First Ladies' Financial Summit
Sample of Audience Participants and Topics
Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow
Wife of the Prime Minister
Special Envoy for Children and Women
Global Ambassador for Special Olympics
Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow is committed to a sustainable financial legacy associated with the health and well-being of women and families. The Inaugural First Ladies' Financial Summit is a private gathering of her peers who have the distinct honor of serving nations as the First Lady or President of a country. Accessing the unique resources and influences of First ladies's is an opportunity for invited partners to chart a new course in history associated with the women.
In the vitally important role as Executive Director for the Belize Tourism Industry Association, she made numerous invaluable contributions to the strategic development as well as the implementation of the long-term roadmap for Belize’s tourism industry. Using her international contacts and experience she facilitated valuable partnerships that have greatly enhanced and benefited the growth, Mrs. Barrow is expanding her influence to help other First Ladies and Nobel Women Laureates have access to successful financial partnerships.
In September of 2008, Mrs. Simplis Barrow was appointed by Special Olympics International as a Global Ambassador for the Special Olympics movement, joining the ranks of well known international personalities like Nelson Mandela, Bono and Arnold Schwarzenegger. This is the first such honor accorded to a Belizean. In that same year, she was also appointed as Belize’s Special Envoy for Children and Women.
Being appointed as the Global Ambassador for Special Olympics and Special Envoy for Children and Women were naturally befitting of Mrs. Simplis Barrow, who has worked tirelessly and passionately for many years as a community activist and advocate for the rights of children. Her passion is exemplified by her strong commitment and dedication to these special platforms and to Lifeline Foundation, which raises thousands of dollars annually to aid disenfranchised children. Her foundation has championed many causes, but her primary focuses have been on children infected with HIV/AIDS, support for orphans and nutrition programs for children.
The First Ladies' Financial Summit will produce tangible outcomes associated with banking, corporate, philanthropic and technology partners. She can think of no greater legacy than to assure a sustainable financial model benefiting the health and well-being of those she is dedicated to serving.
First Ladies Inaugural Financial Summit - Fulfilling The Financial Legacy
Women + Money + Technology + Health = Sustainable Influencers
May 13 Special Session for First Ladies' staff
Wednesday, May 14, 2014, 09:00 AM
Radisson Fort George Hotel, Belize City, Belize
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
The Purpose: Informing & Accessing Monies
- Assessing the feasibility of a First Ladies' and Nobel Women's World Bank
- A non-political, fiduciary banking/fund management resource
- Establishing guidelines
- Facilitating access to international $$$
- Inform the First Ladies about who, where and how to access large funding partners
- Introduce potential partners
- Educate First Ladies and Nobel Women about resources, management, leveraging, etc.
- Funding directly from funders - Meeting the funders
- The money associated with philanthropy and what it means for local economies
- Micro-lending
- Monies associated with technology
- Monies associated with digital literacy
- Monies associated with health
- Programs that work get funded
- PNG, Government, Inter government funds, corporations, Personal and Private funding resources
- WMM
- UN Foundation
- Synergos
- Grameen Bank
- Money associated with philanthropy and what it means for local economies
Gael Sylvia Pullen - Founder of Sylvia Global Media Network, WMM Member Philanthropist
Gael Sylvia Pullen is the Creator of "The Global Call To Actions for Women & Girls' Health." of which the First Ladies Financial Summit is the first action step.
She is a pioneering businesswoman, prolific speaker, and ardent philanthropist resulting in her membership in Women Moving Millions . Her life’s goal is to empower and inspire all to see the good that is around us. Acting out of her core values, she is the founder Sylvia Global Media Network, a global broadcasting digital platform, that serves as a sphere of influence for women and girls around the world. Channeling quality, trustworthy content, Sylvia Global Media Network is a referral source of amazing women and enlightened men. Her passion meets purpose as the leading proponent of the “Global Call To Action for Women and Girls’ Health – The First Ladies Campaign."
She is also the founder of Girls Fly! Former owner of Ghail Media Group –the largest Spanish-radio broadcast in northeastern Ohio, Charis Real Estate – the largest minority-owned (revenue generated) commercial real estate brokerage firm in southern California during the mid-80’s -, and as a recently retired award-winning McDonald’s franchisee, “I have always wanted to create a place of influence that would amplify the diverse voices of women and girls, the incredible work being done by image activist globally, by women’s funding networks from donors to grantees.
Re-imaging what is commonly associated with wealth, the word philanthropist and revealing alternative models of what success truly is, Sylvia Global is the connective tissue for all the good perpetuated in our lives at every level. From the least expected places to a refreshing perspective from the most familiar, here is an opportunity to hear and see added dimension to what women’s work truly is.” “I see women and girl’s financial health and philanthropy are inexorably linked. To create healthy women and girls, we need to reimagine the word philanthropy and our place in the charity equation. It is often assumed that the recipient of philanthropy is only capable of being on the receiving end. But there’s this other side to women and girls – the Women Moving Millions side. We are capable of being incredible change agents.”
Joy DiBenedetto - Co-Sponsor of the First Ladies Financial Summit
President and CEO of Friendship Force International
Founder and former CEO of HUM: Human Unlimited Media, working to build the world’s first and only ‘all-nation’ content and information agency. An award-winning 20-year media veteran, she has covered every major global event in successively senior positions, from the studio and in the field; domestically and internationally; as a producer and manager.
Until March of 2008, she was the global vice president of network booking and research for the CNN News Group, where she oversaw daily and long-term guest coverage for CNN’s domestic and international news networks and platforms, managing a worldwide editorial staff.
Prior to this, DiBenedetto served as director of network booking for CNN’s domestic networks. While at CNN she developed and managed the Newsource affiliate guest booking service called “GuestSource,” created the first internet interview programming for CNN.COM, and worked to build CNN’s exclusive guest booking system. Before joining CNN, she worked in Turner Broadcasting’s corporate finance division. She has also previously worked for CARE, the international humanitarian group, and as a caseworker handling senior citizens for New York City.
Her collective work throughout a professional career spans both the media industry and humanitarian interests, as reflected in a multitude of projects designed to bring both of these passions together.
