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Celebrating Noteworthy Days in October

Oct 30, 2024 | Featured News/ Events, News

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! 

Celeste Barbier

Aug 24, 2024 | Events

Meet Celeste Barbier
Celeste Barbier is a professional vocalist with a lifelong passion for music, renowned for her soulful and unique contralto voice. With classical voice training from Chapman University, where she received a full scholarship, Celeste has performed extensively, including tours throughout Italy.

For over a decade, she has captivated audiences across Southern California and beyond, delivering stunning performances across genres like jazz, blues, and easy listening. Her extensive repertoire spans over 500 song covers from the past century. Celeste has also made her mark as a recording artist, releasing two albums, with her first original song breaking into the Top 10 on independent radio in the Independent & Adult Contemporary categories.

Beyond music, Celeste says, “My life purpose is empowering & supporting women, as well as bringing them together.” She is a dedicated advocate for women’s rights, equality, and empowerment, actively supporting women-owned businesses.

In addition to her music career, Celeste is an expert certified sound healer, working alongside her wife of nearly 20 years, René, who is a Reiki Master. Together, they run Resté Sound Healing, offering transformative sound healing sessions and exclusive healing vacations for women through their Resté Getaway for Women. Celeste’s multifaceted talents and unwavering commitment to advocacy make her a dynamic and inspiring figure in both the music and wellness communities.

Hear Celeste at our upcoming Empowered WE Rise event on Sunday, September 22.

Kiconco | Uganda

Aug 6, 2024 | Featured News/ Events, Women Stories

WE grants have funded the growth and success of Nyaka’s Grandmother Microfinance project in Uganda since 2014, and it continues to create significant impact in reducing poverty for women caring for their grandchildren. Microloans for grandmothers, combined with other support systems such as training, follow-ups, vocational skills, and products, have demonstrated a significant impact on household income. Over the span of 4 years, daily income is increased from as low as $1.06 (below the International Poverty Line) to $2.78 (with grandmother-led families now living above that line), resulting in a remarkable 480% return on investment during the same period.

Meet Kiconco from Uganda
Kiconco Annet, 55, is a member of the Nangara Grandmother group with Nyaka. She cares for her two grandchildren, Manige Rebecca (14) and Twinamasiko Timothy (12). She is a leader, as treasurer of her Grandmother group, entrepreneurial, and business savvy.

Kiconco has attained agricultural skills and improved her farming practices, leading to increased yields from her garden. Kiconco obtained a revolving microloan of UGX 200,000 (about $53) from Nyaka which she used to buy quality seeds and organic pesticides. She grows cabbage for family consumption and sells the surplus for income. 

Kiconco has also invested in a successful brick-making venture, thus diversifying her sources of income. Brick-making is not a common business for grannies, particularly because of their age. Kiconco is stronger for her age, saw an opportunity, and is the first granny Nyaka has had in their program with a brick-making business. She operates her own kilns and hires others to do the labor of the brick work until the point when the bricks are ready for sale, which she handles herself. Brick is a common building material for houses in Uganda – for those who can afford it – as it is more durable than mud walls.

Kiconco Annet appreciates the support she and others have received through the Nyaka Grandmother program, noting the impact on their well-being.

“Thank you… for thinking about grandmothers and changing their lives,” she says.

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!

Masouma H. | San Diego

Jun 5, 2024 | California, Women Stories

Meet Masouma H.

Masouma, a resilient entrepreneur and immigrant from Afghanistan living in San Diego, has shared her inspiring journey of pursuing her goals to start a family daycare business in San Diego. With the ongoing support of WE Grant Partner, International Rescue Committee (IRC) San Diego, and its STEPS Program, part of the WE STAR programming funded by WE, Masouma received access to tools and resources to maintain and run a successful and thriving business of her own.

In 2016, after fleeing Afghanistan with her family as refugees, they resettled in San Diego. She faced numerous challenges, including language barriers and caring for her son with autism. Before immigrating to the US, Masouma had an established career in the Afghan government, where she worked in different positions with the Ministry of Education after graduating from university.

Masouma is a trained teacher and loves teaching. When she discovered the childcare business, she thought it would be a great way to channel that passion and her expertise, while still providing care for her son and having flexibility to take him to his appointments. Masouma received valuable resources, information, and technical assistance through the IRC San Diego’s STEPS Program to navigate the startup and operations of her business. The program also provided her with a stipend to purchase extra equipment and a laptop to help digitize her business.

