News | Women's Empowerment International

Evelyn and Michelle | San Diego

Apr 30, 2025 | California, News, Women Stories

Meet Evelyn and Michelle

Recently, with the support of a WE grant, Urban Corps of San Diego County had the privilege of assisting two dedicated Corpsmembers, Evelyn and Michelle, in purchasing their own vehicles, a transformative step for each of them as they overcame significant barriers to success. Despite coming from different backgrounds, these Corpsmembers share common challenges—particularly in accessing reliable transportation—which previously hindered their ability to fully engage in their education and work at Urban Corps.

Evelyn and Michelle had both been facing the daily struggle of waking up at 4:00 a.m. to catch the earliest trolley to arrive at Urban Corps on time. With the down payment assistance provided by the WE grant, they were each able to purchase their own car. Their new vehicles now allow them to commute comfortably, safely, and promptly, ensuring they can contribute fully to their work and education. They have even begun carpooling with other female Corpsmembers, understanding the challenges of early-morning commutes and helping others get to work on time. This act of solidarity not only strengthens the community within Urban Corps but also reflects their commitment to giving back and supporting their peers.

Having safe and reliable transportation has been a critical factor in their continued participation and success at Urban Corps. As Evelyn and Michelle near graduation, they have already expressed plans to further their education and pursue their professional development. With the independence afforded by their vehicles, they are now able to focus on their academic and career aspirations without the burden of unreliable public transportation. They are no longer limited by this barrier to success in San Diego County.

This vehicle assistance program has played a pivotal role in helping women overcome significant obstacles, enabling them to achieve their goals both at Urban Corps and beyond. We are proud to support them in their journey toward independence and success, and we look forward to hearing about their future endeavors and accomplishments!

Mariat | Uganda

Apr 29, 2025 | News, Uganda, Women Stories

From Struggle to Success Through Microfinance

Meet Ahimbisibwe Mariat, a 60-year-old grandmother from the Rukungiri District in Uganda. Mariat’s journey from financial struggle to successful, small business owner demonstrates the profound impact that financial inclusion and training can have on families experiencing poverty.

“Before joining the Kigiro granny group, I struggled to meet the basic needs of my family such as paying for my two grandchildren’s primary school fees, aged 5 and 10. I had no stable sources of income and lacked business skills and knowledge.”

The turning point came when she joined Nyaka’s grandmother support program, which receives funding from a WE grant. Through this initiative, Mariat received comprehensive training in financial literacy and business management. She also received a UGX 500,000 loan (approximately $139 USD) from WE funds. Applying the financial knowledge and skills gained from the Nyaka grandmother team training, Mariat established a small retail shop in Ikuniro Trading Centre in Rukungiri district.

The results have been remarkable. Through diligent application of her savings and bookkeeping knowledge, Mariat’s business has flourished. She now earns a monthly profit of UGX 100,000 (approximately $28 USD) and has increased her savings to UGX 2,000,000 in capital (approximately $545 USD).

“Thanks to Women’s Empowerment funds, my dreams have become a reality, and I can now pay school fees for my two grandchildren and provide for basic needs, while repaying my business loan. I am deeply grateful to Nyaka and Women’s Empowerment for this opportunity.”

About Nyaka:
Nyaka, WE partner since 2014, works with communities to nurture and protect children so they can learn, grow, and thrive. WE supports Nyaka’s Grandmother program, which recognizes the critical role grandmothers play in caregiving, while addressing issues including gender-based violence and poverty through microloans and comprehensive training.

With WE’s support, the number of grandmothers accessing microfinancing, training, and ongoing support increases each year. These remarkable women have significantly improved household incomes and their grandchildren’s wellbeing, maintained children’s school attendance, and developed valuable financial literacy skills.

The program demonstrates exceptional impact: for every $40 invested in a grandmother-led household through this program, there is a 285% return within just 36 months—proof that supporting grandmothers like Mariat creates sustainable, multi-generational change.

