“This has been a tremendously exciting and productive time for CWIP, stepping up for women and girls during these times of change and uncertainty,” outgoing board co-chair Maricar Ramos told attendees at the CWIP Annual Meeting in August. The event, which drew more than 130 attendees, included a roundup of the year’s wins and a preview of what’s to come.
Ramos presented some of the highlights of the CWIP 2016-17 year, including:
● Expanding the Women’s Leadership Mentoring Program program to add mentoring for mid-career professionals; five mentees were added to the program
● Launching a series of programs on racial equity and justice; “we felt it was important to take a stand with educational opportunities and an open space for discussions.” This theme will also be woven into future programming
● Implemented a new member database and web site
● Annual luncheon raised more than $50,000 and honored Elizabeth Dozier
● Successful events such as Face to Face with Funders, Speed Mentoring, and the Path to Racial Consciousness
● There are 251 CWIP members this year
Ramos reported the organization is ending its fiscal year with healthy reserves. “This allows us to be more innovative in our offerings, focusing on topics that advance women and girls,” she said.
Incoming board co-chair Rachael Marusarz presented the board slate for 2017-18. The slate was approved. Information about the CWIP board can be found here.
Treasurer Tawa Mitchell reported that the organization is in “great fiscal health” and had surpassed its financial goals for the year. This success allows the organization to reinvest into programs such as social justice and community outreach.
The meeting also included recognition of outgoing board members and outstanding volunteers. “These members work behind the scenes; they craft programs, orchestrate opportunities for funders and grantees, execute events, and bring us together for annual luncheons and coordinate communications mechanisms that keep us in the know,” presenters Katie Claussen Bell and Carolyn Nopar said. “We are grateful to you and the talents that you bring.” Outgoing board co-chair Bell and outgoing board member Maria Kim were thanked for their outstanding service. Volunteers Jacki Davidoff, Glynnis Hokenson, Alexis Allegra, Katherine Dreher, and Ann Wilson were also recognized.
CWIP members should keep their eyes open for communication about future events, Bell said. A continuation of the conversations on racial justice is tentatively planned for October 20, and the 2018 Annual Luncheon is tentatively planned for March 21.
--Anne Zender
To see more photos from the CWIP Annual Meeting, please click here.
