September 2018 “I've been around long enough for people to know who I am and what my contributions are. They know me as more than just an artist. I think they know me as a woman as well,”-Aretha Franklin Greetings, Women’s leadership is one of the most important pillars of the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis. Everything we do at the Women’s Foundation is about making an impact on the lives of women and children in Memphis. Our hope is that all generations of women are philanthropic, leaders, and collaborators in the community, multifaceted and multi-functional change-makers. Aretha Franklin embodied much of what we stand for. She was a singer, mother, activist and inspiration to anyone who wanted to lead with their whole selves. Aretha epitomized human kindness. She gave to help others because it was the right thing to do. There was a need and she addressed it...period. During this time when women's economic security is at its greatest risk, accelerating women's leadership and engagement is paramount for all of our future. As we salute the Queen of Soul and remember her as a guide on how to give your all, we recognize and anticipate the impact of a new generation of civic leaders in Memphis and around the country. An August Commercial Appeal article said it best: "A new record came in 2018, when Politico reported that more women signed up to run for top elected positions than ever before. Even local elections have seen a surge in women candidates. Earlier this month, women won 9 out of 13 countywide races. For the first time, a majority of Shelby County administrators, school board members and circuit court judges are women." We are also pleased to announce the launch of the Young Women’s Advisory Mentoring Committee in the leadership section of this newsletter and their role leading young women in grades 9-12 to address key issues currently affecting them while developing an action plan to do something about it. My Best, Ruby Bright Executive Director/CAO, WFGM
PHILANTHROPY LEAD WITH YOUR TIME IN 38126
PHILANTHROPY
You're invited to give back to Booker T. Washington School (BTW) and LaRose Elementary during the 3rd Annual Back to School Project! More than 100 volunteers are needed to help prepare approximately 900 backpacks and community resource packets for students and parents. We are proud that both BTW and LaRose, schools we support in 38126, have reached Level 5 Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS) success. TVAAS measures the impact schools and teachers have on their students' academic growth. BTW's achievement is significant, as it houses both middle and high school students and both groups have demonstrated incredible educational gains. In addition to reaching Level 5 TVAAS growth, LaRose Elementary has been named a Reward School because of the double digit gains in student achievement in the subjects of English Language Arts, Math, and Science. We are so proud of the hard work of our students, teachers and Principals.
Thursday, October 25, 2018 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Children’s Museum of Memphis 2525 Central Avenue Memphis, TN 38104 TICKETS – $50
Introducing the #POP18 Co-Chairs
We are accepting contributions and donations of items for the Back to School Project. Please contact WFGM Deputy Director Shante Avant at shanteavant@wfgm.org or 901-525-1237. If you would like to volunteer, contact Vista Volunteer Coordinator Sekia Goliday at SekiaGolidayVista@wfgm.org or 901-969-2413.
Senior Wealth Advisor United Capital
Gina Brewer Special Events Consultant
Vicki V. Carayiannis Senior VP, Senior Relationship Manager Bank of America
Sherrie Hollis
Comprehensive Medical Associates Click the button above to volunteer.
Dr. Bianca Sweeten Join us by becoming a sponsor or donating an auction item! Please contact WFGM Development Manager, Lindsey Stanfill at lindseystanfill@wfgm.org or 901-696-2406.
LEADERSHIP PHILANTHROPY
YWAC Mentoring Committee Co-Chairs: Joann Massey, Director of Business Diversity & Compliance, City of Memphis; Marilynn S. Robinson, WFGM Board Member , Pastor, St. Andrew AME Church (Retired), Hospital Administrator, St. Francis Healthcare (Retired). Honorary Co-Chair: Representative Raumesh Akbari, Tennessee House District 91. Committee Members: (Not all committee members pictured.)
ANNOUNCING THE YOUNG WOMEN’S ADVISORY COUNCIL (YWAC) MENTORING COMMITTEE! YWAC is a key component of the Young Women’s Initiative (YWI)-Memphis focusing on young women of color in grades 9-12. The purpose of YWAC is to establish a shared learning environment through a year-long leadership development program. YWAC is creating a city-wide action plan to address identified needs of young women and girls in Memphis. Girls Inc. of Memphis is the lead partner for YWAC. In this role, Girls Inc. will use their expertise to guide the YWAC cohort in developing an action plan that addresses key issues currently impacting young women and girls of color. The Mentoring Committee is a group of women leaders who are supporting YWAC. The Mentoring Committee members represent various business, civic, government, and philanthropic sectors within Memphis.
