Letter from CEO
MEMBER PROGRAMS
Philanthropic Leadership Program
Annual Member Day & Summit
Program Spotlight: Impact Investing
Program Spotlight: Women Powering Healthy Democracies
Program Spotlight: Women & Climate
IMPACT
Catalyzing Change Report
COLLABORATION
The Exchange
LOOKING AHEAD
Vision 2030
2025 Opportunities
Financials
Team and Board
Closing
As we reflect on 2024, it’s impossible to overlook the monumental strides made in women’s philanthropy and feminist leadership. This year has been nothing short of transformative - marked by historic leadership transitions, an expanding movement for gender equality, and a surge in women-led efforts that are not only shaping but building the future.
From visionary philanthropic leaders like Melinda French Gates, MacKenzie Scott, and Laurene Powell Jobs to the powerful voices within our own Women Moving Millions (WMM) community, women are leading the charge for a more just and equitable world. Together, we are witnessing an unprecedented shift, one where women’s economic, social, and political power is growing at an accelerated pace. As we stand on the threshold of the next decade, with women poised to control 70% of global wealth, this power and influence will continue to grow.
At Women Moving Millions, we have embraced this moment with our own bold actions. Surpassing the milestone of mobilizing $1 billion for women and
girls is a testament to the strength of our collective efforts and impact. But we’re not stopping here. This year, we’ve taken decisive steps to increase our capacity and scale our work exponentially. Our new strategic plan positions us to accelerate progress, unlocking even more resources for women and girls worldwide.
We proudly expanded our membership criteria to include political giving and impact investing, acknowledging the myriad ways members can advance the causes they care the most about. By broadening the pathways to involvement, we’re building a more inclusive and dynamic community of philanthropists, advocates, and investors, ensuring that more voices, perspectives, and approaches are brought to the table.
In parallel, we’ve invested in our own capacity to sustain and expand our momentum. With key leadership hires and strengthened internal infrastructure, we are better equipped than ever to support our members and the movements we champion. As we continue to grow and adapt to the evolving landscape, we remain laser-focused
Women
Moving Millions is a dynamic, impact-led community on a mission to power the movement for gender equality. By fostering members’ leadership, cultivating collaboration, and igniting bold philanthropy, we are transforming the landscape of philanthropy and acting as a powerful catalyst in driving change.
on providing our community with the tools, connections, and support necessary to drive lasting, systemic change. And with a new robust measurement and evaluation program, we can now understand more deeply the impact this community is having on members’ philanthropy and the movement for gender equality.
In 2024, we brought feminist leadership to the forefront of all our endeavors. Through convenings, strategic campaigns, and partnerships, we centered the values of feminist philanthropy - collaboration, trust, and bold investment - into every aspect of our work. The results speak for themselves: together, we have elevated the voices of frontline leaders and deepened our commitment to transforming the lives of women and girls globally.
Looking ahead, we see a future of possibility and promise. While women’s rights and democracy continue to face unprecedented challenges worldwide, our community is ready to rise to the occasion. The exponential power we hold when we act collectively is our greatest strength - and together, we are unstoppable.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to this movement. Your leadership, dedication, and passion continue to shape a future where gender equality isn’t just a dream - it’s a reality we are actively building, together.
With gratitude and optimism,
Sarah Haacke Byrd Chief Executive Officer
Women Moving Millions offers transformational learning opportunities that empower members to accelerate exponential impact for women and girls globally. Through WMM’s carefully curated educational programs, members build a supportive peer network, increase their awareness of feminist philanthropy and systems change, and strengthen their connection to the gender equality movement.
In 2024, our member programs continued to inspire and engage. Through initiatives such as the Philanthropic Leadership Program, which equips members with the tools to use their resources for change, and our Annual Member Day & Summit, our signature convening that fosters collaboration and community, WMM seeks to unlock the power of women’s philanthropic leadership.
To kick off 2024, WMM held our fourth Philanthropic Leadership Program (PLP) in Half Moon Bay. WMM’s signature cohort experience, this four-day immersive program is designed to support members to amplify their philanthropic leadership. Participants engaged in transformative learning sessions that deepened their understanding of personal power, leadership development, and identified growth opportunities in the context of philanthropy.
