SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA – The Board and Staff leadership team of Women’s Empowerment International (WE) are pleased to announce that Sarah Adams has been appointed as WE’s new Executive Director. WE, a San Diego-based nonprofit, funds projects locally and internationally that provide women economic opportunities, microloans, training, and other tools to disrupt the cycle of poverty and strengthen their families and communities. Adams, a San Diego local, was selected after a nationwide search. WE was run entirely by volunteer board and committee members until 2016 when it was able to bring on its first executive director. Since then, the organization has grown to two staff positions and continues with a strong, passionate group of board members, committee members, and other committed volunteers.
An accomplished leader, Adams has more than 20 years’ experience in the nonprofit sector and has a proven track record in building strategic partnerships, organization capacity building, fundraising, volunteer engagement, and program development. She has served in staff leadership positions, on boards, and as a consultant/trainer for organizations of all sizes, from small, grassroots nonprofits to large, national organizations. At her most recent position with Operation Homefront, she served as a senior regional director for field programs, overseeing development, programs, events, and operations in a five-state area. Adams received her Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of San Diego.
WE President, Debbie McGraw, says, “Sarah brings an important set of skills to WE including volunteer organizing, program development, and capacity building that are crucial to our campaign to reach more economically vulnerable women through innovative and committed programs both locally and internationally. Finding and supporting programs that are successfully providing women the tools to work their way out of poverty and build up their families and communities requires the kind of committed leadership and action that Sarah has shown throughout her career.”
Adams will lead the organization’s strategic plan to increase funding for partner organizations by 60% over the next three years, grow its membership base and giving circles, and continue to build internal capacity and infrastructure. She will also work with the board on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts for the organization.
“I have always been passionate about women and girls’ empowerment issues, amplifying women’s voices in the community, and providing tools for women to exercise their own leadership,” says Adams. “The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have disproportionately affected women’s economic well-being and opportunities around the world over the past two years. I am honored to join WE and all of its partners in this important work to support women and families at such a crucial time.”
To learn more about WE and to get involved, visit www.WomenEmpowerment.org or email info@womenempowerment.org.
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About Women’s Empowerment International
Women’s Empowerment International (WE), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was founded in 2005 by a group of visionary women with an ambitious goal to disrupt the cycle of poverty for women around the world, especially those living in under-resourced, rural communities. With a mission to empower women with tools to work their way out of poverty, care for their families, and strengthen their communities, WE has provided nearly $2.1 million in funding for programs in eight countries, including the U.S. and Puerto Rico, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, and Uganda. WE funds microloans, training, and practical, holistic support and is headquartered in San Diego, CA.