At a time when incivility seems rampant, many women are doubling down on the importance of growing civil society by building bridges, creating community, and using innovative tools to seek solutions for pressing problems in the U.S. and across the globe. They are doing what women have always done throughout American history – actions often omitted in the history books – strengthening democracy through their philanthropic efforts in civil society.
DREAM. DARE. DO. Women, Philanthropy, and Civil Society, a national symposium organized by the Women’s Philanthropy Institute, highlights 27 bold, innovative women who will share their experiences in building civil society March 14-15 at the Chicago Marriott Downtown, 540 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago. In addition to showcasing women’s philanthropic leadership in civil society, the symposium will increase awareness broadly about women’s ongoing commitment to private action in the public square.
Among the 27 speakers are:
- Dr. Dara Richardson-Heron, CEO of the YWCA USA, and Susan Danish, executive director of The Association of Junior Leagues International, who will discuss how their established women-founded, women-led organizations have adapted to cultural, political, and social shifts over time to stay relevant and vibrant.
- Becky Straw, co-founder of The Adventure Project, a nonprofit start-up that leverages technology and data to connect donors and recipients across continents
- Carrie Schwab Pomerantz, Chair & President, Charles Schwab Foundation, on leveraging all her resources to advance financial literacy
- Trista Harris, philanthropic futurist and president of the Minnesota Council on Foundations, who will speak about what women’s philanthropy must consider to meet future challenges
- Kimberly Jung, a U.S. veteran who co-founded Rumi Spice with other veterans to source saffron from Afghan farmers in an economic partnership.
The conference agenda is designed to help attendees think critically about what it means to be a woman philanthropic leader in the 21st century, to assess skills needed to advance and accelerate solutions to pressing problems, and to develop steps to move beyond dreams into action. In small-group, facilitated discussions, attendees will identify and prioritize actions to take individually and collectively when they return home.
About the Women’s Philanthropy Institute
The Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI) is part of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. WPI increases understanding of women’s philanthropy through rigorous research and education, interpreting and sharing these insights broadly to improve philanthropy. Follow us on Twitter @WPIinsights and “Like” us on Facebook.
About the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is dedicated to improving philanthropy to improve the world by training and empowering students and professionals to be innovators and leaders who create positive and lasting change. The school offers a comprehensive approach to philanthropy through its academic, research and international programs and through The Fund Raising School, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, and the Women’s Philanthropy Institute. Follow us on Twitter or “Like” us on Facebook.