STEMsational Women

Tucked away in an unassuming building on Veasley Street, the Nehemiah Community Empowerment Center packs a big punch when it comes to education.

Twenty years ago, Randi Francis, Executive director at the center, moved to North Carolina from New York, New York, with a degree in Computer Science. A woman in STEM herself, she saw that the women around her were having trouble connecting to job opportunities in her field.

“I just went into a community that I knew needed help,” Randi explains.

With this mission, she opened the Nehemiah Community Empowerment Center to provide women with proper training to get jobs in STEM.

One of the center’s most popular courses is the A Plus Certification, an entry-level computer certification for PC computer service technicians. It trains students to install, maintain, customize, and operate PC’s. The other is CORE, a certification which is more hardware oriented.

Now the center offers services such as Apprenticeship Training and Workforce Development, Phenomenal Women in STEM, STEM Academy, and Virtual STEM after school.

“We’re educating the whole family unit,” Randi says.

The center also holds a summer camp for children, which went virtual when COVID-19 hit. However, it did not affect the number or enthusiasm of their campers.

“It was the ability for young girls to really get hands-on experience in building robots and coding and things of that nature,” Randi says on the camper’s curriculum.

The grants from Women to Women allowed the center to expand their outreach with children in the community. Operating on word of mouth advertising, the organization has been trying to increase awareness of their services.

To learn more about The Nehemiah Community Empowerment Center’s mission visit their website: be-a-nehemiah.org.

Author: Ellie Little almylittle.myportfolio.com

Helping others starts with A Simple Gesture

Green grocery bags stuffed with food donations have been a symbol of hope for many hungry families in the Triad.

These bags provide food for the non-profit A Simple Gesture. The organization collects the bags from the porches of more fortunate families to donate to food banks.

Leslie Isakoff, Executive Director A Simple Gesture

A Simple Gesture started in 2015, when the Greensboro High Point area was named the fourteenth hungriest city in the United States.

Leslie Isakoff, Executive Director of the organization, said they started with one goal: ensuring every child below the age of five had access to food.

“For me, hunger isn’t just an empty belly,” Leslie says about the impact of childhood hunger on a community.

Children who experience hunger for more than six months carry this impact into their adult life. They experience higher rates of incarceration, an increased likelihood to suffer from diabetes and cancer, and earn 50% less over their lifetime.

When A Simple Gesture received a grant from Women to Women, it opened up new horizons for the organization. With the money, A Simple Gesture was able to meet with local pediatricians to determine how best to help children meet their nutritional needs.

Women to Women has also aided in relief from COVID-19. Existing food shortages have only worsened with the pandemic. On February 29, hunger in the United States was at 17%. By April 30 it jumped to 42%.

A Simple Gesture was able to keep children fed with Women to Women’s contribution to the COVID Relief Fund. Despite the pandemic, Women to Women continues to help mothers in the community by providing funding to A Simple Gesture.

“Women are actually the most vulnerable and the most likely to be hungry,” Leslie explains. “What you often see is women not eating so their children can eat.”

With A Simple Gesture providing proper nutrition to children, mothers can reallocate their family’s resources towards nourishing themselves.

“We’re just so grateful for Women to Women for taking a chance on us,” Leslie says about A Simple Gesture’s ambitious goal. “Women to Women was able to see the potential in that and make it happen.”

To learn more about A Simple Gesture’s mission and ways to help visit their website asimplegesturegso.org.

Author: Ellie Little almylittle.myportfolio.com

A Call for a Community that Works Together

Where do we go from here?

For the past year and more, here in Guilford County and across the country, we’ve been in a maelstrom of bitter political divisions, many of us convinced that our position is right and the other side is not only wrong, but also downright immoral. 

But now that our votes are cast and the ballots are being counted, there is no longer a benefit to highlighting our differences and fighting over who is right about what’s best for America. Today, what’s best for America is for us to reunite around our shared vision of strong communities with opportunities for all to achieve the American Dream. 

Political campaigns are right to call out differences and explore opposing ideas of how to advance our communities. To make progress, we must have the painful conversations about racism, violence, declining prospects for the middle class, and inequities in health care, education, economic opportunity and more.

