Inspiring Impact: Zonta Foundation for Women Quarterly Report - Volume IV | May 2025

Inspiring Impact: Zonta Foundation for Women Quarterly Report 40 YEARS

The Zonta 1919 Legacy Circle stands as a powerful testament to the enduring global commitment of Zontians and friends dedicated to building a better world for women and girls This special society recognizes individuals who make a commitment to the future of women and girls by including Zonta in their estate plans These donors become partners in Zonta’s longterm mission and ensure their commitment to empower women and girls continues far beyond their years

Planned gifts, whether through bequests, charitable gift annuities, or other planned giving vehicles, provide a sustainable source of funding that allows Zonta to strategically plan for the future with confidence These gifts provide stability and flexibility in an ever-changing world Members of the Circle are visionaries who understand that real, systemic change requires sustained effort and enduring resources. Their gifts help ensure Zonta can continue to expand access to education and economic opportunities for generations to come. Imagine the collective power of numerous legacy gifts, each contributing to awards that open doors to education and opportunities and international service projects that uplift communities.

Ultimately, members of the Zonta 1919 Legacy Circle are shaping a legacy of empowerment. Their foresight and generosity will inspire future leaders, open doors for women and girls and create opportunities where none existed before. By making a planned gift, they affirm their commitment not just to Zonta, but to the enduring ideals of equality, dignity and hope. In doing so, our donors help ensure that Zonta’s work continues stronger, bolder, and more impactful for the girls of today and the women of tomorrow

We hope you consider your own legacy and the difference you can make in the lives of women and girls Learn how you can give a gift that lasts more than a lifetime at www.zonta.org/PlannedGiving With your commitment, Zonta can continue creating a more equitable world where every woman and girl can thrive

“Perhaps my most memorable undertaking in hindsight was the introduction of what we now know as the Zonta 1919 Legacy Circle in 1999 while I served as International President As it grows with each successive biennium, this sustainable source of funding will ensure that we continue to build a better world for women and girls ”

EXPANDING HORIZONS

How an Amelia Earhart Fellow is ensuring the path forward for women in aerospace engineering and space sciences is secure with opportunities.

The Zonta Foundation for Women is honored to announce a life-changing gift to the Amelia Earhart (AE) Fellowship Endowment Fund from two-time AE Fellow (1977 and 1978) and Past International President (2020-2022) Sharon Langenbeck. In recognition of this tremendous donation that will continue to grow, ensuring the future of our mission, one

AE Fellow each year will be designated the Sharon Langenbeck Amelia Earhart Fellow.

Sorina Lupu (left), a 2021 Amelia Earhart Fellow, with Sharon (right)

Sharon knows first-hand the importance of education and is using her own knowledge and resources to build a better world for women and girls. She recently sat down with the Zonta Foundation for Women to give her insight on the value of the AE Fellowship and why it is important to support such an award. The full interview can be found at www.zonta.org.

Amelia Earhart Fellows Elise Özarp (front left) and Hamda Al Ali (front right) receive their wings, at the Zonta London Club meeting in January. Six Fellows were also present.

Why is the Amelia Earhart Fellowship important to women in the aerospace engineering and space sciences fields as well as the membership of Zonta International?

The AE Fellowship is one of the very few (if only) fellowships in aerospace engineering and space sciences that is available to women of any nationality studying at any university or college offering accredited doctorate degrees in these fields.

Receiving the AE Fellowship is much more than the financial support. It is also a validation that others see your capability. There is prestige in being awarded the AE Fellowship. It is broadly recognized within the aerospace community.

When you work in a male-dominated field, it is important to have a network of women friends outside of work. Zonta offers such a network. One benefit is that as you move around the world for your career, there is an opportunity for Zonta members to help you integrate into your new location. Becoming a Zonta member is a way to give back the support you received for your doctorate degree.

What inspired you to make such a generous gift to support the Amelia Earhart Fellowship Endowment Fund?

This gift is one more way of my giving back to Zonta for the AE Fellowships I received in 1977 and 1978. Those fellowships made a difference in my life. I want to make a difference for the future generations of AE Fellows.

What would you say to others who are considering making a gift to the AE Endowment? How do you hope your gift will inspire other Zontians and friends?

The AE Fellowship program is highly successful and is Zonta’s longest running service program. It is OUR program and honors one of our most famous members, who was truly a trailblazer and role model for women. Making a gift to the AE Endowment Fund helps ensure the program will continue for years and provides for some financial stability. Contributing to the program means women from around the world would have the opportunity to follow in Amelia Earhart’s footsteps and make a lasting impact on our lives.

Countless women and girls are striving for a brighter, more equitable future, but recent funding rollbacks threaten to undermine their progress. The Zonta Foundation for Women plays a vital role in supporting these courageous efforts, which is why we are inviting you to continue our celebration of four decades of impact that our donors have made for women and girls around the world

When you donate to the Foundation, you help to empower women and girls for generations to come. Together, we can amplify their voices and build a stronger, more just world.