Throughout her career she has strived to elevate the importance of global understanding and to unite the world’s people. She pursued this goal with Turner Broadcasting, CNN and HUM by making positive change towards “closing the Geographic Gap” in media, as well as by serving at various humanitarian efforts with CARE, the Fugee’s Family and the United Nations, among other partners.
Summit Categories & Invitees
- Banking/Financial Partnerships
- Global Philanthropist
- Media Strategist
- Technology Strategist
- Health Experts and How Technology Increases Financial Revenue Streams
Dedicated Funds for First Ladies - Global Call To Action Outcomes
- Increase Access to Financial Capital for Women and Girls, Locally and Globally
- Defining the Global Narrative and Expanding the Collaborative Impact Associated with Women of Influence, lead by the First Ladies and Nobel Women Laureates.
- Bringing Together Our Global Vision of First Ladies from the Americas and beyond.
- Innovating Across Sectors and Culture to Assure Access to Financial Partnerships
- Identifying Real-World, Actionable Steps to Improve the Financial Health of Women and Girls via Global Financial Influencers
Accessing Capital - Global Call To Action Impact
- Building Women-Focused Finance: A Best Practices Conference Responding to the Needs of First Ladies and Nobel Women Laureates
- Strengthening Relationships with Banking, Corporate and Philanthropic Leaders
- Connecting Resources via Business Leaders and the Ministries of Finance, Labor, Economic Development and Health
- Key Performance Indicators Essential to Gender Financing and the Gender Performance Initiative
- The Power and Influence of Understanding Mobile Technology as a Part of Our Financial Legacy
Global Call To Action Format
- Private + Personal + Relevant = Access To Supportive Resources
- Facilitated - Documented - Interactive = Our Needs Addressed
- Identifying and Developing Targeted, Actionable Steps to Improve Women and Girls
- Financial Health Locally and Globally
Kat Taylor - Banker, Philanthropist
Tom Steyer - Banker, Philanthropist
Thomas Fahr "Tom" Steyer (born 1957) is an American asset manager, philanthropist, andenvironmentalist.[2] He has been active in political campaign funding.
Steyer is the founder and former Co-Senior Managing Partner of Farallon Capital Management, LLC and the co-founder of the OneCalifornia Bank, an Oakland-based community development bank.[2] Steyer is responsible for funding the creation of the TomKat Center for Sustainable Energy at Stanford University, part of the Precourt Institute of Energy.[3]
Since 1986, Steyer has been a partner and member of the Executive Committee at Hellman & Friedman, a San Francisco-based $8 billion private equity firm. Farallon Capital Management, LLC, manages $20 billion in capital for institutions and high net worth individuals. The firm’s institutional investors are primarily college endowments and foundations.[2][4]
In 2010, Steyer and his wife, along with Warren Buffett and Bill Gates, signed the Giving Pledgeto donate half their fortune to charity.[5] Steyer is on the board of Next Generation, a non-profit that intends to tackle children's issues and the environment.[6][7]
Steyer serves on the Board of Trustees at Stanford University.[8]
Loreen Arbus - Philanthropist, Advocate for the Handicap, Business Owner
$1 million: Women’S Funding Network
“I have always believed we can do the right thing, regardless of lack of precedent, when our commitment is to creating and realizing new opportunities. My two favorite words in the English language are ‘diversity’ and ‘inclusiveness.’”
A high profile professional and pioneer, Loreen is the first woman in the US to head up programming for a national television network. She accomplished this feat twice, with Showtime and Lifetime, and is the author of six books. “I am passionate about encouraging and mentoring women in media, as well as minorities.” A leading national advocate for people with disabilities, Loreen also focuses her philanthropy on women, the arts, and global peace.
Three women have been responsible for shaping Loreen’s philanthropy, each in unique and inspiring ways. “My older sister, Cookie, born with Cerebral Palsy, made me appreciate how much is possible. From her I learned that adversity strengthens us. Miss Karen Hansen, Cookie’s lifelong caregiver, showed me the power of unconditional love and the difference one human being can make against overwhelming circumstances.” Loreen’s mother, Isabelle Goldenson, changed the laws for people with disabilities, the largest minority in the world. “She motivated me to become strong, self-sufficient, and resilient. From her I learned to be my own advocate, and to advocate for others.”
“All of us have the responsibility to motivate others to give back, professionally and personally—and inspire by example and through generosity of character and time, and, if possible, resources.” Too many women are unable to support themselves, let alone contribute to their communities. “One person is too many, but the fact that globally 60% of women live in poverty is completely unacceptable.” Women’s funds are, for Loreen, poised and ready to help reverse this frightening statistic. “To invest in women is to stimulate positive, permanent social transformation for future generations.”
Loreen gave at the million-dollar level and feels “so very grateful” it was possible, because it is critically important that we, as women, use our resources and heighten our impact, individually and collectively.
“never forget that things are only impossible until they’re not, and that infinite possibilities are born of hope.”
Cookie Johnson - Business Owner, Philanthropist
CJ by Cookie Johnson
Cookie Johnson graduated from Michigan State University's Retailing of Clothing and Textiles program and worked in the retail industry prior to marrying Magic Johnson in1991.
In 2009, Johnson collaborated with Michael Glasser, (Seven for all Mankind, Citizens of Humanity and the owner of Rich & Skinny) to create the CJ by Cookie Johnson line. The designer jeans are targeted towards full-figure women and the line includes boot cut, straight leg, boyfriend and high-waist styles in sizes 24 through to 38. The collection includes six different styles and are sold at Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales stores. The prices for CJ designer jeans range between $145-$198.1
Amelia Williams, President of the Magic Johnson Foundation
Amelia Williamson currently serves as the President for the Magic Johnson Foundation (MJF). In this capacity, Amelia focuses on expanding the foundations impact in urban communities across the US by providing strategic leadership, direction and oversight. Amelia works collaboratively with the Board of Directors in leading MJF from its current stage to a more mature organization capable of delivering on its long term vision to cyclically cultivate, inspire and help to achieve self sufficiency in underserved communities. Amelia is responsible for ensuring that the organizations fiscal, operations, fundraising, marketing, human resource, technology, and programmatic strategies are effectively implemented across all segments of the organization.
