Greetings!
"The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it." ~C.C. Scott
February is a month designed to honor the essence of love and the caring heart. It is also set aside to recognize the many accomplishments and achievements of African-Americans, designated as Black History Month. We salute both!
These are some of the many ways we are reminded of the strength and resiliency of the human spirit. Through our work, we are able to share in the experience of dedication and kindness that lift the spirits of women and children who are increasing economic
security and creating a pathway to prosperity.
Through your continued support and the partnerships we have established over the years, we know the efforts of the programs that we invest in are committed to empowering one family at a time. From our heart to yours, we thank you.
In March, we are looking forward to announcing the Annual Tribute Luncheon and Symposium Keynote Speaker and the 2014 Legends Award Honorees.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Get Ready for Second Annual Modern Day Woman's Conference
WFGM and the Young Women Philanthropists are hosting the second annual Modern Day Woman's Conference (MDWC), presented by Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women. It will kick off with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at a Mix & Mingle on Friday, March 7th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at 999 S. Shady Grove Rd., Ste. 301, hosted by United Capital Private Wealth Counseling. On Saturday, March 8th, the day-long conference opens with registration at 8:00 a.m. at Garrett Auditorium (6027 Humphreys Blvd.) and features nine distinct workshops conducted by Memphis' leading women in business, entrepreneurship, philanthropy/non-profit, finance and healthcare.
The event is highlighted by two dynamic keynote speakers:
Mary Singer, CEO of CRG Sustainable Solutions will headline as the opening keynote speaker with a message centered around branding yourself and building your business.
Latosha Dexter, Attorney at Rainey, Kizer, Reviere & Bell will deliver the luncheon keynote message on creating a life of balance and inspiring others. The day will conclude at 4:00 p.m. with a head-turning fashion show sponsored by Ann Taylor LOFT and K'Presha Boutique. Tickets for the event are $65 (continental breakfast and lunch is included). Sponsored by: Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women, Herbalife Family Foundations, United Capital Private Wealth Counseling, Rainey, Kizer, Reviere & Bell, PLC, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, and Stern Cardiovascular Foundation.
Follow the MDWC on Twitter @mdwconference! Join the conversation with #MDWC2014
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PHILANTHROPY
Rebirth of the Dream Strikes a Chord
The Women's Foundation is a collaborative partner with Mei-Ann's Circle of Friends and several non-profit organizations to present Rebirth of the Dream, a musical composition inspired by the speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The project will tell a part of Memphis' history through original symphonic music that captures the collective memory of the MLK assassination.
Mei-Ann's Circle of Friends will present the Rebirth of the Dream concert on May 16, 2014. Following the concert, part two of The Dream Project will commence with an in-depth educational curriculum that will pair orchestra members with students in the civic classes of elementary schools and use music to teach the iconic story of MLK, and how his assassination taking place in Memphis put the community on a different trajectory. For more information on the Rebirth of the Dream, please visit the website and read more about the story.
You Shop, Amazon Gives to Your Favorite Cause
You can support the Women's Foundation every time you shop on Amazon. AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you'll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization.
To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device using your existing login information if you have an account.
You may also want to add a bookmark to AmazonSmile to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile. Read more...
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LEADERSHIP
Three WFGM Board Members Receive Honors from Mayor A C Wharton
Three WFGM board members were among nine honorees who received the Ruby R. Wharton Outstanding Women Awards. MLG&W Director of Communications Gale Jones Carson and activist/philanthropist TaJuan Stout Mitchell received the award for public awareness. Carolyn Chism Hardy, President/CEO of Chism Hardy Investments received the business award. Additional honorees included: The Honorable Henri Brooks, Shelby County Commissioner; past WFGM board member Meri Armour, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital President/CEO; Deborah Clubb, Executive Director of the Memphis Area Women's Council; and Rosalva King, CEO and founder of Visa and Immigration Services Assistance Inc.
