Women's Fund for the Fox Valley Region

Share these scholarships with graduates or leaders that you know!

Today is Equal Pay Day! What does that mean? Today is a symbolic date to mark how far into the year women on average have to work until they make the same as a man did at the end of 2024. Women on average make 83 cents for every dollar a man makes for full-time, year-round work and 75 cents for all other workers (part-time and seasonal work). Again, this is an AVERAGE. There are disparities of pay within the identities of women. For instance, Native and Latina women are paid 58 cents to every dollar and have to work even longer. Join us today at Mondo on the River for Unhappy Hour because we're unhappy about pay disparity between genders at 4 pm!

?Black History is HER Story? Do you know Dr. Gladys West? Growing up on her family’s farm, Dr. Gladys West told herself that there was more out there for her. She promised herself she’d attend college, and with hard work, she became valedictorian of her high school and received a full scholarship to Virginia State University. West majored in mathematics and started working at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, where she was one of only four Black employees. West used what she learned from satellites to create a mathematical model of Earth. This research would later be used to create the modern-day GPS. Thanks to Dr. West, we know the way.

?Black History is HER Story? Dr. Mae Jemison is a former NASA astronaut and made history in 1992 by becoming the first Black woman to ever go to space. Growing up, Jemison saw the lack of female astronauts in real life but was inspired by Lieutenant Uhura on Star Trek. As the only Black student in her Stanford class, she experienced discrimination but was determined to become an astronaut. She currently leads several projects that would make human space travel to another star possible.

Happy six year anniversary (on the 4th!) to our tenacious, bold, and fearless leader, Julie! Her leadership and determination to uplift women and girls is not only inspiring but continues to further the mission of the Women's Fund and what we do. A passion for warm coffee, pickles, and Reese's peanut butter cups has nothing on her love for her family and gender equity. Cheers to Julie, we couldn't do this without you!

Join us in celebrating the funniest girl in the office, our Communication and Outreach Specialist, Stacie! Willing to take on any task with a sweet treat in her hand, Stacie is the driving force behind our communications, B.F.F. group, Girl-Powered Giving and the Luncheon. Her support in these areas along with our grant opportunities the work she does helps us continue to uplift women and girls in the Fox Valley. Fun Fact: Stacie was a long time volunteer for the Women's Fund before joining the staff and says "I'm right where I belong."

?Calling high school girls who want to make a difference? Apply to be a part of our Girl-Powered Giving Program to participate in three days of leadership training, community service, and philanthropy education during the school day. You'll be tasked with granting $10,000 to local nonprofit organizations that are making a difference for girl in your community. Dates & times: - Feb. 24, 11:30 am - 3 pm - Mar. 10, 9 am - 3pm - April 15, 9 am - 2 pm Learn more about this program and apply today! https://lnkd.in/gWuTCGfz Please share this with high schoolers who would be interested in this program ??

We're excited to announce the latest way to get empowering and impactful news about women and girls directly in your inbox: The Empowerment Edition! Sign up to receive the Empowerment Edition which could include stories about our grant partners, programs, community issues, and all other news about women and girls delivered directly to your email. Stay up to date with the Women's Fund by signing up here: https://lnkd.in/gihuz52i

Calling high-school-aged girls in the Fox Valley! Our Girl-Powered Giving Program applications are open now! This program allows high school girls the opportunity to make real and meaningful change for girls in their community by granting $10,000 to local nonprofits. This is a three-day program spanning February - April will include volunteering at Feeding America, learning about issues girls face in our area, how we can make an impact, and continue to uplift women and girls throughout our lifetimes. This opportunity would be eligible for volunteer hours! If you know someone who would be interested, please share! More information on the program including the flyer can be found here: https://lnkd.in/gWuTCGfz Apply today: https://lnkd.in/gr9uTdad

As we reflect on the legacy that President Jimmy Carter has left, we can be reminded that he was truly a champion for women's rights. “I can tell you without any equivocation that the number one abuse of human rights on Earth, strangely not addressed quite often, is the abuse of women and girls,” the former President said. Elected in 1976, Carter became president at a pivotal moment for the women’s rights movement. He championed the Equal Rights Amendment, which would explicitly prohibit sex discrimination in the Constitution, and appointed an unprecedented number of women to key positions in his administration Read more about the incredible legacy the former President leaves here: https://lnkd.in/gK8EGx-6