Deborah Santana - Philanthropist
Deborah Santana is an author, philanthropist, activist for peace and social justice, and founder of Do A Little, a non-profit that serves women and girls in the areas of health, education and happiness. Her memoir, Space Between The Stars: My Journey to an Open Heart, was published in 2005.
Ms. Santana has produced two documentary films with Emmy-award winning director Barbara Rick: Road to Ingwavuma. andGirls of Daraja., each film depicting the collaborative work of non-profit partners in South Africa and Kenya.
Ms. Santana serves as a Board member for ANSA (Artists for a New South Africa), mentors girls and young women, and is a supporter of Marian Wright Edelman’s Freedom Schools in New Orleans.
Deborah believes life is to be lived with integrity, compassion and love. She tells her personal stories to share her strength and encourage others on their journeys.
Women Moving Millions Trailblazers
What is a trailblazer?
It is human nature to chafe against the status quo. Our hearts, spirits and souls know that we can do better. Only a few are called to step out front and take action, however. They are the ones who see a vision of what the world could be – and begin to chart a path that would lead to the actualization of that vision.
This is what happened to a specific group of women we identify as the Women Moving Millions Trailblazers. Though these women spanned different areas of the globe, and came from different families and backgrounds, they found their way to each other – and in so doing, ignited a seismic shift that will soon be felt worldwide.
The Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary defines a “trailblazer” as “one that blazes a trail to guide others, a pathfinder, a pioneer.” The Trailblazers whose faces shine forth from these pages – joined by their
Anonymous sisters – have blazed new trails in funding, activism, and philanthropy. What made these women unique was their courage and commitment to write checks at unprecedented levels. As more women joined their ranks, the initial footpath created widened into the global movement: Women Moving Millions. As this movement continues to grow, it may rival our interstate highway system as the vehicle through which women claim their rights. It is our intention, within the pages of this book, to give these Trailblazers the recognition and respect that they deserve.
“tell matilda we’re answering her letters!” (referencing matilda Joslyn gage’s letters to
her sister suffragettes, wherein she asks, referring to women of wealth, “Why don’t women fund women’s rights?” – Kayrita Anderson
Jackie Zehner - Former Banker, Philanthropist, CEO of Women Moving Millions
The first female trader to be invited into the partnership of Goldman Sachs, in 1996. Her career at Goldman was spent mostly in mortgage-backed trading, followed by two years spent in the Executive Office working in human capital management. After leaving the firm in 2002, she became a Founding Partner of Circle Financial Group, a small private wealth management operation consisting of women committed to effectively managing their families’ assets and philanthropic activities.[1] Zehner serves as Co-Chair of Women Moving Millions, a board member of The Women’s Funding Network, and President of the Jacquelyn and Gregory Zehner Foundation. Zehner is a former board member of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, The National Council for Research on Women,The University of British Columbia and The Center for Work-Life Policy. Zehner also serves as an advisor for other for-profit and non-profit gender equality organizations.
In 2009, Zehner sponsored and collaborated with The National Council for Research on Women to create a groundbreaking report, Women in Fund Management: A Road Map for Achieving Critical Mass – and Why it Matters. The Report examined the different investment management styles of women and men, how they approach risk, and what the global economy might look like if a critical mass of women brought their decision-making talents to the table. The Report was officially launched by Zehner and The National Council for Research on Women at Bloomberg L.P. in the summer of 2009[2] and was also launched internationally at the Women's Forum for the Economy and Society in Deauville (France) in late 2009.
Zehner is a frequent media commentator, consultant and speaker on women’s success in the workplace, women and wealth, investing, financial current events and high-impact philanthropy.
Zehner maintains a personal website at jackizehner.com and a blog called Purse Pundit.
Helen LaKelly Hunt, Ph.d - Founder of The Sister Fund and Women Moving Millions
Lauren Embrey Philanthropist, Supporter of Nobel Women
$1 million: dallaS Women’S Foundation
The Dallas Women’s Foundation (DWF) asked Lauren Embrey to consider making a $250,000 gift from her family’s foundation. After doing her homework, talking to her sister, Gayle, and answering her board’s questions, Lauren countered the offer. “It was so exciting, calling Becky Sykes and telling her that we approved her request, but at the $1 million level instead!”
This spirit of generosity was instilled in Lauren by her parents. “Their giving didn’t always take the form of organized philanthropy, but they valued giving back.”
The model of valuing family and community inspired Lauren’s passion for women’s funds. “Women’s funds target people whose voices have been suppressed. They make a huge statement that now is the time to uplift women and girls so they can blossom to their full potential.”
As far as Lauren is concerned, the DWF is a perfect example of this work in action: “I’d always been impressed by their capacity for due diligence, their excellence in fostering relationships with grantees and donors, and their ability to make a lasting impact in the community.” Lauren hopes her gift will contribute to DWF’s work of alleviating poverty, economic and educational disparity, and ending violence and discrimination against women and girls. “I want to see a sustainable shift, where women can be uplifted so they can go forth with confidence. It is so powerful to tell women that they deserve to achieve their dreams. They need the hope and opportunity to succeed.”
Lauren wanted to make a bold gift at this time because she felt momentum gaining behind women and girls. Inspired by donors who gave at the $1 million level, Lauren hopes that women who are exposed to Women Moving Millions will do the same. “Women need to talk to others, get all of their questions answered, and then just have the faith to go for it! Giving at the million-dollar level is my way of putting my money where my mouth is. I am tired of talk. I needed to do something about this, and now I am in a position where I can.”
“Jump over the fear that holds you back. you’ll get more gratification and more satisfaction than you could ever imagine.”
Debbie McLeod
I believe the Bible and Holy Spirit empower women in a way that the world does not.” Debbie McLeod channels her faith-fueled activism and philanthropy through her private foundation, Grant Me The Wisdom. “In the Bible, wisdom is named Sophia; yet wise women were and are still often ignored. I hope to spend my life lifting up women’s voices worldwide—particularly within the faith communities.”