Well-meaning people can disagree about how best to address these problems – even if it sometimes infuriates and enrages us to listen to ideas that seem wrong-headed. We all want what is best for our country, and sharing diverse thinking about these and other critical issues will lead us to better solutions. That’s how democracy works.

What does not work is dismissing or reviling one another. While much of our culture has devolved into that black and white, I’m-good-you’re-bad thinking in recent years, we must reclaim our ability to listen, learn and honestly consider each other’s views both respectfully and receptively.   

Regardless of the outcome of this election, we will continue to live together as a community. And today, as the election season ends and the season of giving begins, here are three things we can all do to move forward:

First, support the hundreds of Guilford County nonprofits improving our quality of life and serving our neighbors in need. Whether it’s the food bank, a favorite museum, a tutoring center, or the state parks system, support them however you can – through extra donations, volunteering or telling friends and neighbors about why they matter.

Second, try to believe in the good intentions of those with whom you disagree. Maybe you and your dad don’t share political beliefs, but you can focus on the values you do share – the importance of family, faith, the Constitution, or something else – and strive to listen to his perspective with empathy. This doesn’t mean you have to change your mind, but see what you can learn about his position and how he reached it, even if you think it’s wrong.

And third, break out of your bubble. It’s no secret that we tend to live in echo chambers, as our social media feeds reinforce our existing beliefs, along with the friends we choose to associate with and the news we opt to consume. Make a point of talking with folks who force you to think differently. Many faith communities hold sessions to talk across divides. The libraries, and many online resources also offer opportunities to hear and share different perspectives.

For me, and I suspect for most people, this has been one of the most difficult years of my life. The pandemic, the unrest, the political polarization of our communities… I’m ready for a 2021 of good health and good will.

Let’s build it together!

Author: Stuart Comstock-Gay, President and CEO of the Delaware Community Foundation

**This article has been modified from its original version - the location has been changed from Delaware to Guilford County.

Intentional About Giving Back

Despite changes in leadership at Triad Financial Advisors, Inc., it is holding fast to its strong commitment to philanthropy.

“We need to support the community,” Cameron Aydlett, Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor says. “We especially need to support women, especially since Triad Financial Advisors was founded by a female at a time when women were not prevalent in the financial field.”

Originally founded by Carter Leinster, an alumna of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University, Triad Financial Advisors has been dedicated to empowering women in the community.

The company’s partnership with Women to Women goes back to the very beginning. Along with founding her own company, Carter was also essential in the creation of Women to Women to propel the culture of promoting women-run businesses and organizations. 

In 2013 the new owner, Patrick Rush, wanted to carry on the tradition of giving back to the community.

“He's been very instrumental in making sure that those of us who are interested in participating in Women to Women have that opportunity," Cameron, who is a member of Women To Women herself explains, Patrick has said,” just because I’m male doesn’t mean that I can’t be supportive of women and be respectful of the founder.”

Philanthropy, Cameron explains, is an integral part of Triad Financial Advisors because it is a local business and wants to positively affect its community and express who it is as a company.

Triad Financial Advisors’ role in the community extends to participating in March of Dimes and Toys for Tots. Cameron herself is a member of the Agribusiness Committee in Alamance County.

“I also want to be associated with a group that takes action,” Cameron says. “Yes, we have fun, but in addition to that, it’s making an impact. I have so much respect for that.”

 Author: Ellie Little

Grateful for Community Support

First National Bank (FNB) has been a proud sponsor of Women to Women for many years. Through this partnership and others, FNB has been able to foster the belief that a company is an extension of the community it serves.

Andrea Bunn, a Regional Banking Executive at FNB for the Greensboro/Winston-Salem area, emphasizes how important it is for companies to give back.

“Those in a position to give back should lead by example to make a positive impact,” Andrea says.

Along with Women to Women, FNB works with a variety of other nonprofits and organizations like Junior Achievement of the Triad, to support the local needs of the community and provide assistance in areas such as financial education, entrepreneurship, affordable housing and first time homebuying.

Women to Women holds a special place in the community, Andrea says. The organization provides invaluable services and resources to uplift women so they can improve their quality of life. As a woman in an executive leadership role at a large regional bank, it is important to Andrea to support other women and serve as a role model.