She stated, “When I moved to the US, in the beginning, it was very challenging to navigate the process of opening and running a small daycare business, but the help of IRC and tools that they provided through programs like STEPS made it so much easier to navigate and feel confident to go through the process.”

Masouma opened her business in the fall of 2020, amid the pandemic. Like many other businesses during the pandemic, Masouma’s business struggled. She found enrolling children in her childcare program to be difficult and turned to the IRC WE STAR programs to help market her business. With the help of her IRC Business Advisor, Masouma developed a marketing plan that helped enroll six children in her childcare business and work on expanding her business with a waitlist for enrollment. She worked with IRC staff to open a Google My Business bank account, develop her social media account, and gain marketing skills to promote her business. IRC staff also helped her develop a business plan and provided other financial tools to track her budget and expenses.

Masouma’s new skills, business plans, marketing efforts, along with her love for teaching and her incorporation of activities for children to learn about Afghan culture helped to attract more families. After just over two years since starting her childcare business, she was able to buy a house and expand her business to a large childcare license and hire additional employees to help. Currently, she has 20 children enrolled in her program. Masouma is genuinely grateful for the assistance and support and highly recommends the IRC’s programs to anyone looking to start or grow their business.

Her story is a testament to the impact of the WE grant funding that helped IRC San Diego to launch and grow the WE STAR programming, which helps empowered women to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. Her determination and hard work, combined with the support from this program, have enabled her to overcome obstacles and build a thriving business. Masouma’s journey serves as a reminder of the resilience and potential within immigrant communities. It highlights the importance of providing resources and support to help them succeed in their new home. She expresses her gratitude to the IRC and WE for helping her achieve her dream and is thankful for the opportunity to pursue her passion for running a successful business.

Reflecting on 20 Years of Economic Empowerment

May 1, 2024 | Featured News/ Events, Our Impact Page

Women’s Empowerment International 20th Anniversary
The Power of 20: Celebrating Two Decades of Economic Empowerment

“Almost half the world right now is living on under $2 a day, we are trying to reach [women in economically disadvantaged communities] and give them a chance to break that cycle of poverty.”
– Co-founder Win Cox

It’s been 20 years since Women’s Empowerment International (WE) gave out its first grant to help women start on stronger economic paths and break cycles of poverty.

While progress has been made in promoting women’s economic empowerment in society, significant challenges and disparities persist globally. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive strategies that tackle structural barriers, promote gender equality in education and employment, and enact supportive policies and legal frameworks. That’s where WE comes in, helping to fund programs for women locally and internationally that work to break barriers and open opportunities for financial stability and self-sufficiency.

WE recently dove into the archives to reminisce and introduce those new to the mission of why WE exists.

Back in 2003, when Co-founders Win Cox and Leigh Fenly decided to start Women’s Empower International, it was a calling that they imagined locally and abroad uniting women with the larger vision of creating stronger economies. Together, they personalized their approach by getting directly involved with the populations affected.

In celebration of these 20 years, let’s look at the difference WE has made in the lives of both the grantees and supporters.

In 2004, WE gave its first grant of $4,025 to Grameen de la Frontera, which was the perfect start because the organization directly focused on the economic growth of women. With this first grantee, WE formed a close relationship and founders and board members traveled to Sonora, Mexico to see WE’s funding in action. This involvement became a distinguishing quality about WE that put it in a category of its own.

Over the years, WE has partnered with organizations in nine countries, getting to know the nonprofits and women in the regions, understanding their way of life and how WE can help.

As of 2024, WE has provided over $2.6 million dollars in funding that has helped change the lives of women and families by:

  • Helping young women locally purchase cars, so that they can attend school, maintain steady employment, and take care of their children and families
  • Assisting women in launching businesses that help sustain families through micro-loan programs and business development support and training
  • Providing microloans to grandmothers in Uganda to fund their ability to create sustainable businesses to help take care of and educate orphaned grandchildren
  • Contributing to increasing women’s income in Haiti through their operation of community health stores
  • Providing financial literacy training for girls through an innovative mobile-based app
  • Supporting loan support groups for women in Mexico who have experienced human trafficking, immigration challenges, and other traumas
  • Helping to provide new sources of income for indigenous Maya women in Guatemala, along with leadership training and growth opportunities

Along the way, WE has won a number of awards for our impact, including recognition for the Co-founders team, the Philanthropy Partner of the Year award from the International Rescue Committee in San Diego, and most recently a proclamation from the City of San Marcos for our “amazing dedication and remarkable achievements advocating for gender equality.”