Debbie sees a dangerous schism within society. “For the first 18 years of our lives, most of us are guided and loved by our mothers; then, from 19 to death, men control our daily lives. This lack of cohesion impacts all of our systems.” To address this disconnect, Debbie focuses on women’s and girls’ education. “Teach women critical thinking skills and they can determine their destiny.” Two of the schools she is currently funding are the Kibera School for Girls and the Akilah Institute for Women. “Both schools were started by dedicated young women who were committed to making Kenya/Rwanda their homes. They employ local people and put women in leadership positions—both of which are crucial to receive funding from my foundation.”
The majority of Debbie’s funding happens outside the US. “Countries with a huge level of poverty impact our global stability. The dollar I spend in the developing world goes farther to ameliorate a level of poverty that is unknown here.”
Currently a board member, Debbie sought out Women Moving Millions because “they are women deeply committed to philanthropy that directly supports women and girls. I believe philanthropy for women and girls is going to explode. Women Moving Millions is going to be at the forefront of that rapid evolution and I want to help form the conversation. The women of Women Moving Millions are my partners. I am daily thankful to have found such an amazing, committed group of women!”
“Funding women and girls is what i do 24/7. it is the focus of my life and a major part of the legacy i want to leave my children.”
Monica Windsor - Philanthropist, Synergo's & WMM Member
“Growing up, I did not consciously seek women heroes or mentors—I dismissed the idea of looking at things through a gendered lens.” From a family of distinction in Washington, DC, Monica was surprised to find that she did, in fact, have amazing female ancestors. “Recently I’ve been looking into my family history and discovered some aunts who were suffragettes. Why had this not been more celebrated in my family? I now recognize that celebrating and learning from women who inspire me helps me listen to the unique strengths and capacity I have as a woman, intellectually, emotionally and philanthropically.”
Monica is “impressed with the Women Moving Millions collaboration; there is an awesome wave of energy, initiative and emotion driving this—based on partnership, shared goals and mutual validation. Devoid of any competition, Women Moving Millions is helping me become more strategic in my philanthropic focus, and helping me develop my female voice—personally and as a donor. This initiative will ultimately change what I pass along to my two daughters around what I was taught—subtly and not so subtly—about men and women and roles and power.”
There are so many casualties resulting from the economic downturn, and Monica sees this time as offering a ripe field for seeding new philanthropic initiatives and ideas that have the potential to positively impact so many. “Within philanthropy, there has been a recent valid emphasis on identifying agents of change and using metrics and the venture philanthropy model. All of this can be effective. But there are also intangibles that are important, like being able to create a culture of safety and inclusivity in which people can contribute to their highest potential and calling. We must look at the outcomes, but also the quality of the culture that sustains these outcomes—the connective tissue that holds everything together. Women are inclined to help foster this kind of shift in consciousness, but there aren’t really metrics for this. Funding in this way entails risk-taking, patience and knowledge that goes beyond the bottom line.”
“I feel honored to be part of Women Moving Million’s significance, its historic role in creating a place for women donors to redefine how power is engendered in each of us, and in the world we are working to transform.”
“as we move forward, i see Women moving millions serving both as a homecoming for its members, and as an exciting frontier.”
Trea Yip - Business, Philanthropist, WMM Member
(Pic - Trea with Jane Fonda and Laura Embrey)
At 19, Trea Yip traveled from Hong Kong to the US in pursuit of the higher education her traditional Chinese parents refused her. Though she finally persuaded her father to fund the trip and her first semester in school, the rest was up to her. The idea that one day she would have the resources to give $1 million to women’s funds was simply inconceivable at that time.
Tireless determination and a strong work ethic paid off in the form of two successful business ventures. This hard-won success enabled Trea to support programs that empower women and girls.
Introduced to the DWF through a dear friend, Suzanne Ahn, MD, Trea was heartened by the caring ethic of the DWF staff, donors, and grantees. “When you are surrounded by people who are so selfless, they inspire you.” Suzanne lost her battle to cancer in 2003. Before she passed away, she created an endowment fund. Trea’s million-dollar gift was inspired in part by Suzanne’s example. “I wanted to see my gift as extending Suzanne’s legacy.”
Still, giving at the $1 million level was a process. DWF donor retreats enabled Trea to explore her philanthropy. When the DWF president, Becky Sykes, told her about Women Moving Millions, “I made up my mind on the spot. My heart was already saying ‘I need to do this.’ The timing was perfect. I had such a yearning to give back to the community in a meaningful way.”
Trea also gives generously of her money and her time. Currently the chair-elect of DWF, she has also served on the Executive Committee and chaired the Development Committee. DWF is one of many organizations that receives Trea’s support.
For Trea, there was a real urgency in making her gift now. “This is our time to claim our rights. Women need to feel their power and set an example for the next generation. It is time to put our words into action to be credible, convincing and compelling.” Trea embodies these qualities through her words, actions, and giving—and like her friend Suzanne, Trea inspires others to do the same.
“if you have the capacity, why wait? Charge ahead! be bold and go forward.”
Josh Mailman
One day Monica Winsor met Josh Mailman, and the two felt that spark. “Given the subtle sexist messages from my youth, it was crucial for me that Josh was someone who understood the import and necessity of the women’s movement— and was doing so much personally to support it.” They have become lifetime partners and both have made the commitment to Women Moving Millions.
There is an incredible breadth and depth to Josh Mailman’s accomplishments, which include a great deal of collaboration with women’s funds. From the founding of Threshold and the Social Venture Network, as well as his long-time commitment to business and social responsibility, to the Fund for Global Human Rights, Josh Mailman has spent his life as a donor and organizer.
His passion lives in the global marketplace where business, philanthropy and social change converge. A crucial thread running throughout his work is human rights. “My commitment to the advancement of women’s rights began with the realization that support for women was not simply another program, but indeed formed the core of the global human rights movement. I realized that the world would never achieve justice without it.” Because Josh recognizes this fact—that women’s rights are human rights—he is absolutely committed to the work being done by women’s funds. “Having gone to college with Eve Ensler, being forever inspired by Gloria, and sistered by Helen, I am thrilled to learn from and contribute to their vision, which I share.”