Firoza | San Diego

Apr 29, 2025 | California, News, Women Stories

Meet Firoza from San Diego

A WE grant partner since 2022, Urban Corps of San Diego County is a nonprofit and certified local conservation corps, providing opportunities for underserved, low-income young adults ages 18-26. The unique work-learn program allows youth to finish high school while earning a paycheck, learning real-world job skills, and giving back to the community through professional services. Barriers to Corpsmembers’ success are addressed with emergency food, clothing and shelter, job training, certifications, drivers’ licenses, and one-on-one case management and trauma counseling. Corpsmembers also receive support toward their goals when they graduate through career and college readiness activities.

Not having a personal vehicle is often cited as a barrier to successful and sustained employment for Corpsmembers in San Diego County. WE grant funding helped launch a successful pilot program to provide vehicle down payment assistance for female Corpsmembers to support their success in and out of the program, setting them up for financial success and self-sufficiency after graduation.

Firoza, who has successfully completed the Urban Corps program, is preparing to welcome a baby and continue her studies in medical school after graduation. The acquisition of her own vehicle has been life-changing. It not only provides her with the means to attend medical appointments but also allows her to pursue her education uninterrupted. Prior to receiving this vehicle, Firoza faced the possibility of having to pause her studies due to transportation limitations. Now, she enjoys greater independence and is confident that she can achieve her educational and career goals. This has had a ripple effect on her family, where she is seen as a role model for her siblings, demonstrating that perseverance and determination lead to success.

Celebrating Noteworthy Days in October

Oct 30, 2024 | Featured News/ Events, News

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Oct. 11: International Day of the Girl

From the UN: “The 2024 International Day of the Girl theme is ‘Girls’ vision for the future’. This year’s theme conveys both the need for urgent action and persistent hope, driven by the power of girls’ voices and vision for the future. Today’s generation of girls is disproportionately affected by global crises of climate, conflict, poverty and pushback on hard won gains for human rights and gender equality. Too many girls are still denied their rights, restricting their choices and limiting their futures.

Yet, recent analysis shows that girls are not only courageous in the face of crisis, but hopeful for the future. Every day, they are taking action to realize a vision of a world in which all girls are protected, respected and empowered. But, girls cannot realize this vision alone. They need allies who listen to and respond to their needs. With the right support, resources and opportunities, the potential of the world’s more than 1.1 billion girls is limitless.”

WE funding can impact and change stats like “nearly 1 in 5 girls are still not completing lower-secondary and nearly 4 in 10 girls are not completing upper-secondary school.” Women participating in WE-funded programs are able to ensure their daughters can attend and stay in school, creating futures that can break generational cycles of poverty for their families.

Oct. 11: Give to Women and Girls Day

Give to Women and Girls Day is a national campaign to raise awareness and increase funding for organizations that support women and girls. The Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI) launched Give to Women and Girls Day to address the disparity in funding for women’s and girls’ organizations. According to the WPI, less than 2% of all philanthropic support in the United States goes to these organizations. This underfunding can hinder the advancement of gender equality and the work of these organizations. The UN states, “Achieving gender equality and empowering women is not only the right thing to do but is a critical ingredient in the fight against extreme poverty, hunger and climate change.”

This is where WE comes in, contributing to gaps in funding, where our grants—and your donations—are most needed and can create the most impact, advancing gender equality to eliminate poverty for women and girls here in San Diego and around the world.

Diana Franco, Vice President of Women.NYC, highlighted the critical need for efforts like this, “Investing in women’s initiatives is fundamental to building a world that offers equal opportunities to all. It directly reflects the values of our society and organizations. The lack of investment in empowering women in every aspect of their lives is a duty we all have to assume from the top down, not with flattering words and commitments but with action and financial support.”

Oct. 10: DAF Day

DAF Day is hailed as a new kind of giving day that draws attention to Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) as a way to make charitable contributions to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. It recognizes that many donors don’t know about DAFs as a way to give and increase their giving capacity. It also highlights that too many DAF accounts go unused each year.

DAFs are tax-advantaged charitable giving accounts, often compared to an account like a 401(k) or HSA. Any person, couple, family, or company can open a DAF account with providers around the country, including banks, investment and financial services companies, and local community foundations. With a DAF, you can: contribute cash, securities, or appreciated assets to a charitable fund; receive a tax deduction for the current year; and, make strategic giving decisions. DAFs have increased in popularity in recent years because of their effectiveness at increasing giving capacity and streamlining philanthropy.