Our expert faculty guided sessions on critical topics such as systems change, storytelling for impact, the art of deep listening, and strategies for advancing gender equality.
The PLP experience is about more than just learning—it’s about transformation. Through this program, participants gained both the confidence and clarity to take bold, decisive action in their philanthropic endeavors.
Members forge meaningful peer connections, enhance their philanthropic practices, and explore how to best serve global feminist movements. Below, hear directly from this year’s cohort as they share their reflections on the program.
“ PLP stretched me personally. I was surprised how much I learned about myself as a leader and by how much growth and connection I felt. Every single woman in the group opened my heart and taught me more about myself. We got personal the first hour and had bonded as a community by the end of the first day. ”
Jen Risher
“ While I’ve enjoyed my experience with WMM for several years, I feel much more a part of a deeply supportive and connected community as a result of the PLP. The programming was designed to be helpful for people at all different stages of their philanthropic journeys and the culture developed quickly to nurture a feeling of belonging and acceptance. I’m astonished at how close I became to a group of women who were mostly strangers at the beginning of the program. I’m looking forward to a much more connected and meaningful experience with WMM going forward.”
Jen Rainin
“ We formed an immediate and cohesive sense of connection from the first lunch together. Everyone was ready to form meaningful bonds and share and learn from one another in a non-judgmental and thought provoking atmosphere. We packed so much into our days in the PLP, from rolling up our sleeves to do the work to having enlightening group conversations to exploring and sharing our personal narratives and the values underpinning what we do to many opportunities to get to know one another one on one. It’s great to be part of an ongoing cohort of thoughtful and engaged women.”
Rachel Foster
In May, WMM hosted our Annual Member Day & Summit in Brooklyn, New York, bringing together over 200 members, partners, and thought leaders for a dynamic three-day gathering under the theme “Igniting Bold Collaboration & Leadership.” Summit 2024 was an inspiring and transformative event, creating space for attendees to learn from and invest in new nonprofits and social change initiatives, forge new partnerships and collaborations, and showcase the courageous leadership that powers the global movement for gender equality.
With keynotes, breakout groups, and engaging panel discussions, the Summit featured influential voices such as Sallie Krawcheck, Reshma Saujani, Latanya Mapp, Silvia Vasquez-Lavado, and Ambassador Melanne Verveer, who addressed some of the most pressing challenges facing women today. From advancing economic equality to transforming workplaces to enable moms to thrive, addressing the climate crisis, shaping the future of feminist philanthropy, and so much more, these diverse perspectives underscored the urgency of our mission and the need for bold, collaborative action.
More than just a call to action, this annual convening creates spaciousness for true feminist leadership and mutual support to take root. Attendees leave with a sense of shared purpose and are ready to drive bold, transformative progress for women and girls worldwide.
This year, we presented the inaugural Catalyst Award to WMM’s former Board Chair and Equality Now Global Executive Director, S. Mona Sinha. Mona’s visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to advancing the gender equality movement have left an indelible mark on our community, inspiring us all to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. of post-Summit survey respondents noted: 100%
• They sparked meaningful conversations with other participants
• The event provided strong value in fostering deeper connections and networks to advance gender-lens philanthropy
• They are likely to attend next year’s event
• They described the Summit room as “warm”, “inviting”, “energizing”
We can’t realize a gender equal world if women lack access to and control of economic resources. Despite women leading a growing number of innovative startups and driving economic growth, they receive less than 2% of US venture capital funding. Closing this funding gap isn’t just about fairness – it’s about unlocking and significantly boosting global economic potential.
Ensuring women have consistent access to investment capital is not just a moral imperative – it’s essential for our global economies to thrive. Recognizing this need, we expanded our membership criteria to include values-aligned investing and offered programming to empower women through impact investing.
Throughout 2024, we hosted a series of transformative sessions aimed at empowering members to make values-aligned investments and financial decisions that drive greater impact for women and girls. These programs provided members with the tools, insights, and networks necessary to enhance their financial decisionmaking and overcome barriers to investing with a gender lens.
By engaging in deep discussions about women’s financial power and strategies for aligning investments with personal values and purpose, these sessions were designed to better equip members to take bold action in supporting women entrepreneurs and global feminist movements. Sessions like the Impact Investing Intensive and Rethinking Impact: Investing in Women-Led Companies underscored the importance of increasing funding for women entrepreneurs, who continue to receive a disproportionately small share of venture capital despite their significant potential.