Known for stimulating new philanthropic impulses all around the world, Josh has been impressed with the global spread of women’s funds this last 20 years. So when the Global Fund for Women was first founded by Ann Firth Murray, Josh wanted to help move this forward by offering innovative ideas, and also bringing other funders to it. In acknowledgement of all that Josh has done, he has the high honor of being the sole (or should it be soul?) man recognized in this book for identifying and validating the need to support women’s funds at bold new levels.
“as a man, i needed to be part of Women moving millions. men need to move millions for women as well.”
Brenda Tate - Philanthropist
Hear More http://sylviaglobal.com/archives/1697
Carol Andreae - Philanthropist
nting after her graduation from Smith College, Carol Andreae was repeatedly asked, “Can you type, honey?” She knew that her male counterparts weren’t being asked this question, and was incensed by this disparity. Her outrage catalyzed her passion for women’s issues. “Our world is out of balance; feminine voices have been unheard, undervalued and, in some cases, unexpressed. When one part of the whole is suppressed, we all suffer the consequences. My vision is about empowering women so that the whole community benefits.”
Carol grew up in a family where she was taught that people don’t talk about money, especially not women. It was years before she felt empowered to “fund serious change with serious dollars.” She chose The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio because “women’s funds have proven that solutions to community problems often arise out of the wisdom, knowledge and leadership of women at the front lines of social change.” The Fund’s focus is on social change rather than social service,
and specifically aims to advance women’s leadership, promote economic self- sufficiency, and teach life skills to girls—all while creating awareness that everyone can be a philanthropist.
There is a taboo when it comes to women and money, Carol realizes, especially when it comes to women and power. “Many of us, I believe, prefer the feeling of connection rather than dominance over other human beings. The kind of philanthropy I’m advocating is compatible with that attitude. It’s not about power over, but power for.” Carol chose to be public about her pledge to The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio “in the hope that other women will see themselves in my story and realize that they too can make a difference.”
“it is imperative that women with wealth take possession of their power to fuel serious change.”
Dr. Regina Benjamin -18th U.S. Surgeon General, focused on preventive care
Dr. Regina Benjamin is a woman of strong social conscience. 18th U.S. Surgeon General, focused on preventive care. "My goal was to create a grassroots movement, to change our health care system from one focused on sickness and disease to a system focused on wellness and prevention. With your help, that movement has begun. When they cannot pay — which is often — she tells them to pay when they can, what little they can. With envelopes containing single $5 bills, they come by her office: whites, blacks, Vietnamese, Cambodians, Laotians, people who would be turned away by doctors who put proof of insurance ahead of healing.
Having escaped the poverty in which she was raised by becoming a physician, Benjamin chose to return to the poor rural South of her childhood where doctors are in short supply. She eschewed the lucrative private practice she might have had in a big city in order to serve an underprivileged community with a compassion that has won her nationwide acclaim.
Regina Benjamin was born in 1956 in Mobile, AL, and raised in nearby Daphne. Though her family owned land, financial straits forced them to sell it, and Benjamin remembers making frequent trips to the Gulf of Mexico to catch crabs, fish, mullet, and shrimp for dinner. Reared by a divorced mother who worked as a waitress, she claims that she never even realized that she was poor, because, as she explained to Ebony, "we could live off the land and I had family and I had all of the things I needed."
When it was time for her to think about college, Benjamin first applied to Yale University School of Law. "They sent me a reply politely telling me that I needed my undergraduate degree first." Undaunted, Benjamin enrolled in Xavier University in New Orleans after receiving a scholarship. There she saw her first black doctor and realized that she, too, could be a physician. Her interest prompted her to join the pre-med club at Xavier which allowed her to see physicians at work. Mesmerized by the physicians' impact on their patients' lives, Benjamin completed the pre-med program at Xavier and then attended medical school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, from which she graduated in 1982. While at Morehouse, she developed an interest in community health, where she believed she would have a longer-term impact on her patients.
To help pay for her schooling, Benjamin enlisted with the National Health Service Corps, which reimburses tuition in exchange for a three-year commitment to work where there is a dire need for doctors. Therefore, after her residency, Benjamin went to Bayou La Batre, AL, a small shrimping village along the Alabama Gulf Coast not far from where she was raised. She would be the only doctor serving a population of 2,500, of which more than two-thirds lived below the poverty line and a large percentage spoke no English. Despite the odds, Benjamin knew that she would thrive in Bayou La Batre. "Throughout my life," she told Ebony, "nothing has ever been planned. I am a firm believer that you bloom wherever you're planted."
Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/regina-benjamin#ixzz2kC2x7ZwP
Joycelyn Elders, MD, 15th US Surgeon General
M. Joycelyn Elders, MD, was a pediatrician from Little Rock, AR, who became the nation’s physician. While Bill Clinton was governor of Arkansas, he appointed Elders as state health director. She improved the health of people of Arkansas, one of the poorest states in the nation. As a pediatrician she watched many teenaged girls get pregnant and suffer the consequences for themselves and their children. Her bold reaction to the issue of teen pregnancy was to advocate for in-school clinics that included contraceptives services. When Clinton was elected President, he asked Elders to do for the nation what she had done for the people of Arkansas. As Surgeon General, Elders argued the case for universal health coverage and was a spokesperson for President Clinton's health care reform effort. She has been a strong advocate for comprehensive health education in schools, including sexuality education.
Dr. Marcy Zwellig - Physician, Strategist, Philanthropist
Board Certified Internal Medicine Specialist. She has served as the President of the LA County Medical Association, 2003-04, President of the American Academy of Private Physicians 2009-2011 and a Board Member of the California Medical Association. She continues to serve as a delegate to the American Medical Association. Dr. Zwelling calls herself “my patients’ doctor” She is a passionate patient advocate. You can find her columns in the Orange County Register and a variety of other national newspapers.
Jeannine Simmons - Consultant, Change Management
Experience designing, developing and deploying multi-disciplinary and cross-functional processes and plans. Particularly focused on developing and implementing unique solutions designed to prepare organizations for business changes, as well as to maximize the performance of workforces and improve overall employee performance.
Specialties: Organizational Change Management, Change Enablement & Change Implementation, Organization Design, HR/People Management, Strategic Communications, Leadership & Development and Coaching, Project and Program Management, and Training Delivery.
