These Black women philanthropists are leading through generosity to create positive impact around the world
Today, the Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI), part of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, announced the honorees of the Black Women Give Back List, an initiative to showcase the important work and contributions of Black women philanthropists. Created in partnership with Black Philanthropy Month (BPM) and The Women Invested to Save the Earth (WISE) Fund, the campaign spotlights 10 outstanding philanthropists who are making an impact for Black women and girls by leading through generosity. “We’re delighted to collaborate with WPI and others to bring more visibility to the often unsung Black heroines of philanthropy worldwide,” said Dr. Jacqueline Copeland, founder of both BPM and WISE.
Building on existing research that demonstrates the unique perspectives women across race and ethnicity bring to philanthropy and recognizes women as leaders for racial justice causes, this list highlights the important work and contributions Black women philanthropists have made around the world.
The 10 honorees featured in the 2023 Black Women Give Back List are:
- Dahabo Ahmed-Omer, CEO, The BlackNorth Initiative
- Akira Barclay, Founder, Fresh Philanthropy
- Ciara Coleman, Founder, Geaux Girl Giving
- Gisele Garraway, Founder and CEO, THRIVEfunds
- Magdaline Habiba Musa, Founder and Executive Director, One Tribe Initiative
- Aline Odara, Executive Director, Fundo Agbara
- Mandy Olowu, Founder, Hope Ambassadors and Child Care Organization
- Elizabeth Thompson, CEO, The CAFE Group
- Nyamekye Wilson, Founder and CEO, Black Sisters in STEM (Black SiS)
- Tsehai Wodajo, Executive Director, Resources for the Enrichment of African Lives
The honorees were featured in a video highlighting the initiative.
Their contributions will be showcased on August 31 with Reunity: The Black Women Give Back Awards, a virtual, international summit in collaboration with the Women's Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University's Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. “Our giving is about power to create a better future today. Black communities, especially Black women, are everyday feminists creating solutions that benefit us all—let’s fund them!” said Latanya Mapp Frett, Black Philanthropy Month co-sponsor and Global Fund for Women President and CEO. Click the link to register for Reunity: The Black Women Give Back Awards.
Black Philanthropy Month and Reunity are programs of the Women Invested to Save Earth (WISE) Fund. WISE curates and produces BPM and Reunity with the support of a global leadership council representing its constituents.
About the Women’s Philanthropy Institute
The Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI) is part of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IU Indianapolis. WPI increases understanding of women’s philanthropy through rigorous research and education, interpreting and sharing these insights broadly to improve philanthropy. By addressing significant and groundbreaking research questions and translating that research into increased understanding and improvements in practice, WPI helps to leverage new and expanded resources for the common good.
About the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IU Indianapolis 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 undergraduate, graduate, certificate and professional development programs, its research and international programs and through The Fund Raising School, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, the Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy and the Women’s Philanthropy Institute. Follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, or Instagram, and “Like” us on Facebook.
About Black Philanthropy Month
Supported by its backbone organization, The Women Invested to Save Earth Fund, partners, as well as generous sponsors, Black Philanthropy Month is a global philanthropy celebration and cross-sector funding equity action coalition founded by Dr. Jackie Bouvier Copeland in 2011 to celebrate and empower Black giving and funding in all its forms, including donations and investments to strengthen Black communities everywhere. Recognized by the United Nations and 45 other governmental bodies, BPM continues to grow, building on the 20 million people from 60 countries that have celebrated it from inception. BPM is proud of its new initiatives, the BPM Brazil Campaign, BPM UK, and BPM Colombia.