacy of slavery in America and how both history and memory continue to shape our everyday lives.

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption – Bryan Stephenson

Just Mercy is a powerful true story about Bryan Stevenson, a young lawyer who founded the Equal Justice Initiative—a legal practice dedicated to defending those most desperate and in need: the poor, the wrongly condemned, and women and children trapped in the farthest reaches of our criminal justice system. It is a story about the potential for mercy to redeem us and a clarion call to fix our broken justice system.

The Love Songs of W.E.B. DuBois – Honorée Fanonne Jeffers

The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois is the 2021 debut novel by American poet Honorée Fanonne Jeffers. It explores the history of an African-American family in the American South, from the time before the American civil war and slavery, through the Civil Rights Movement, to the present.

The Purpose of Power: How We Come Together When We Fall Apart – Alicia Garza

In The Purpose of Power, Co-Founder of the #BlackLivesMatter movement, Alicia Garza, combines immense wisdom with political courage to inspire a new generation of activists, dreamers, and leaders. It’s a story of galvanizing people to create change; an insight into grassroots organizing to deliver basic needs – affordable housing, workplace protections, and access to good education – to those locked out of the economy by racism.

Seven Days in June – Tia Williams

With its keen observations of creative life in America today, as well as the joys and complications of being a mother and a daughter, Tia Williams’ Seven Days in June is a hilarious and romantic story of two writers discovering their second chance at love. 

The Warmth of Other Suns – Isabel Wilkerson

The Warmth of Other Suns sheds new light on the story of the Great Migration—the movement of Black Americans out of the Southern United States to the Midwest, Northeast, and West from approximately 1915 to 1970—through the stories of three individuals: Ida Mae Brandon Gladney, George Swanson Starling, and Robert Pershing Foster. It shows just how dramatically American culture has been changed, and continues to be changed, because of it.

Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves – Glory Edim

Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves is a collection of inspiring essays by Black women on the importance of recognizing themselves in literature. Each contribution to the anthology is thoughtful and thorough and creates both a time capsule and an artifact of memories in literature. 

When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matters Memoir – Patrisse Khan-Cullors and Asha Bandele

When They Call You a Terrorist is a reflection on humanity. It is an empowering account of survival, strength, and resilience and a call to action to change the culture that declares innocent Black life expendable.

You Are Your Best Thing: Vulnerability, Shame Resilience and the Black Experience – Tarana Burke and Dr. Brené Brown

This anthology brings together a dynamic group of Black writers, organizers, artists, academics, and cultural figures to discuss the topics that Burke and Brown have dedicated their lives to understanding and teaching – vulnerability and shame resilience. It is a space to recognize and process the trauma of white supremacy, a space to be vulnerable and affirm the fullness of Black life and Black possibility, and a space that gives Black humanity breathing room.

Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month

Posted on by Sarah Weatherby

National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15th) serves as a time to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic American champions who have inspired others to achieve success. This National Hispanic Heritage Month, The Women’s Foundation is pleased to spotlight Identity, Inc., one of our Early Care and Education Funders Collaborative (ECEFC) grantee partners, who is ensuring a just and equitable environment for Latinx youth and their families.

Through its Workforce Experience Program in Early Childhood Education (WEX-ECE), The Women’s Foundation is pleased to provide funding to help Identity offer Latinx residents of Montgomery County post-secondary early education training in Spanish through a 90-hour certification. Since the start of this program, Identity has successfully increased the program’s participation from 10 to 30 students. 

This year, the program received 9 participants in the first cohort, and of these participants, 7 clients have completed the first 45-hour session, and a total of 6 clients have completed the full 90-hour training program. Out of 6 graduates, 3 students have successfully completed their internships, and 3 are starting their internship this month. 

Identity is also proud to announce that each student who has completed their internship has secured employment with some of them being employed at the same childcare location where they participated in on-the-job experience. Additionally, 1 student is registered for the preparation class to receive a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, and is also interested in pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education.

 At The Women’s Foundation we are committed to furthering our goal to ensure gender, race, culture, religion, class, and ability equity across early education systems. Today, and every day, we are proud to stand behind Identity as they work to serve the Lantinx community and help us achieve our goal.