Emily Bouchard - Wealth Strategist
She is also the Managing Partner of Wealth Legacy Group, where she facilitates the Rich Life Portfolio, as well as groups for women of wealth and affluent couples in blended families.
She also consults with advisors on effectively working with their clients on the qualitative side of planning.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTBHG9CGBXIJamie Traeger-Muney, Ph.d - Wealth Strategist
Jamie Traeger-Muney, Ph.D., Founding Partner of Wealth Legacy Group, specializes in wealth psychology and family systems. Her area of expertise is the emotional impact of wealth on inheritors, women, and couples. Jamie earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and her doctorate in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology.
For almost 20 years, Jamie has worked in depth with individuals, couples, and families. She supports her clients in concretizing their values, developing a vision for their future and then leveraging their wealth towards the fulfillment of their goals. As an innovator in the burgeoning field of wealth psychology Jamie uses genograms to compassionately facilitate the exploration of complex family “truths” (messages that get handed down through generations) and taboo issues related to money.
Hear More http://sylviaglobal.com/archives/5969
Judy Belk - Philanthropic Advisor
Michele Ozumba, CEO of the Women's Funding Network
At Women's Funding Network, we see the potential of women-led change from a unique perspective. Our Network includes more than 150 women's funds and foundations around the world. Our purpose is to connect their efforts and amplify the voices of women changemakers locally and globally.
After nearly 30 years of being a dot-connector within the women's movement, we have learned a lot about the power of investing in women. Yet one truth rules them all: when you invest in women, you change everything.
I'm talking about something more than trickle-down social change. On the contrary, investing in women is one of the most disruptive and immediate ways we can transform our communities:
When you invest in women, the impact spreads quickly. As Lisa Hall of Calvert Foundation shared at our conference, women reinvest 90 percent of their income back into their families and communities. Consider what that means as we work to close the wage gap between men and women, ensure women are trained for the jobs of the future, and more. Essentially 90 percent of every gain we make is a gain that goes back to women's families and our communities!
When you invest in women, the impact spreads broadly. The ripple effects within a family and local community are powerful, but they are only the beginning. Researchshows that if women in the United States were employed at the same rate as men, the GDP could grow by 9 percent. In the Eurozone, GDP could grow by 13 percent.
When you invest in women, the impact takes root for the long haul. Imagine a world where we have closed the wage gap, removed barriers that keep women out of the workforce, and supported women with training and resources to compete in today's market. It's a world where the gains of women are good for all -- no questions asked and no turning back.
At Women's Funding Network, we are trying to achieve that vision through the Partnership for Women's Prosperity. Along with five of our member organizations -- some that you might recognize from your own community -- we are investing in programs that will help more than 13,000 women in the United States increase their job skills, improve their financial knowledge, and ultimately become economically secure.
As I consider the great potential of women and the power of joining together as a movement, I return to that undercurrent of sisterhood and support that I felt during our recent conference. In particular, I am reminded of how KK Verdade, from Elas Fundo de Investimento Social in Brazil, captured the feeling in a way that bears repeating:
"We have to be bold... to be a woman, for me, is revolutionary."
Mary Tidlund - Philanthropist, Women Moving Millions
Mary A. Tidlund Charitable Foundation
Born in Calgary, Alberta and adopted at the age of 7 by a loving Calgary family. Along with 3 other adopted children, Mary shared her childhood with at least 45 foster children that her parents nurtured and loved. Later in her life she reunited with her birth families. After completing a science degree in Geography, Mary began a 15-year career in the oil industry starting as a landman; later becoming President and CEO of a publicly traded oil exploration and service company. She located the head office for the company in Saskatchewan where she was committed to the community through her entrepreneurial work. Her activities expanded to include drilling and trucking companies, clothing store, art gallery and restaurant based in Arcola. Mary’s business employed more than 250 people. Mary’s commitment to her community was recognized nationally in 1993, where she was a finalist in the Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards. In addition, Mary received an In Award for having the most impact on the local community. An industry downturn led Mary from the oil business and she turned her energy to traveling internationally where she expressed her desire to serve others. On October 14, 1998 she founded the Mary A. Tidlund Charitable Foundation, a public foundation that has grown to work in 24 countries with over 75 programs. The foundation financially supports and participates in programs in Canada and overseas. Key initiatives include medical clinics and workshops, the construction of schools and playgrounds, palliative care, educational sponsorship, providing meals for the homeless, water and micro finance. In October of 2000, she received the Black Achievement Award for Humanitarianism and in May 2010 the Woman of Vision Award with Global TV. In 2013 she is an Ernst Young nominee for the Social Entrepreneur award. Focusing on women and children, Mary’s long-term goal is to empower individuals to provide for themselves and create self-sustaining programs.
Click here to check out an interview with Mary Tidlund on the Sylvia Global Media Network.
Check out the work of the Mary A. Tidlund Charitable Foundation!
Interview with Mary Tidlund – President’s Award
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFkgbQPO7MY
KIN Global Philanthropy
www.miptalk.com/category/philanthropy
May Tidlund – Give Back – May 14, 2010
TanzaniaHR
The Moonridge Group, Julie Murray
What are you passionate about? What news headlines compel you to get involved? Most donors begin their philanthropic journey with a sense of what pulls at their hearts, but how to affect real change is more complex question.
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We also offer execution and management of your programs and can serve as a buffer between you, your employees, and constituents, ensuring that your wishes remain top of mind, your grant making is working effectively and efficiently, and most importantly, your results are in direct proportion to your investment.
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To paraphrase Andrew Carnegie, one of the chief obstacles facing philanthropists is the practice of “indiscriminate” giving. With so many pressing needs in our communities, nation and the world at large, it is not unusual to feel torn between multiple causes.
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Julie A. Murray, CEO & Principal of the Moonridge Group
Julie is one of Nevada’s foremost social entrepreneurs. Throughout her two decades in public life, she has founded and advised a range of organizations that seek to improve the quality of life for people-in-need through collaborative philanthropy. She is well known for her passionate commitment and leadership skills, which have brought together elected officials, philanthropists and other stakeholders to create strong coalitions that tackle a wide range of pressing social issues such as alleviating hunger, overcoming poverty through access to education, securing low cost housing, and supporting our senior population.