WFGM BOARD MEMBERS RISE IN COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP Gale Jones Carson was promoted to Vice President of Community and External Affairs at Memphis, Light, Gas and Water.
Sharon Ryan was elected to the Equal Justice Works Board of Directors.
Rosie Phillips Davis (formerly Bingham), PhD, ABPP became the American Psychological Association President-Elect.
Stephanie Simpson was named to the National Junior League Board and is a 2018 Courage Through Cancer honoree.
Barabara Hyde was named a 2018 Power Players for Inside Memphis Business under Business Organizations.
Leslie Lynn Smith was named a 2018 Power Players for Inside Memphis Business under Business Organizations.
Nisha Powers was named a 2018 Power Players for Inside Memphis Business under Engineering.
Susan Stephenson was named a 2018 Power Players for Inside Memphis Business under Banking-Administration.
Gayle Rose was named a 2018 Power Players for Inside Memphis Business under Philanthropy.
Becky West was named a 2018 Power Players for Inside Memphis Business under Marketing and Public Relations.
GRANTS AND PROGRAMS
TWO-GENERATION APPROACH: MOTHER, DAUGHTER SUCCESS EDUCATION TRANSFORMS LIVES Mother-daughter duo Donna and Destiny York graduated from the Women Healing Memphis program along with 13 other women from 38126. Funded in partnership with Southwest Tennessee Community College Foundation and WFGM, Women Healing Memphis (WHM) is a continuing education program that provides education and training empowering women living in the 38126 zip code to compete in allied health professional fields. WHM students completed 50-hour training programs to prepare them to take the national certification exams to become Dialysis Technicians and EKG Technicians. The program not only pays the course fees, but also provides funds for books, materials, examination fees and provided childcare assistance. Destiny looks forward to working in a small clinic. Donna has worked at FedEx as a material handler for the past 24 years and now looks forward to working in a hospital setting.
GEE RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITIONÂ Congratulations to our long-time grantee partner Girls Experiencing Engineering at the University of Memphis for being recognized by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine as one of 2018's Inspiring Programs in STEM! Learn more here.
SOUTH CITY UPDATES The South City Community Resource Center opened in Booker T. Washington School providing onsite resources for families. It's open and being utilized daily for internet, job training, certification programs, GED classes, parenting classes and special events. For more information, contact Deborah Turner, M.Ed, the Center Director/ Student and Community Relations Adviser, at turnerd2@scsk12.org or 901-416-6088
EVIDENCE2SUCCESS IN 38126 Introduced to South City in March, the Annie E. Casey Foundation partnered with WFGM to implement Evidence2Success™, a framework to help public system leaders and community residents work together to gather local data on the needs and strengths of youth. WFGM has established an Evidenence2Success Community Board. The group is composed of representatives from: 38126 residents, Boys and Girls Club, Case Management Inc., City of Memphis, Department of Children Services, Department of Human Services,Early Success Coalition, Emmanuel Episcopal Center, Jobs Plus, Knowledge Quest, S.C.O.R.E, CDC, Seeding Success, Shelby County Gov-Community Services, Shelby County Health Department, Shelby County Juvenile Court, Shelby County Schools, South City Community Resource Center, The Urban Child Institute, Univ. of TN Health Science Center, and Urban Strategies, Inc.
CALENDAR MEDIA APPEARANCES POWER OF THE PURSE™ WMC Action News 5 Today! Saturday | October 13, 2018 8:50 a.m. | Channel 5
POWER OF THE PURSE™ Celebration of the South City Choice Neighborhood Monday, September 24, 2018 | 1:00 p.m. South Lauderdale Street and St. Paul Avenue Follow Signs to Event Please RSVP to social@mccormackbaron.com
Local Memphis Live! Monday | October 22, 2018 9:00 a.m. | Channel 24
Local Memphis Live! Monday | November 19, 2018 9:00 a.m. | Channel 24
Thursday, October 25, 2018 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Children’s Museum of Memphis 2525 Central Avenue Memphis, TN 38104 TICKETS – $50
GIVING TUESDAY
VIEW THE 2017-2018 ANNUAL REPORT Thank you for another successful year committed to the women and families of this community. Click the Annual Report to learn more about how you contributed to that success.
Tuesday | November 22, 2018 All Day Giving Event
Women's Foundation for a Greater Memphis One Commerce Square, 40 S. Main Street, Suite 2280 Memphis, TN 38103 • 901-578-9346