Andrea Bunn

“Many employees, including myself, have seen firsthand the positive impact Women to Women has had on women and young girls in the greater Greensboro area,” Andrea says.

FNB extends its efforts to drive greater inclusion, diversity and equity not just in the community, but also to build up their own culture with equal opportunities for professional growth and success. This ongoing commitment to strengthen the culture of the company helps bring in diverse talent, growing the company with the community.

Andrea has noticed a large nonprofit community in Greensboro, and is thrilled that her company supports this thriving, philanthropic culture.

FNB continues to support Women to Women with their work in the community. Andrea especially looks forward to working together with Women to Women to empower women and provide them with greater access to resources.

“Women to Women helps build stronger women and girls which has an exponential impact,” Andrea says. “Leading to an improved society which in turn helps First National Bank grow.”

Author: Ellie Little

Re.sil.ience

Mary Herbenick has been inspired to build community ever since she moved to Greensboro.  After helping to spearhead Ready for School, Ready for Life, she has recently taken a position at The Kellin Foundation as Director of Development and Resiliency.  

Mary grew up in Dayton, OH which she describes as being very similar in size to Greensboro, but says Greensboro has special qualities she hasn’t experienced in other places she has lived.  She came here for her ex-husband’s work and landed in Lindley Park.  She immediately felt connected through her neighborhood, school and eventually the wider Guilford County community.  She warmed to the way residents look out for each other and pulled together to help their neighbors.  Mary thinks that this culture stems from Greensboro’s Quaker roots or fighting for justice during the Civil Rights Movement.  

She is thrilled to be working with The Kellin Foundation.  The foundation is a direct service mental health provider to 10,000 residents of Guilford County.  They provide quality mental health services to the uninsured and underinsured.  They work together with many other community agencies such as the Greensboro Police Department and Guilford County Schools.  One of their foci is trauma informed care.  Many people have experienced trauma that is affecting their lives and their children’s lives.  Kellin Foundation and Duke University operate the only 2 trauma focused care organizations in our state.

Mary’s focus in helping Kellin build a resilient community is to facilitate us to understand and support those dealing with and/or experiencing trauma.  This involves working to change challenging systems, especially those that perpetuate social and racial injustice.  The issues our community and others consistently are working to prevent (homelessness, food insecurity, joblessness, mental health issues, violence) are often the symptoms of these injustices.  This trauma informed piece essentially is how we can better care for each other.  

She says funders can make a difference by taking a systemic approach to funding assuring their contributions are helping to solve our most pressing needs as a community.

Mary has love and faith in her Guilford county home and is working to help us as a community dig into our deep and far reaching prejudices and live up to Greensboro’s history in the fight for social justice.   

 Author: Carrie Little

Feeding People and Building Community

Kathy Newsom, like many people, is stressed about resources.

The Director of Neighborhood Market Inc., a nonprofit that manages two farmer’s markets: The Corner Market in Lindley Park and The People’s Market in Glenwood.

The markets are tackling the logistics of food distribution by connecting local farmers with neighborhoods who want fairly priced, healthy, delicious food. These 2 farmers’ markets are doing just that by ensuring that they match USDA SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) dollars through donations from The United Way, The American Heart Association, Churches and Individuals.  Matching; doubles their customers’ purchasing power!   The Corner Market and The People’s market are 2 of the few if any that match SNAP benefits dollar for dollar in the Triad.

SNAP provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of people in need so they can purchase healthy food. SNAP is similar to food stamps, but more frequently used at farmers markets because of the great value available from local growers.

Both markets have thrived during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their online ordering, safety measures and outdoor markets make them more important than ever in safely fostering community and supporting local farmers that provide healthy food.

There is a growing need for food assistance due to unemployment and public schools going remote. With need rising,  more neighbors qualify for SNAP benefits and Kathy needs more funding to match their purchases.  Many of our neighbors utilizing SNAP are college students, recently unemployed, and working families living on the edge of financial security.

With demand increasing, matching our neighbors’ SNAP dollars becomes more challenging. These food purchases go right back to our local farmers who will continue to supply our residents with local nutritious food. What a simple, efficient cycle of hope!