Prior to launching Moonridge Group, Julie was founding president and CEO of Three Square, Southern Nevada’s food bank and distribution hub. Her dedication to increased hunger relief and awareness helped make Three Square a national model. Through her extraordinary fundraising abilities, Julie was able to expand the group’s budget to $55 million annually and connect it to the Feeding America network of food banks. Today, Three Square distributes 16,000,000 meals annually through 600 program partners throughout Southern Nevada.
Previously, as national campaign director for the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation, she led the $36 million founding capital campaign to build the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, a K-12 charter school that serves students from Las Vegas’ most at-risk neighborhoods. She is also the co-founder and co-sponsor of the Las Vegas “I Have a Dream” Foundation, where she “adopted” 55 children in grades K-3 from a Las Vegas public housing project,
Esther Silver-Parker,Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs of Wal-Mart Stores Inc
Ruth Ann Harnisch - Philanthropist, Strategist, Media Advisor
Ruth Ann Harnisch was already making philanthropic investments at the million- dollar level when Women Moving Millions member Tracy Gary invited her to join. “Because Tracy had already taught me so much about how women can use their wealth strategically, I was eager to help mobilize historic levels of resources to benefit women and girls.”
Ruth Ann’s philanthropic philosophy embraces the bold approach she saw her husband employ in his investment business: “Do the research, do the analysis, then bet big.”
Her big bets on women and girls include The Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, where she has been involved since its inception in 1994 and continues on the Advisory Board. “It is clear to me, in both my own life and the lives of others, that it still isn’t fair for women and girls. And I believe that a community foundation is in the best possible position to ascertain the community’s current and future needs.”
“Long before I could make a million-dollar gift, I was inspired by the women who were already giving at that level. But I wasn’t discouraged by the fact that I couldn’t give as much as they could. I gave what I could afford, in money and volunteer service,” says Ruth Ann. “And that’s still what I do. Should I be discouraged because I can’t give as much as Melinda Gates gives? That would be crazy. I do what I can do, and I know that every gift of every kind is welcome and needed and helping. And no matter how much we do, the work is never done, so there’s always a need for whatever we can give. Our philanthropic gifts are our love letters to the future. I’m writing mine big and bold.”
“People always say, ‘i wish i could do something like that.’ Well, you can! the power is in your hands.”
Women's World Banking
Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President and CEO, Women's World Banking
President and CEO
Mary Ellen Iskenderian is President and CEO of Women’s World Banking, the global nonprofit devoted to giving more low-income women access to the financial tools and resources they require to achieve security and prosperity. Ms. Iskenderian joined Women’s World Banking in 2006 and leads the Women’s World Banking global team, based in New York. Prior to Women’s World Banking, Ms. Iskenderian worked for 17 years at the International Finance Corporation, the private sector arm of the World Bank. Before, she worked for the investment bank Lehman Brothers. Ms. Iskenderian is a permanent member of the Council on Foreign Relations, serves as an Advisor to the Clinton Global Initiative and is a judge for the annual Financial Times Sustainable Banking Awards.
Ms. Iskenderian holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management and a Bachelor of Science in International Economics from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.
Women's World Banking's Core Funders
Women’s World Banking relies on its core funding partners to make our operations possible. We have shared mandates to promote gender equality and increase financial inclusion, while reducing poverty and working towards achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Women’s World Banking values the reciprocal relationship it has with each core funder. We are proud to partner with these leaders in the development community and are very grateful for their strategic inputs and financial support.
Government of Australia (AusAID)
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)
Janita Gordon - Philanthropic Strategist
Ms. Gordon has worked for ACF as the director of Arizona Early Education Funds, a public/private partnership that is being modeled nationally in the education field. Janita came to Arizona in 1999 to serve as the director of development and marketing for ASU’s Ira A Fulton School of Engineering, overseeing the advancement operation and fund development strategies to raise $75 million. Janita lead the Great Communities campaign by strategically aligning private resources with public research funding to enhance the assets within the Fulton School of Engineering. Janita is originally from Chicago.
Deb Sofield - Past President of Yale's Women Campaign School
Presidents have them, politicians trust them, sales teams and road shows rely on them – You need one! If you’re in a leadership position you know how important it is to be able to present well whether it’s a shareholders address or a national sales meeting.
If you’ve ever needed help crafting the right message or if your staff or sales team needs a refresher course on public speaking skills for today’s market – call me.
As your speech coach, we’ll work together to create the right message. I won’t write your speeches, but I can help you refine them for maximum impact. Sometimes it is as simple as reorganizing your thoughts or adding in a few of your experiences or facts and figures that are anchored to what the audience knows.
Sometimes you’ll have to start over and focus your words to match your message. It is not a long process but it is intensive.
I will work with your natural talents and gifts to custom design a confidence-building, powerful message for the First Ladies Financial Summit and outcomes that will leave people talking about your presentation long after it’s over!
More on Yale's Women's Campaign School
http://www.wcsyale.org/video_grad2010.phpDeb Wetherby - Global Asset Manager, Advisor, Philanthropist
Managing money as early as 6-years-old when her family lived in Europe and would ask her to calculate foreign exchange rates.
Her family had moved to Shannon, Ireland, after her father’s employer, General Electric , offered him a better position there. “We lived there for four years. My mom would always have me do the foreign exchange transactions. I’d tell her how much things cost when we lived in Ireland, and if we were visiting France I’d tell her what it cost in Irish pounds. I loved it,” Wetherby recalls.
Today Wetherby owns one of the biggest advisory firms in the country managing $2.3 billion in client assets. That puts her at No. 20 on our RIA Giants list. (Click here to see our full list of RIA Giants.) Her team of 15 principals and over 30 operation and support staff provide wealth management services for over 500 clients. Wetherby Asset Management (with offices in San Francisco and New York) offers specialized financial planning, portfolio management and trust and estate planning.
The firm’s 2011 investing strategy is based mainly on the fragility of the economic recovery. As a result, Wetherby has moved assets toward global high-quality multinationals, income-oriented assets and away from the core fixed-income asset class.