Combined, these events fostered a deeper understanding of how impact investing can be a powerful tool for advancing gender equality, while expanding our members’ capacity to drive positive, values-driven change.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Ruth Shaber
WMM Member Ruth Shaber is a trailblazer for women’s economic empowerment and impact investing. As the Co-Founder of Tara Health Foundation, Diverse Investor Collective, and Rhia Ventures, Ruth strives to increase assets managed by gender-diverse and racially-diverse teams. Her influence has ignited crucial conversations on diversity and inclusion in investing, reshaping how our community approaches the intersection of gender and capital, and even leading to the creation of WMM’s Impact Investing Intensive in March 2024, inspiring our members to step confidently into their power as financial decision-makers.
Research shows that countries supporting women’s equal participation in politics, business, and civic life experience greater peace and economic stability. Yet, women are vastly underrepresented as donors and thought leaders in efforts to strengthen democracy.
In 2024, we held a series of programs highlighting women’s critical role in shaping and safeguarding democracies around the world, recognizing the urgent need for greater women’s leadership. These programs sought to cultivate our community’s investment in democracy strengthening efforts while enhancing the capacity of women leaders to effect change. To catalyze new and accelerated resources, we expanded our membership criteria to include 501(c)(4) giving.
We kicked off the year with a look at the 2024 global election cycle, examining the historic impact of 70+ national elections on gender equity and democracy. Our collaboration with Battery Powered continued with a dynamic conversation on overcoming political polarization. We held our Women & Democracy Luncheon in New York City, highlighting the importance of women’s leadership. We also created opportunities for deeper engagement through intimate gatherings, such as a dinner with our NextGen community, where young leaders shared insights on bridging partisan divides and transforming American politics. Our Women x Democracy Action Series, hosted virtually in partnership with multiple peer networks, facilitated critical dialogues on leveraging resources and amplifying women’s voices in the political sphere.
Through these initiatives, we reinforced our commitment to advocating for an equitable democracy—one where women’s voices, rights, and leadership are central to shaping a more just and inclusive future.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:
Alumnae of WMM’s PLP reunited for an advocacy trip to Washington, D.C., focused on ending global violence against women and girls and advancing the Every Woman Treaty. The strong bonds they formed during their Philanthropic Leadership Program experience inspired action, demonstrating how shared purpose and connection can fuel meaningful and lasting collaboration. By raising their voices on this critical issue, they underscored the importance of civic engagement in strengthening democracy and showcased the transformative impact of women leaders driving change where it matters most. (Learn more in their op-ed.)
Climate change stands as the fundamental issue influencing all other areas of our lives—without a safe and sustainable planet, our progress in all other domains is jeopardized. As we confront the escalating challenges of climate change, it is essential to acknowledge its disproportionate impact on women and girls globally. While less than 2% of charitable giving supports organizations advancing solutions for women, an astonishingly tiny fraction – under 0.2% – goes to women-led climate initiatives. WMM is focused on remedying this persistent lack of investment that has made it nearly impossible to advance climate solutions at a scale that is needed.
In 2024, we offered programming that centered on channeling financial and non-financial resources to better support women and girls in the climate sector, amplifying their voices and leadership. WMM hosted its first-ever Women & Climate Leadership Retreat, in partnership with The All We Can Save Project and Omega Institute, for women philanthropists dedicated to driving greater impact at the nexus of climate and gender. We held several ecosystem convenings during NYC’s Climate Week, kicking off the week by co-hosting a luncheon with The Bridgespan Group, Investing in Our Future: Women Driving Climate Solutions, which brought together visionary women donors and investors to explore how gender equality and climate action can be advanced through strategic investments.
We co-hosted our Feminist Funders Cocktail Reception, joining forces with fellow organizations like Forward Global, Women Donors Network,
Global Fund for Women and more to connect our communities of feminist funders. This event provided a dynamic space for members and partners to discuss the urgent need for climatefocused feminist philanthropy.