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Rosemarie Fair
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WFGM Board Member Featured in The Memphis News
Board member and Legends Award Committee Co-Chair Rosemarie Fair, owner of One Source Commercial, Inc. was highlighted in The Memphis News for breaking barriers in commercial real estate. Read more...
Two YWP members receive 20 under 30 award
Young Women Philanthropists are on the move and two were recently selected to the Memphis Flyer's 20<30 List. Elle Perry, Coordinator for the Teen Appeal at the University of Memphis and Bernice Butler, the newly named Director of Memphis Talent Dividend for Leadership Memphis joined 18 other rising stars on the list. Read more...
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GRANTEE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Youth Striving for Excellence

Youth Striving for Excellence's (YSE) Leadership and Job Readiness Program prepares youth for employment opportunities and/or higher education. The program increases their awareness of realistic skills such as interviewing techniques, résumé writing, life skills and financial management that they will need to become more competitive in the job market. The program also offers tutoring and ACT/SAT preparation.YSE is making strides with job readiness training for youth and is also providing sessions where children are creating vision boards to balance their core values and vision along with ACT practice testing and weekly tutoring. YSE is partially funded by Young Women Philanthropists
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ADVOCACY IN ACTION
Safe Sleep Campaign Aims to Reduce Infant Mortality
 Safe Sleep, a campaign initiated by Healthy Shelby, urges parents and other caregivers to always put a baby to sleep on its back. The campaign increases awareness of safe sleep practices to reduce preventable sleep-related infant deaths. Find out more about Safe Sleep...
Income Inequality Spurs National Debate
During President Obama's State of the Union address, equal pay for women and increasing the minimum wage were major topics addressed. Two-thirds of minimum wage earners are women. A disproportionate number of women in the workforce hold the lowest-paying jobs, a fact that contributes to the gender pay gap. This means that women and families are far more likely to benefit from a wage increase. Read more...
Can you live on minimum wage? Find out how many hours you would have to work earning the lowest legal pay.
Use this Minimum Wage calculator.
Poverty and Opportunity Profile: Millennial Americans
 The Millennial generation needs high-quality jobs, support for the long-term unemployed, improved college affordability, and aid for those with high student debt. Policy solutions-such as increased workers' wages, benefits for younger employees, paid sick leave, and more programs to address youth unemployment and job training-not only will improve young people's economic security but also will lead to gains for all workers and our economy as a whole.
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WFGM Annual Report
With generous support from donors like you, the Women's Foundation has been able to make vast accomplishments locally, regionally and nationally.
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UPCOMING EVENT
Girl Power: Real Talk
Spring Break Workshop Series
March 12-14, 2014
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Memphis Urban League 413 S. Cleveland
Free to all 6th - 8th grade girls Registration deadline is Wednesday, March 5 Click here to register |
LEGENDS AWARD
ART EXHIBITION

The Legends Art Exhibit is on display at the University of Memphis
in the McWherter Library.
To host the exhibit, please e-mail Kesha R. Whitaker or call 901.969.2405 for more information.
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WFGM VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Administrative Support
Clerical Communications & Marketing
Data Entry
Special Event Support
To volunteer, e-mail Joyce Presley or call 901-969-2406.
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Kroger Plus Card Community Rewards
Use your Kroger Plus card to earn points that turn into rewards for WFGM. By signing up your card on Kroger's Community Rewards website, you can select the Women's Foundation as your organization of choice. Best of all, it won't interfere with your fuel points. Learn more ...
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ADVOCACY IN ACTION
If you suspect someone is a victim or you witness activity you believe to be related to sex trafficking, call the Tennessee Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-855-55-TNHTH. You can also visit: StopSexTraffickingInTN.com
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We Want to Hear from You!
Each month we receive information about incredible women doing incredible things.
If you have a story about a phenomenal woman who is impacting the community, transforming women's lives and the face of poverty and supporting the work of the Women's Foundation, we want to hear from you.
Please make suggestions or submit information regarding potential e-news stories to Kesha R. Whitaker
or call 901-969-2405.
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