Susan Batten -African-American’s and Philanthropy
President and CEO of the Association of Black Foundation Executives (ABFE)
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http://sylviaglobal.com/archives/2244Alice Huffman, Strategist
Kim Davis - Global Financial Services Strategist
Special Guest Speakers Associated with Business and Philanthropy
Mrs. Cookie Johnson
Mrs. Jacki Zehner
HIV-AIDS - Magic Johnson Foundation
HISTORY
“In order to plan your future, you must know your past” – Earvin “Magic” Johnson
WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED
The HIV/AIDS epidemic that is ravaging communities of color throughout this county is directly related to the educational trajectory of children and youth. Education is key. We have found that by increasing knowledge and academic achievement in areas with disproportionately high levels of HIV/AIDS infection rates, we can positively influence this trajectory and effectively address the social determinants of health.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Magic Johnson Foundation’s successes include:
- Tested over 41,000 people in the last 10 years
- Given over $10 million to HIV grassroots organizations
- Given over $3.2 million dollars in scholarship support (excludes UNCF contributions)
- Magic Johnson’s CEC’s have served over 245,000 individuals
- Served over 45,000 youth through our social efforts
- Donated over 300,000 toys through our annual holiday initiatives
Deborah Lindholm - Philanthropist, Business, Global Strategist
Twelve years ago Deborah found her calling: “I learned that one in five people barely exist on less than $1 a day. These people have real faces. They have real children. They have real stories.” Though she had seen poverty before, “something this time really reached me. The statistics are awful, but for the first time I was offered some answers. I didn’t have to wait for the World Bank or United Nations to fix it. There was something I could do.”
In 1997 Deborah started the San Diego-based Foundation for Women (FFW). Its mission is to “eliminate poverty through microcredit. Everything a bank does, FFW does the opposite. The purpose is to give someone who is poor, with no access to credit, a loan; and through that loan, teach them financial literacy.” Like other micro- lending banks, FFW expects the loans to be paid back in weekly installments. Interest is charged, as well as an additional payment which FFW puts into a savings fund for the women. What sets FFW apart is that it is a true grassroots movement of women helping women—one that spans all races, cultures, and even ages.
“We are hundreds of women doing what we can to move this grassroots force forward. Our youngest donor is seven years old. She found out about our work from her aunt and decided to sell ice cream on the beach where she lives. So far she’s raised $68 for FFW to use in awarding microcredit loans.”
While some would consider $68 an insignificant amount, Deborah knows better. “I met a woman who borrowed $4. Before this loan, she had never seen $4 in her life. With it she bought a comb, a pair of scissors and a mirror, putting her husband in business as a barber. Now she has a home and her children are in school. Within a year, that $4 had changed the entire fortune of this family.”
the Foundation for Women is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. i thank god every day that i get to do this work.”
Ann Lovell - Philanthropist, Women Moving Millions
Ann Lovell’s catalyst to act came from her nightmares. “I saw our world balanced on a precipice, knowing that if we didn’t change something, humanity would fall off the edge into destruction. The answer was so clear: having more women at every level. Women and girls are natural leaders; they are change agents. They are the ones who build community, who rebuild communities after disasters, after wars; yet how many women have signed a peace treaty?” For Ann, gender equality is the best way to ensure that everyone can thrive. “How can boys grow into men who can engage in respectful relationships—or relationships at all—in a world where women and girls are oppressed and objectified?”
Changing the world means changing the opinions and actions of society. “This takes enormous, cohesive, collaborative work. It requires a movement. And you can’t convince others to take action unless you’re willing to do it yourself.” Enter Women Moving Millions. As a Vice President, Ann brings an operational lens to enhance the movement’s reach. “My question is always ‘then what?’ I want to know what kind of collective impact we’re going to have, where we want to go.”
Though Ann knew about Women Moving Millions when it was just a spark in Helen’s and Swanee’s eyes, it took her a while to make the leap. “At first I couldn’t comprehend a gift that big. But making the commitment has increased all of my giving.” It also deepened Ann’s passion for women-focused philanthropy and fortified her resolve. “Women Moving Millions is fun, despite the hard work. We play, dance and sing. It’s a place where you can be ‘you’ in a world where sometimes you can’t be you all the time—at least not to your greatest capacity. Women Moving Millions is my tribe. All of us are taking huge leaps to change the world for women and girls, both individually and collectively.”
“What keeps me awake at night is also what keeps me alive. and it is a blessing to be fully alive in this world.”
Susan Morrison - Philanthropist, Women Moving Millions
Susan felt honored to give $1 million “to an organization that I’m passionate about. Billie Jean King established the Women’s Sports Foundation over forty years ago. She has inspired me my entire life. It was an emotional moment when I told Billie Jean about our gift. Our donation was an opportunity to thank her for what she has done and support her for what she continues to do for women and girls.”
Why was Susan moved to give this gift? “Sports have played a key role in my own development as a person and as a woman. Due to family circumstances, I found that I couldn’t afford to finish college. So I moved to California to further develop my tennis game, with the crazy dream of playing on the newly formed women’s tour.” She worked tirelessly on her game for over a year, but never made it to the tour.
By that time, Susan was a resident of California and was eligible for in-state tuition at the University of California, San Diego. She was able to afford the tuition by working three jobs, two of them teaching tennis. “The strength and perseverance I developed while trying to play professional tennis are qualities that Billie Jean models beautifully. Her inspiration was invaluable in helping me to succeed. It was my tennis that put me through school. I have two daughters, who are now young women, and I can see what a positive influence sports has been in their lives as well.”
Susan’s gift supports the mission of the Foundation—advancing the lives of girls and women through sports and physical activity. “If our gift helps even a few girls feel empowered enough through sports to do something in their lives that they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to do, our contribution will have been more than worth it.”
“Billie Jean King didn’t just open up the world of sports for women. She’s made it clear from the beginning that women can do more everywhere. And women should do more, certainly for one another, and within the arena of philanthropy. Women Moving Millions is an inspired idea. Its time has come. This is only the beginning.”
“Women have untold power in this world when we work together toward a common purpose.”
Sylvia Global Media Network
Email: Gaelsylvia@sylviaglobal.com
Website: Sylviaglobal.com