 Author: Carrie Little

Women Keep on Trucking Towards Equality

This month, we have celebrated the anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment. Although an important date in our nation’s history, it only allowed white women to get the vote. This fact reflects the ongoing fight for women’s equality for all, that we continue today.

One of the most glaring displays of sexism is in the corporate workforce. In 2019, the Forbes 500 list hit an all-time high of 37 companies with female CEOs - 7.4%. Although women make up 48% of entry level jobs, they narrowed down to 30% at the Vice President level.

Tricia Foody of Women to Women has some sage advice for young women trying to get ahead today. The VP of HR at a trucking company, she knows a thing or two about powering through obstacles. One of her first career obstacles was her timing. Tricia dropped college early to get married. However, she re-enrolled and earned her degree in accounting.

She attributes much of her success to her persistence, but also her natural compassion that is required in HR. With her unique practice of bold empathy, Tricia has excelled and serves as the VP of HR at Best Logistics Group in Kernersville. ( a proud sponsor of Women to Women)

With the pandemic, her job title and responsibilities have also changed drastically. Now that the workplace comes with a new set of responsibilities, Tricia is transitioning to a new definition of workplace safety to keep her employees healthy and productive.

Tricia isn’t the only one in her family whose job has become increasingly important. Tricia discussed with pride her daughter’s career in the medical field. She talked excitedly about her daughter starting her practicum to become a Registered Nurse. At first, Tricia was afraid that her daughter may not get the hands-on training she needed during COVID. However these worries were put at ease, as they gave her thorough training and are now sending her in (the trenches).  Talk about practice!

As someone who has had many roles in life, her advice is: don’t give up. Use the pandemic as an opportunity to learn - challenges only make us better and give us the tools to succeed later on. Use this time to hone a skill that may provide opportunities.

Author: Carrie Little

Friday Feature: The Beirut Explosion Felt Here in Greensboro

One of Women to Women’s own, Ashley Nassar Weeks runs a digital marketing agency Nassar Creative + Soul in Greensboro. However instead of marketing, this week she shared her perspective on American politics. 

Ashley is looking forward to voting in the 2020 Presidential election. With a passion for local politics and bettering her community, she holds degrees in Political Science and Computer Science. 

Ashley is a first-generation United States citizen from Jacksonville, NC. Her father came to Oklahoma from Lebanon. He fought there during the civil war and joined the United States Marine Corps after immigrating. 

She enjoys hearing stories of life in Lebanon as her father’s entire family still lives there. These stories shape Ashley’s passion for politics and appreciation for the United States’ democracy. 

Compared to her family’s experiences in Lebanon, the current turbulence of American politics seems small. Ashley describes the government in Lebanon as Separtarian. Corruption runs high there along with protests, but unlike the US, authorities often use live ammunition, arrests and poison to deter protestors.

Recently Ashley’s ties to Lebanon have become even stronger. Beirut suffered from a catastrophic chemical explosion in early August, killing 172 people and injuring 6,000. The explosion also left 350,000 homeless due to the destruction. Naturally, Ashley’s family is deeply concerned about their family and other suffering in their country.

Due to inflation and COVID bank holding measures, necessary provisions are scarce, and difficult to attain. To help, Ashley has started a collection effort to secure and send needed provisions to the people of Beirut. Some of the most needed items are: baby formula, diapers, masks, feminine products and food. She is working to collect, organize, ship and distribute these supplies to affected individuals and families.

Ashley’s Lebanese roots and appreciation for American democracy has provided a different perspective than some going into the election. She hopes to spread the resources and optimism that she has gained as a United States citizen to Lebanon. 

Please see the google form here to contribute.

Author: Carrie Little

Between Two Worlds: Black Women and the Fight for Voting Rights

Was there ever a time when your voice wasn’t being heard?

During the 19th and 20th centuries, Black women played an active role in the struggle for universal suffrage. They participated in political meetings and organized political societies. African American women attended political conventions at their local churches where they planned strategies to gain the right to vote. In the late 1800s, more Black women worked for churches, newspapers, secondary schools, and colleges, which gave them a larger platform to promote their ideas.

