Women's Foundation Vision for a Greater Memphis

May 2011

Our Vision for a Greater Memphis for Generations ... what a powerful statement this makes

On May 16^th we joined Booker T. Washington High School's (BTW) students, faculty, the City of Memphis and the nation to celebrate their tremendous accomplishment during the 2011 Commencement. Principal Alisha Kiner reflected how their success was a result of grit coupled with a village of support across all sectors of the community. The Women's Foundation is a proud supporter within this village.

Thanks to you our contributors who enable us to fund programs such as the BTW Educational/Cultural Experience, girls gain access and pathways to a brighter future and the dream of a greater Memphis.The class of 155 graduates included 13 girls' basketball or track team members and 11 Memphis HOPE students who walked across the stage with the added fulfillment of being the first generation of their immediate family to achieve a high school diploma.

Your embrace of our vision for a greater Memphis helps to make belief real. When you partner with the Women's Foundation, together we create a greater Memphis by forging a passageway for women and children to break the cycle of poverty. If you have not done so, we ask you to renew your contribution or join us as a new donor NOW. Take the Hyde Family Foundations Challenge by June 30, 2011 and double the impact of your gift.

"In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us." - Flora Edwards

GRANTEE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Booker T. Washington High School Educational/Cultural Experience

Hope, Pride, Resilience, Perseverance ... these are just a few words that describe the student accomplishments of Booker T. Washington High School (BTW). The school was selected as the winner of the Race to the Top High School Commencement Challenge through hard work, determination and confidence and made history when President Barack Obama delivered the 2011 graduation address.

Booker T. Washington High School

For the past five years, the Women's Foundation has funded the BTW Educational/Cultural Experience program. Started by Coach Derek Hunter 12 years ago, the program exposes inner-city, low-income, female student-athletes to experiences beyond their South Memphis community and to opportunities to achieve their goals.

This program, along with others like it, have helped BTW increase its graduation rate from 55% in 2007 to 81.6% last spring. Coach Hunter's program boasts a 100% graduation rate with 90% of the girls entering college on an academic or athletic scholarship.

2011 Annual Tribute Luncheon and Symposium leads to a Greater Memphis

POP Model with Scarf 2011 Annual Tribute Luncheon
2011 TL Naomi Judd & Board

Over 2,000 friends of the Women's Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM) celebrated the organization's vision for a greater Memphis during the events of the 2011 Annual Tribute Luncheon and Symposium which raised over $400,000.
View photos from the Annual Tribute Luncheon, Legends Award Reception, Power of the Purse™ Auction and Youth Leadership Forum.

LEADERSHIP

Women's Foundation Honors Legendary Women

2011 Legends Award Honoree Deanie Parker

(L-R) Legends Award Writer Peggy W. Faulkner, Legends Award Honoree
Deanie Parker and Legends Award Artist Jeane Umbreit at the
2011 Legends Award Reception on Tuesday, April 19, 2011.

The 2011 Legends Award Reception was a stunning event attended by nearly 300 guests. Human Rights Advocate and Featured Speaker, Naomi Tutu, captured the essence of the celebration as she elevated the 2011 Legends Award Honorees and the impact of their life's work. This event was a unique opportunity to harness the power of multi-generational leadership created by the relationship between each 2011 Legends Award Honoree, Artist and Writer.

Learn more about this year's honorees ...

Youth Leadership Forum Essay Contest

The 2011 essay contest provided an opportunity for high school girls to express their voice on an issue critical to their success. Participants were invited to compose a 500-word essay around the theme "Predicting My Future." The Women's Foundation and the Youth Leadership Forum Committee congratulate the winners.

Youth Leadership Forum Essay Contest Winners

The Women's Foundation for a Greater Memphis Salutes
Local, National and Global Women's Leadership

MBQ (Memphis Business Quarterly) 2011 Power Players

WFGM Board of Directors "Power Players"

Kathy Buckman Gibson (Manufacturing) - Chairman of the Board, Buckman; Founding Board Member

Barbara R. Hyde (Philanthropy) - President, J.R. Hyde, III Family Foundation and J. R. Hyde, Sr. Foundation; Founding Board Member and Founding Board Chair

Susan Stephenson (Banking: Administration) - Co-Founder, Co-Chair and President, Independent Bank; 2010-2011 Memphis HOPE Development Chair and Former Board Chair

Gayle S. Rose (Information Technology; Philanthropy) - Principal Owner and CEO, Electronic Vaulting Services Corporation/Chairman, Rose Family Foundation; Founding Board Member and Former Board Chair

Becky Jones West (Marketing/Public Relations) - President and Founder, WestRogers, LLC; 2010-2011 Board Chair and Founding Board Member

Executive Director and CAO Ruby Bright was also featured in the category of Philanthropy

Tri-State Defender 2011 Women of Excellence

TaJuan Stout Mitchell, Administrator, City of Memphis and Tammy O. Young, Human Resources Manager, Harrah's Casino & Hotel Tunica - WFGM Board Members and Gloria Roberts Boyland, Staff Vice President of Service Experience Leadership, FedEx - 2010 Annual Tribute Luncheon and Symposium Corporate Sponsorship Committee Co-Chair

Tennessee Tribune Tennessee's Most Influential and Powerful Women

Joyce F. Thomas, Community Investment Manager, Cummins, Inc. - WFGM Board Member and 2010-2011 Marketing and Communications Chair

2011 Changing the Face of Philanthropy Award Recipients

Ruby Bright - Executive Director and CAO, Women's Foundation for a Greater Memphis

Dr. Musimbi Kanyoro - Population Program Director, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation

Joyce Thorpe Nicholson - Philanthropist, Author and Businesswoman, Victorian Women's Trust

Global Fund for Women names new President and CEO

Dr. Musimbi Kanyoro

ADVOCACY IN ACTION

Policy News and Updates from Tax Credits for Working Families

The Tax Credits for Working Families is a one-stop source for information and resources on key federal and state tax credits that support working families. Read more ...

In This Issue

Our Vision for a Greater Memphis

Grantee Partner Spotlight

2011 Annual Tribute Luncheon and Symposium

2011 Tax Credits

Upcoming Events

WFGM in the News