These convenings reflected WMM’s commitment to amplify women’s leadership in climate solutions and to move greater resources to the critical intersection of gender equality and climate action.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Judy McFarlane
WMM Board Member Judy McFarlane is taking bold action to advance climate solutions by stepping up to fund WMM’s new carbon neutrality initiative. Her leadership exemplifies the vital role women play in addressing the climate crisis – leveraging their resources and influence to drive meaningful change. Judy’s commitment illustrates the power of women leaders to champion innovative solutions, inspire others to take action, and ensure a sustainable future for all. Stay tuned for more information about this exciting initiative in the months ahead!
Our impact is rooted in the extraordinary contributions of our members and their commitment to advancing gender equality worldwide. This year, we took bold steps to amplify and measure that impact through initiatives like our inaugural Catalyzing Change report, which quantified the scale of our collective giving and illuminated the transformative power of strategic investments in women and girls. WMM members have deepened their commitment to the gender equality movement, driven systemic change, collaborated across sectors, and exceeded their original commitments. Our community’s leadership demonstrates how WMM continues to shape the philanthropic landscape and catalyze global progress.
This year, Women Moving Millions proudly launched our inaugural Catalyzing Change report. The result of a two-year effort to establish a robust Measurement, Evaluation, and Learning program at WMM, this report was designed to quantify our community’s collective impact in advancing women and girls globally, build a body of knowledge, insights, and best practices to improve our core community building work, and offer valuable insights to help shape the sector.
Through this external evaluation, WMM has demonstrated that it is a powerful catalyst in driving gender-equitable and transformative change around the world. WMM members consistently reported finding immense value in the community and in their relationships with one another. Through its program and learning offerings, the organization has been successful in empowering its members to articulate their philanthropic purpose and deepen their understanding of the gender equality movement. Overall, WMM stands as a dynamic and influential force in shaping the landscape of gender-lens philanthropy.
This report represents the beginning of an ongoing effort to tell the community’s remarkable stories of impact. Through this effort, we will strengthen our ability to validate our work, while also empowering members to see the effects of their contributions, and affirming the leadership role of women’s philanthropy in driving significant progress and creating lasting, transformative impact.
Catalyzing Change was developed with the support of our research partners and insights from over 150 of our members, who each contributed their experiences and giving data. Special thanks to The David & Lura Lovell Foundation for generously funding this initiative, ORS, and ImpactMapper for their role in shaping this study.
CATALYZING CHANGE
To explore the full report, click here
“ There is strength in numbers. Being a part of WMM amplifies our voices and showcases our goals of creating a gender equal world and rectifying gender inequities in philanthropic giving. The mere fact that this organization exists and brings together many powerful, passionate, generous, creative, and supportive women strengthens our voices and moves us closer to achieving our goals.”
WMM Member
$157M
ESTIMATED TOTAL GIVING
To organizations advancing women and girls by WMM members in 2023.
80%
OF MEMBERS:
Engaged in collaborative projects, spanning documentary production, policy change, and unexplored issue areas like grassroots funding and trust-based philanthropy.
OF MEMBERS
Reported pledges beyond their initial $1M commitment.
85% WITH A MEDIAN ADDITIONAL PLEDGE OF:
$3M
TOP PRIORITIES FOR GIVING:
Economic empowerment
Sexual and reproductive health and rights Leadership development for girls
Collaboration is at the heart of WMM’s mission to advance gender equality. WMM views collaboration as a key outcome of a strong and connected community and an indicator of the overall health of the women’s funding ecosystem. A more connected ecosystem is more responsive to the needs of the movement and can move capital (social and financial) more efficiently. Over 80% of members surveyed reported collaborating with another member on projects and initiatives such as documentaries, policy change efforts, and funding in previously unexplored issue spaces.
In 2024, we doubled down on fostering deeper connections and partnerships within our community, recognizing that our greatest strength lies in uniting to achieve transformative impact. From program opportunities to launching The Exchange, our dynamic platform for igniting member-led initiatives and cross-sector collaboration, to leveraging tools for real-time dialogue and support, we’ve created powerful spaces for members to align their passions and amplify their collective power.