But in spite of their hard work, many people didn’t listen to them. Black men and white women usually led civil rights organizations and set the agenda. They often excluded Black women from their organizations and activities. For example, the National American Woman Suffrage Association prevented Black women from attending their conventions. Black women often had to march separately from white women in suffrage parades. In addition, when Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony wrote the History of Woman Suffrage in the 1880s, they featured white suffragists while largely ignoring the contributions of African American suffragists. Though Black women are less well remembered, they played an important role in getting the Fifteenth and Nineteenth Amendments passed. Black women found themselves pulled in two directions. Black men wanted their support in fighting racial discrimination and prejudice, while white women wanted them to help change the inferior status of women in American society. Both groups ignored the unique challenges that African American women faced. Black reformers like Mary Church Terrell, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, and Harriet Tubman understood that both their race and their sex affected their rights and opportunities.

Because of their unique position, Black women tended to focus on human rights and universal suffrage, rather than suffrage solely for African Americans or for women.

Nine Afro-American women posed, standing, full length, with Nannie Burroughs holding banner reading, "Banner State Woman's National Baptist Convention" (1905-1915).

African American women believed that the issue of suffrage was too large and complex for any one group or organization to tackle alone. They hoped that different groups would work together to accomplish their shared goal. Black suffragists like Nannie Helen Burroughs wrote and spoke about the need for Black and white women to cooperate to achieve the right to vote. Black women worked with mainstream suffragists and organizations, like the National American Woman Suffrage Association.

However, the mainstream organizations did not address the challenges faced by Black women because of their race, such as negative stereotypes, harassment, and unequal access to jobs, housing, and education. So in the late 1800s, Black women formed clubs and organizations where they could focus on the issues that affected them.

After the Nineteenth Amendment was ratified in 1920, Black women voted in elections and held political offices. However, many states passed laws that discriminated against African Americans and limited their freedoms. Black women continued to fight for their rights. Educator and political advisor Mary McLeod Bethune formed the National Council of Negro Women in 1935 to pursue civil rights. Tens of thousands of African Americans worked over several decades to secure suffrage, which occurred when the Voting Rights Act passed in 1965. This Act represents more than a century of work by Black women to make voting easier and more equitable.

Originally posted by National Parks Service

Friday Feature: Fluent in Finance

Tiffany Grant’s wedding flipped the script on the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of keeping people apart, it brought her family closer.

 Her small wedding originally only included immediate family. However, as cancellations began piling up, Tiffany realized she had to make some changes.

Her husband, a videographer, set up equipment to professionally film the ceremony to share virtually.

The redesigned virtual ceremony, officiated by her mother, included forty people - far more than what she had originally planned.

Tiffany is no stranger to strategic planning, though. As an entrepreneur and self-titled “money coach,” she is more than comfortable working through tough situations.

She came to Women to Women when she worked with Triad Financial Advisors. Soon after, she started her own company Money Talk with Tiff. She created the business with the goal to empower people through financial literacy to take control of their life.

Tiffany wants to spread financial awareness and independence to her community with her extensive experience and education.

 Her podcast “Money Talk with Tiff” makes her advice available to all. She is also involved in Junior Achievement where she teaches financial literacy to middle and high schoolers.

Her work with Operation HOPE and the Greensboro Jaycees also empowers people to help their community through financial planning and dedication.

Tiffany is a great asset to Women to Women and all the groups to which she lends her organization and intellect. Financial literacy, Tiffany says, goes beyond just money. It is something that extends to mental wellbeing and happiness - something that we all need.

Author: Carrie Little

Friday Feature: Taste the Joy, Food for All

Paula Sieber hasn’t looked back since leaving her for profit job to renew herself. She entered the nonprofit world when she got wind that the East Greensboro Renaissance Coop closed years ago.

It fueled her mission. Paula wanted to help get clean housing, clean food and clean H2O to our most underserved and most vulnerable neighbors. She wanted to especially cater to homeless, seniors and previously incarcerated residents.

She collaborates with countless others to secure the funds required for big initiatives. Paula taught herself how to write grants. After refining her technique, she says her secret is to make her cause and plan so good they can’t say no. If they do say no, keep at ‘em until they give you what you need. 

