New sWIFT Masthead Dec2012
New Members

Angela Scholl

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Member Referrals

Jennifer Neely

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Seeking In-Home
Socials Hosts!
Looking for a low-key opportunity to meet other WIF members? Need a casual girls night out? Want to bring a small group of members together to explore common interests? Then WIF in-home neighborhood socials are just for you!

WIF neighborhood in-home socials seek to fill the gap and provide more opportunities for this interaction for members from all walks of life.

If you're interested in hosting an event, please contact:
Paula Broadwell at paula@thinkbroader.org
or
Claire Samuels at CSamuels@jmdlaw.com 
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Women's Impact Fund Group
by clicking on the "Join Group" button. 
 
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Arts Leaders Share Stories at Wine & Wisdom
By Susan Patterson  
A cold, rainy night could not dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd of 115 WIF members and guests at the annual Wine & Wisdom event on February 22 at Charlotte Ballet.
(L-R) Andi Stevenson, Adrienne Dellinger, Devlin McNeil, Brenda Tindal & Ayisha McMillan Cravotta 
Andi Stevenson, executive director of The Lee Institute,led a panel of four arts leaders in a wide-ranging discussion of why they chose to work in the cultural sector, their personal leadership style and even bad bosses.

The four panelists were Devlin McNeil, executive director and president of Community School of the Arts; Adrienne Dellinger, executive director of Clayworks; Brenda Tindal, staff historian at Levine Museum of the New South; and Ayisha McMillan Cravotta, academy director for Charlotte Ballet.

Acknowledging that the arts sector is perhaps not as "conspicuous in this banking town," all remain bullish on the arts and culture sector in Charlotte. Many, they said, don't know about the smaller, hidden gems.

"The depth, breadth and caliber of the arts are under the radar here," said  Ayisha.

When Devlin responded to the very first question, "Why do you work in the cultural sector?" with "I used to be a banker!" laughter erupted. However, she added, she believes in the mission of her work and the access, creativity and innovation it offers.
READ MORE   
Mission Moment: Trees Charlotte
By Jennifer DeWitt
Charlotte is a city known for its beautiful tree-lined streets and scenic roadways. In addition to being attractive, an urban forest supports cleaner air, reduced energy use, increased property values and an overall more livable city.  To help sustain Charlotte's landscape, TreesCharlotte was established in 2012 as a public/private non-profit organization to grow and diversify Charlotte's tree canopy by planting trees and promoting stewardship and education. 

In 2014, the Women's Impact Fund provided a $96,000 grant to TreesCharlotte for NeighborWoods, an innovative program established to replenish and sustain Charlotte's tree canopy in the deforested and underserved areas of Charlotte.  The goal was to plant 1,800 new trees with the funding in area parks, neighborhoods and schools while also informing and educating the communities about tree stewardship. Residents were actively engaged in leading and participating in the projects.
READ MORE 
WIF Central is on the MOVE!
After calling the Foundation For The Carolinas Building home for many years, we are searching for a new space.  FFTC has been wonderful to WIF, but as they expand their amazing work in the community, they need all available space for their growing staff.

Anne Essaye, Incoming Board Chair, is leading a task force to find a new space.  The task force is exploring all options and welcomes additional help from our members.  If you know of a good location, we welcome suggestions or feedback.  Please contact Anne at aessaye@aol.com.
WIF Member News needs YOU!
WIF members, we want to hear from you!  WIF Member News depends totally on you!  Please send us news of a new job, new volunteer leadership role, a new addition to your family, a big move or anything else you'd like to share with your family of WIF friends. Email: communications@womensimpactfund.org
UPCOMING EVENTS!
In-Home Social: SouthEnd/Dilworth
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
6 - 8 pm
Hostesses: Sarah Paris & Amy Jacobs

New Member Engagement Monday
Monday, March 7, 2016
5:30-7:30pm
Dean & Deluca - Phillips Place

Save the Dates!
Member Recruitment Event
Monday, April 11, 2016
5:30-7:30pm
MetLife
11225 North Community House Road

Lunch & Learn
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Crisis Assistance Ministry

Annual Meeting
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
in the evening
Foundation For The Carolinas
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For more information on upcoming WIF events,
click HERE