Do you have a DAF? Please consider recommending a gift be made to WE now to ensure your donation can be received before the end of the year!

Are you considering opening one? We encourage you to explore and look into options for the current year!

2024 Woman of Empowerment Award | Linda L. Katz

Jul 16, 2024 | News

Congratulations to Linda Katz, our honoree for the 2024 Woman of Empowerment Award!

LINDA L. KATZ
Social/Civic Activist

Equity and justice are the core values that drive Linda Katz’s passions. As a full-time community volunteer and social/civic activist for more than four decades, Linda is passionate about supporting the most vulnerable populations of women and girls.

Linda is the Founding President of The San Diego Women’s Foundation and Co-Founder of Women Give San Diego. Having been involved with Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest for 40+ years, she is committed to ensuring broad public access to sexual and reproductive health care through direct service, education, and advocacy.

Linda is actively engaged in working with organizations that advance the economic security of the most vulnerable populations of women and girls in our community, in particular, United Women of East Africa Support Team (UWEAST) and Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest. Linda currently serves on the Advisory Councils of Salaam Youth and Community Center and San Diego Center for Children.

As a 1990 graduate of LEAD San Diego IMPACT, Linda is also a past Board Chair of LEAD San Diego. She has also served as Chair for Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, Serving Seniors, and Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary. Additional past Board service includes San Diego Foundation, Rady Children’s Hospital Foundation, United Way of San Diego County, Junior League of San Diego, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Francis Parker School, and San Diego Symphony.

Linda has served as Chair and Co-Chair of many milestone charitable events in the San Diego community including: San Diego Center for Children Anniversary 133 rd Anniversary Celebration, Barrio Logan College Institute’s Opportunity for Impact Annual Fundraiser, the 90 th Anniversary Charity Ball benefitting Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego Foundation’s 25 th Anniversary Gala, Junior League’s Encore, Girl Scouts’ 10th Anniversary Urban Campout, and San Diego Symphony’s New Year’s Eve Gala. She also served as Honorary Chair for the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) National Philanthropy Day 2013-2014.

Linda has received numerous awards including Planned Parenthood’s ‘Margaret Sanger Award,’ LEAD San Diego’s ‘Graduate of the Year’ Award, Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary’s Distinguished Service Award, Junior League’s ‘Spirit of Volunteerism Award.’ San Diego Magazine’s ‘Community Volunteer of the Year’ Award, Serving Seniors’ ‘Advocacy Hero Award,’ Girl Scouts’ ‘Cool Woman Award,’ and the Association of Fundraising Professional’s ‘Development Volunteer of the Year Award.’ Linda and her husband, Mel, received the San Diego Rotary Club 2017 Mr. and Mrs. San Diego Award. Linda and Mel have been married for 47 years and live in Del Mar. They have three adult children, Lindsey, Ashley and Jeffrey, and five grandchildren, Nicole, Noah, Donovan, JoJo, and Evander.

Linda will receive the award at our Empowered WE Rise: 20th Anniversary Celebration, on September 22, and speak about her experience and the passion for equity, justice, and philanthropy that drives her. Join us at this event to share in this recognition and celebration!

Proclamation for WE

Apr 4, 2024 | News

Proclamation, The San Marcos City Council hereby recognizes, Women’s Empowerment International

Whereas, International Women’s Day, celebrated in March, marks a global movement to recognize the achievements of women and advocates for gender equality; and

Whereas March is also celebrated as Women’s History Month, a time to honor the contributions of women throughout history and amplify their voices; and

Whereas, Women’s Empowerment International commemorates the kickoff of their 20th Anniversary, signifying two decades of relentless dedication to advancing women’s rights and opportunities of women worldwide; and

Whereas, the UN theme for International Women’s Day this year is, “Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress,” and this theme underscores the crucial role of empowering women and the fight to achieve gender equality and foster inclusive and prosperous societies; and

Whereas, Women’s Empowerment International recognizes that gender responsive financing provides a direct pathway to ending poverty and promoting sustainable, inclusive development;

Now therefore, the City Council of the City of San Marcos hereby proclaims March as Women’s History Month, and we proudly support Women’s Empowerment International, and their amazing dedication and remarkable achievements advocating for gender equality.

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