She is currently collaborating in developing three projects to help bring wholesome food to food deserts in Greensboro and High Point. 

• The Farmers Market on McConnell Rd. - Hosts famers locally and from other parts of the NC organic and hydroponic farmers bringing fresh food every Saturday.  This market is one of the community facing arms of Guilford Urban Farming Initiative (GUFI.) It is designed to correct the current food system’s structural inequities. Their two strategic initiatives are to bring fresh, whole, affordable foods to local food deserts as it offers new commercial outlets for small farmers of color. They just secured a CARES grant to help make this market have an even great impact to improve food securities in District 1 and District 2.

• The Peacemaker Urban Farm Collaborative - In collaboration with UNC-G, Tiny Homes Community Development, Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation, Walmart, and several others have 6 acres on Freeman Mill Road donated by a local business where they want to create a healthy living and work community. The goal is to have 16 tiny homes, greenhouses and raised beds and pollinator areas. One of the tiny homes is designated for the farm manager who will assist in the day to day management of the farm.

• JM Green Tiny Home Community - On Hay St. in High Point, connects the urban farm movement with their community to bring healthy and fresh food options. There will be 24 raised ADA compliant vegetable and herb beds, a dense orchard, an educational greenhouse, blackberry trellises, and a 272’ x 2’ “Together We Grow the Roots of Community Resilience” childrens’ sidewalk garden.

Paula is enthusiastic about what these collaborations could mean for our neighbors, and so are we! In her spare time, she is looking to rent a motorhome to drive out to Colorado and attend her daughter’s intimate wedding (she isn’t getting on a plane)! The wedding has been postponed two times and Paula hopes the third time's a charm.

Author: Carrie Little

Friday Feature : Lisa Duck and the "Orange Card" guarantee

Since living with COVID-19, we are becoming increasingly more aware of the inequities that surround healthcare. Women to Women member Lisa Duck is the Executive Director of the Guilford Community Care Network (GCCN) whose mission is to ensure all persons have access to quality and affordable health care regardless of their ability to pay.The GCCN, works to provide comprehensive, quality healthcare through a network of volunteer physicians, pharmacies and other healthcare agencies offering services to low-income, uninsured residents of Guilford County.

Eligible applicants receive an “Orange Card”. The “Orange Card” guarantees healthcare access for services within Guilford County. The card gives patients access to everything that the Guilford Community Care Network has to offer no matter their ability to pay.

Lisa explains, “all too often there are barriers for the uninsured and those living in poverty. During this pandemic, the inequities in care are accentuated. By offering up our skills and resources to form a landscape of care for our community we are allowing people to get the care they need”.

How can you help improve overall health and well-being in Guilford County? Lisa suggests the following 3 ideas as a place to start:

1. Be an advocate for policy change that would allow for access equity.

2. Donate and volunteer in non-medical drivers of health such as nutrition and food distribution.

3. Establish open lines of communication to help human connections that will permeate through our entire community.

Author: Carrie Little

Friday Feature: Dr. Schooler and Health on Wheels

With COVID 19 and the movement for racial equality, Dr. Karen Schooler explains that access to quality healthcare for vulnerable communities has become one of our most pressing issues. She is utilizing her unique position to assist in providing access to care for the underserved.

Patients without health insurance, who are low-income, who experience homelessness or housing insecurity, who struggle with substance abuse, or who have insecure immigration status face a litany of care access barriers that can be hazardous to patient health. Because these populations are traditionally marginalized, they may struggle to navigate the medical industry, lack the social support to get to a doctor’s office, be untrusting of the medical establishment, or simply not be able to afford healthcare at a brick and mortar clinic.

As President of the Greensboro Medial Society, Dr Schooler has collaborated with Winston Salem State, A&T, The Grand Magnolias Philanthropy Group, Old North State Medical Society and other organizations to bring Mobile Health Clinics to underserved communities in our area. Mobile Health Clinics are part of a new initiative of academia and the community working together to provide a quality care option for those who face extraordinary challenges accessing care. The mobile clinics are one way to help prevent chronic disease and serious problems by identifying health concerns early.

