20th Anniversary
The Power of 20: Celebrating Two Decades of Economic Empowerment
This year we are celebrating 20 years of grantmaking for women’s economic empowerment and support to overcome poverty!
Learn about our history – honoring all we have accomplished since our first grant distribution of $4,025 in 2004. Join us and become part of the movement to uplift women here in the U.S. and around the world.
The Power of 20: Celebrating Two Decades of Economic Empowerment
This year we are celebrating 20 years of grantmaking for women’s economic empowerment and support to overcome poverty! Learn about our history – honoring all we have accomplished since our first grant of $4,025 in 2004. Join us and be part of the movement to move women forward economically here in the U.S. and around the world.
Our Milestones and Achievements
Honoring all we have accomplished since our first grant of $4,025 in 2004.
2003
First exploratory meeting held to form an organization helping women in poverty through microloans, with 35 participants supporting the idea.
2004
WE is formed, defining its mission and goals, and begins fundraising and partner-building. Grameen de la Frontera in Mexico becomes the first nonprofit partner.
2005
WE sets its first fundraising goal, incorporates as a nonprofit, and holds its first large event, “A Celebration of Women Leaving Poverty Behind.”
2006
WE holds its first Annual Meeting and Board election, expands its mission beyond microloans, and launches the first WE Giving Circle.
2008
WE expands its reach with new Giving Circles and receives the Economic and Social Development Award from Soroptimist International.
2011
The first WE Yoga and Julian Giving Circles form, and the WE Initiatives program is approved to explore new ways to address poverty beyond microloans.
2013
WE extends membership to all donors, regardless of the donation amount.
2016
Paige Bradley is welcomed as WE’s first Executive Director, transitioning from an all-volunteer organization.
2017
WE launches the Women’s Impact, Sustainability, and Empowerment (WISE) project to assess partnerships.
2020
During the pandemic, WE lifts restrictions on Partner funds to adapt to COVID-era service provision.
2022
Sarah Adams becomes WE’s new Executive Director, and WE receives the Philanthropy Partner of the Year award from the International Rescue Committee San Diego.
2024
WE is honored with a proclamation from the City of San Marcos for its dedication to gender equality.
20th Anniversary “$20 for 20” Campaign
We honor our past and the impact we have created together at the same time we look toward the future – more driven than ever – committed to ensuring vital economic empowerment programs will be available to women and their families in San Diego County and around the world for as long as it takes to end poverty.
We invite you to participate in our “$20 for 20” campaign, a special initiative designed to honor our legacy and grow our impact, now and for the next 20.
As we mark two decades of transformative work, your support is more important than ever. Your donation will help us continue to fund economic empowerment programs, providing women with the opportunities and tools they need to overcome poverty and build prosperity for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Donate $20, $200, or become a $20 monthly donor – your support at any level is greatly appreciated. Here’s to 20 years of economic empowerment and many more to come!
Where WE Stands Today
Partners Helped
Dollar Amount of Funds Granted
Years in Grant-making
Investing in Economic Empowerment for Women and Families
Join Us For a 20th Anniversary Celebration
Empowered WE Rise | Fall Fundraiser 2024
Our BIGGEST event of the year
Our signature event brings together the community to support women entrepreneurs around the world, working to overcome poverty.
Date: Sunday, September 22, 2024
Location: Farmer & The Seahorse, at The Alexandria at Torrey Pines
Celebrate & be inspired ● Enjoy food, drinks, music, silent & live auctions ● Browse a Maker Fair with women entrepreneurs from local WE-funded programs
All event proceeds will benefit our grants distributed to our partner programs in San Diego and internationally.
Early bird, discounted tickets are available until July 1, so get yours today!
Sponsorship Opportunities
This is the perfect year to sign up as a sponsor! Whether your passion lies in making an impact at a specific event or fostering economic empowerment throughout the year, we have a variety of options for your involvement. Sponsorships are available to businesses and individuals.
View our sponsorship packet by clicking on the button below. For questions, please contact Sarah Adams, WE Executive Director, at sarahadams@womenempowerment.org.