Join us throughout this year to celebrate!

Make a 20th Anniversary Donation

Catalina | El Salvador

Apr 21, 2024 | El Salvador, Women Stories

A message from Catalina, 53-year-old participant with our grant partner, OEF in El Salvador:

I am Catalina and I live with my family: my husband, my daughter and one grandchild. I received a USD$300 inclusive loan, which I used to buy a sewing machine and some sewing supplies to begin a small sewing workshop. I am providing the service at my community and my income varies from $225 to $250 every month, which provides support to my family.

I feel blessed and grateful to OEF and WE for providing the fund, for women can accomplish the dream to become entrepreneurs and support their families.

Your donation creates a positive impact in the lives of women like Catalina!

MAKE A DONATION

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.

Proclamation for WE Supporters

Apr 4, 2024 | News

Proclamation for Carol Clause and Carl Crider

Commending Carol Clause and Carl Crider for being engaged citizens and active community leaders throughout San Marcos and the San Diego County region, working passionately to advance social justice, gender equity, and human rights.

WHEREAS, Carol Clause and Carl Crider personify thoughtful, generous, and compassionate dedication to addressing societal challenges and have served as an inspiration to each of us and to our community.

WHEREAS, Carol and Carl have been visionary leaders, volunteers, champions, supporters, and advisors to Women’s Empowerment International, building women’s economic security for 20 years and significantly supporting the growth and impact of the organization.

WHEREAS, Carol and Carl have made time to visit with and encourage the women served by Women’s Empowerment International, both locally and internationally, embodying their seminal belief in the value of every person.

WHEREAS, Carol and Carl have championed the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals and families in our region and across this country as decades-long ACLU members, taking radical action as volunteers, funders, and community builders, and serving as integral partners, establishing systems to ensure the voices of San Diegans are heard at all levels of government.

WHEREAS, Carol and Carl have made significant, meaningful, and lasting contributions to the refugee community in San Diego as beloved friends, volunteers, advocates, advisors, and supporters for nearly two decades through the International Rescue Committee and other local agencies serving refugees and immigrants;

WHEREAS, Carol and Carl have supported immigrants and asylum seekers arriving in San Diego through their involvement with the San Diego Rapid Response Network Migrant Shelter Services operated by Jewish Family Service of San Diego since the Shelter’s inception in 2018. Over this time, their unwavering support has contributed to welcoming over 200,000 people, many of them families, with dignity.

WHEREAS, Carol and Carl have served as unwavering advocates, dear friends, mentors, and collaborators with Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans in advancing inclusive policies and securing 2.2 acres of community-owned and stewarded land to promote inclusion and belonging for refugees and immigrants, making San Diego County a more equitable and vibrant place.

Betty | Uganda

Mar 5, 2024 | Uganda, Women Stories

Betty, a resilient 71-year-old from Kyamagote village in Kanungu District, has transformed her life against all odds. Living with her two grandchildren, aged 7 and 10, who were left behind by her daughter in pursuit of employment, Betty became a beacon of inspiration through the support of a UGX 400,000 loan (~$105) from WE grant funds.

With a keen entrepreneurial spirit, Betty invested the funds in kickstarting a goat-keeping project. The initial purchase of a single goat turned into a resounding success, as it gave birth to twins and then triplets within a year. Betty’s small investment snowballed into six goats, and the subsequent generations have not only provided her with valuable manure for her thriving vegetable gardens but have also bolstered her banana plantation.

Betty, pictured proudly with her goats, expressed profound gratitude to WE for not only facilitating the repayment of the loan but also for empowering her to achieve self- sufficiency. Leveraging the income from her banana plantation and other farm produce like sugarcane, Betty’s entrepreneurial spirit has flourished. She now owns nine goats, estimated at a remarkable UGX 1,100,000, signaling a substantial improvement in her socio-economic status.

Betty’s story is a testament to the transformative power of targeted financial assistance, breaking the chains of adversity and fostering economic empowerment. Her journey vividly demonstrates the profound impact that strategic support can have on socio-economic well-being, particularly in hard-to-reach communities. Betty stands as a living example of resilience, entrepreneurship, and the potential for positive change in the face of challenges.

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