In 2024, we sharpened our focus on deepening collaboration across the Women Moving Millions community, recognizing that transformative impact is achieved when we unite to amplify our collective power. Responding directly to the expressed needs of our members, this year marked the exciting launch of The Exchange—a dynamic platform designed to ignite partnerships, innovation, and shared purpose. The Exchange is more than just a meeting space; it’s a catalyst for collaboration, where members are not only finding each other but joining forces to drive projects that are reshaping the landscape of gender equality.
This powerful, interactive hub has become the heartbeat of collaboration within WMM, fostering connections that transcend borders and issue areas. By providing a space where members can openly share resources, opportunities, and project ideas, The Exchange is sparking bold new partnerships and collaborative initiatives that strengthen the entire movement. This platform is the embodiment of our commitment to dismantling silos and encouraging trust-based, high-impact investments that ripple out into real, lasting change.
We’re thrilled to share stories of member-led initiatives that have come to life through The Exchange – stories that highlight how this platform is fueling groundbreaking projects for gender equality. These are just a few examples of the inspiring ways in which our members are leveraging our community to take collective action and create exponential impact:
Giving Internationally & Anti-Sex Trafficking
Lisa Valone and Karen Ansara are building connections among members focused on international giving, fostering collaboration and a globally minded community. Similarly, Rachel Foster and Emily Nielsen Jones are uniting members dedicated to combating sex trafficking, creating spaces to share insights, mobilize new funds, and amplify their impact.
Tracy Ferron Art Installation
Tracy is harnessing the transformative power of art to inspire healing and hope in even the darkest circumstances. Her nonprofit’s high-caliber multimedia exhibit showcases this unique potential and has brought WMM members together to reach new audiences in an array of venues throughout California.
Carey Jones & Susan Hall Women’s Health Research
Carey and Susan are raising awareness for critical women’s health studies that lack research funding, including a groundbreaking pregnancy study out of UCLA. After connecting through this shared focus, they are now collaborating and sharing data between their respective research efforts to drive progress in this vital, underfunded field.
Holly Fogle
The Bridge Project Match
Holly is inviting members to join a seminal opportunity to forge New York’s first-ever publicprivate partnership of its kind, where members can profoundly impact the health and well-being of 161 moms and their babies. Contributions are matched by the NYC Council and the Monarch Foundation, amplifying the reach and significance of the project.
As we turn our focus to 2025, we are driven by an unwavering commitment to deepen our impact and power the movement for gender equality. The foundation we’ve built together has set the stage for a period of accelerated growth, and we are ready to seize the moment.
In the year ahead, we will continue to advance our mission by expanding our vibrant and dynamic community, advocating for greater representation of women in leadership, and fostering bold, innovative philanthropy. Our work will remain centered on empowering women’s leadership and calling for increased investments in feminist movements that challenge the status quo. At the heart of our vision is the exponential power of collective action.
Together, we will unleash what is possible when a community of women comes together with a shared commitment to building a more equitable, just, and sustainable future for all. This is the future we are working toward—and it is a future we will create together.
WMM is building a powerful, enduring movement with intergenerational impact - one that honors women’s leadership, embraces diversity, and envisions a future where gender equality is not just a goal, but a reality. We are committed to working relentlessly, unapologetically, and collaboratively to move capital faster and more effectively to the most urgent issues impacting women and girls. In the coming year, we will launch our new five-year strategic plan designed to strengthen and sustain a diverse, connected philanthropic ecosystem and power a world where all women have full autonomy, freedom, and agency over every aspect of their lives.
Our potential for impact is tremendous. With women set to control an estimated $32 trillion in wealth by 2030, we have an unprecedented opportunity to act, influence, and inspire others to accelerate the flow of resources to gender equality work, combating the persistent lack of investment that has made it nearly impossible to advance women’s rights at a scale that is needed.
In 2025, we will launch our ambitious five-year plan to catalyze the second billion dollars in our organization’s history. This plan is not just a roadmap; it is a call to action - one that will strengthen our ability to lead and transform philanthropy for women and girls on a global scale.
Over the next five years, we will focus on three core priorities to deepen and accelerate our impact:
We will grow and diversify our network, exponentially increasing our influence, impact, and global reach.
CATALYZE COLLABORATION
By building on our proven model, we aim to transform philanthropic and investment practices, inspire collaboration through collective learning, and create a more resilient, impactful funding movement for the future.
