sWIFt - August 17, 2017

NEW MEMBERS

Jennifer Cory

Betsy House

Pamela Jefsen

Lisa Luth

Carmalita Monroe

Carmen Hooker Odom

Catherine Passaretti

Tracy Lyons Tozier

Upcoming Events

Fall Recruitment Event

Monday, September 11
6-8:30pm

Ruth's Chris Steak House - SouthPark

6000 Fairview Road
Register Now

New Member Monday

Monday, September 18
5:30-7:30pm
Corkbuzz
4905 Ashley Park Lane,
Suite J
Invitation forthcoming!

Save the Date!

Social Hour for Social Issues
Monday, October 2

Also, check out the WIF
MEMBERS FACEBOOK GROUP

Spotlighting the Spark Initiative

by Jean Miller

In case you missed the announcement in June, we are putting the spotlight again on the Spark Initiative, a new Women's Impact Fund effort to help spark positive change in our community.

Members of our Grants Task Force worked hard over 18 months to bring innovation and collaboration to our already strong, respected grants process. Given the Opportunity Task Force's recently released recommendations, we believe the time is right to set the stage for partnerships with other philanthropic leaders to address critical needs in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.

In alignment with WIF's Strategic Goal #2, the Spark Initiative supports bold leadership, bringing flexibility for identifying and funding projects outside of our traditional high impact grant-making process. The board has approved allocating $50,000 from the LEAP Fund for our initial grant. Susan Patterson will chair the working group leading the Spark Initiative. She is a past Women's Impact Fund Board Chair and experienced grant-maker, recently retired from the Knight Foundation.

Our Board of Directors and Board of Advisors will receive a joint update on the Spark Initiative Sept. 27, and more information will follow once the work team meets and has news to share. In the meantime, if you have comments or questions, please contact Susan at [email protected].

Coming Soon: A WIF Branding Makeover

by Melissa Hovey

We are getting a makeover! The Women's Impact Fund website and logo are currently being revised to reflect a more contemporary look and feel while also representing our bold network of women. We are fortunate to work with local

Charlotte marketing and digital agency The Idea People (TIP) on this important transformation for our organization. TIP has 21 years of experience helping hundreds of large corporations transform their brand and digital image. We're honored that they have offered their services to WIF pro bono. More to come on this exciting transformation!

Become a WIF Community Partner!

Interested in having the Women's Impact Fund recognize your business at our events, through our website and in the media? Become a WIF Community Partner today! Benefits include:

*   Recognition on printed materials, including banners and programs
*   Website publicity through logo placement and live links
*   Free tickets to WIF events

All sponsorships must be finalized by Friday, September 15. For more information, contact Ellen Rankin or Sara Page Waugh.

WIF Me mber News


Sandra James

The Board of Directors of the Women's Inter-Cultural Exchange (WIE) has named Sandra James as Interim CEO. Sandra will begin this role on August 1. WIE, founded in 2006 and based in Charlotte, builds bridges of social capital among women of diverse cultures, fosters cross-cultural awareness and develops infrastructure for community dialogue, engagement and programs.

Cynthia Beiler recently left Adams Outdoor Advertising to open her own consulting firm, where she is helping companies develop or retool their strategic approach to sales, inclusive of process improvement, lead development, talent acquisition and onboarding, leadership and culture development.


	Emery James Susong

Baby girl Susong made her appearance a little early this weekend! Emery James was born at 4:09pm on Saturday, August 12, weighing in at 6 lbs, 6 oz. Mom Katie Susong reports everyone is doing great and adjusting to being a family of three now!

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: [email protected]