To sustain and amplify our efforts, we will invest in building our internal capacity - attracting new partners and investments, and ensuring we are poised to lead for the long-term.
These priorities converge toward our ambitious objective: to supercharge women’s leadership and mobilize $1 billion in new resources for the gender equality movement by 2030. By 2030, our visionary community, alongside a dynamic and interconnected ecosystem, will push the boundaries of what’s possible for women and girls, channeling resources to the most critical and overlooked areas.
Together, we will create a bold – yet achievable –future where all who identify as women will have the guarantee of full autonomy, freedom, and agency over every aspect of their lives.
As we head into 2025, our focus remains on growing our community, deepening members’ leadership journeys, and mobilizing bold resources for the global movement for gender equality. In line with our strategic plan, we are excited to offer more opportunities to learn, connect, and take action to advance intersectional gender justice.
We will continue to center women’s leadership in our programming and champion greater investment in feminist movements worldwide.
In 2025, we’re proud to introduce the following key events and milestones:
Our 2025 Philanthropic Leadership Program (PLP), a transformative, four-day learning retreat, will be held from February 3-6 in Gardiner, New York. Designed to empower members in their philanthropic leadership journeys, this immersive experience helps participants discover their strengths, personal power, and opportunities for growth. We are thrilled to offer this unique opportunity - now in its fifth cohort - to new and returning members as they continue advancing gender equality through their giving.
2025 ANNUAL SUMMIT
Mark your calendars! Our flagship event, the Annual Summit, is moving to the fall and will take place from October 16-17, 2025, returning to beautiful Brooklyn, NY. As always, we’ll gather members, partners, and gender and philanthropy experts to explore cutting-edge strategies, foster collaboration, and strengthen our collective impact. We look forward to seeing you in person and inspiring bold action toward a gender-equal world.
In 2025, we are excited to introduce new learning journeys with a strong focus on our three core initiatives: Women x Climate, Women Powering Healthy Democracies, and Impact Investing. These journeys will provide members with deeper insights into these critical areas, equipping them to lead transformative change and further align their philanthropic giving with urgent global issues.
In 2025, we will also launch an ambitious new campaign to supercharge women’s leadership and accelerate the next $1 billion in funding by 2030. This milestone effort aims to catalyze bold investments and mobilize new resources for the feminist movements shaping our future. We can’t wait to share more details with you soon!
Stay tuned for more updates and exciting opportunities to engage throughout the year!
WMM operates on a strong and sustainable financial foundation, made possible by the generous support of our members. This stability is further enhanced by our corporate sponsors, foundations, and strategic collaborations with aligned philanthropic partners. For transparency and accountability, our 990 tax filings are accessible on our website, and fully audited financial statements are available upon request.
BREAKDOWN OF 2023 EXPENSES:
92% PROGRAM SERVICES
5% MANAGEMENT & GENERAL
3%
*Our most recent audited year
TEAM
Sarah Haacke Byrd
Chief Executive Officer
Michele Matyasovsky
Chief Philanthropy Officer
Lucero Quiroga
Chief of Programs and Learning
Amanda Griffin
Director of Community Engagement
Shar Jaidev
Director of Operations and Strategic Initiatives
Madeline Morris
Assistant Director of Communications
Michelle Kulikauskas Program Manager
Ana Silva
Executive Support and Operations Associate
Kat Zhao
Member Engagement Associate
BOARD
Stacey Keare Board Chair
Dana Su Lee
Vice Board Chair
Holly Fogle
Treasurer
Judy McFarlane
Secretary
Dr. Kristin Blakely
Vanessa Evans
Julie George
Karen Keating Ansara
Monika Parekh
Jen Rainin
Jennifer Risher
Sarah Haacke Byrd
ADVISORS
Anil Chhugani
Kristin Hayden
Tracy Mack Parker
To our members, partners, friends, and everyone working to build a gender-equal world—thank you. Your commitment and action have been vital in shaping this powerful ecosystem, one that is driving real change for women and girls.
In 2024, we laid the groundwork for progress, but the movement for gender equality needs every voice, every effort, and every contribution to reach its full potential. We invite you to stay engaged—through collaboration, investment, and advocacy. Together, we will build a future where every woman has full autonomy, freedom, and agency over every aspect of her life.