Dr. Schooler is a new member of Women to Women, whose passion and clarity come at a time when we need it most. Her efforts to help fill in care gaps in order to make Greensboro better for everyone is a blueprint we all should follow. In terms of the future, she hopes that Women to Women will send a new and bold message to amplify the voices of minorities as we work to be better stewards of their time and talents.

Author: Carrie Little

Today we celebrate Juneteenth

Today we are celebrating Juneteenth, the day that enslaved people in Texas learned about the Emancipation Proclamation that President Lincoln had issued more than two years earlier. We do so at a dismal moment in our history, as our nation confronts the horror of police violence against Black people, amidst racial inequities and injustices brought to light by the pandemic.

In celebration of Juneteenth's message of liberation and out of respect for our Black friends and neighbors' anger, sorrow, fatigue, and courage, June 19th provides the opportunity for our whole community to share a day of reflection. We encourage you to pause from your regular work and reflect on both the ongoing history of systemic racial injustice and how it manifests in our neighborhoods, our workplaces, our houses of worship and our families.

To those of us who are not subject to the daily oppression of racism, we need to engage with humanity and honesty, deeply and with humility. We must dedicate ourselves to this in a systematic manner and not only in reaction to a moment of national crisis. We live with ample proof that life chances are fundamentally different. They are to be seen. And yet too often those of us who are not burdened with racism choose not to see, or we choose to explain these disparities away instead of moving to correct them. Change starts with a personal transition and will end in systemic reform. This is the hard work before us, an endeavor to which we as a community should devote our full energy. Let’s start today, on this Juneteenth, working together to resolutely turn our attention toward the mission of anti-racism.   

**For those interested in participating in some local activities:

https://www.greensboro.com/blogs/gotriad_extra/juneteenth-celebration-events-held-virtually-this-year/article_73a40ba6-2fee-538e-b13e-def2204664b6.html

**Additional resources we hope you will find informative and insightful: 

Learn about Juneteenth

https://www.pbs.org/wnet/african-americans-many-rivers-to-cross/history/what-is-juneteenth/

**Read about How to Take a Stand Against Racism

Why White People Freak Out When They’re Called Out About Race

https://www.alternet.org/2015/03/why-white-people-freak-out-when-theyre-called-out-about-race/

Op-Ed: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Don’t understand the protests? What you’re seeing is people pushed to the edge 

https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2020-05-30/dont-understand-the-protests-what-youre-seeing-is-people-pushed-to-the-edge

 75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice

https://medium.com/equality-includes-you/what-white-people-can-do-for-racial-justice-f2d18b0e0234

 7 things Black people want their well-meaning white friends to know (and view the 4 min video Your Black Friend) 

https://www.upworthy.com/7-things-black-people-want-white-people-to-know

10 common phrases that are actually racist AF. 

https://www.upworthy.com/10-common-phrases-that-are-actually-racist-af

George Floyd, Minneapolis Protests, Ahmaud Arbery & Amy Cooper | The Daily Social Distancing Show (18 min video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4amCfVbA_c

NCCJ: Check out Talking About Race, the new web portal of digital tools and resources from the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture. 

https://nmaahc.si.edu/learn/talking-about-race

Friday Feature - Where Do We Go From Here?

“When the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro was founded 37 years ago, the founders’ vision was to create an organization for the community to rely on in times of need. An organization for individuals to be able to give back to their community, and an organization for leaders to be collaborative around critical community issues.  Never has that vision been more relevant than in today’s times.” - Walker Sanders, President of the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro

In today’s times many are found asking themselves, “What now? Where do we go from here?”. While that question may be hard to answer and look different to everyone, we looked to our own board and leaders in Women to Women for answers. 

Speaking with Yulonda Latham, Vice President Latham Entertainment and W2W board member, is always insightful.  Not only is she kind and gentle, she provides a thoughtful and grounded perspective.  These qualities help to make her an effective leader and collaborator.  It is no wonder that she served as the co-chair of Women to Women last year and we thrived under her leadership; expanding our advisory council and gaining needed perspective.

Yulonda hopes to see a more diverse council of women representing W2W. Not just for the sake of being diverse but for the sake of gaining a more encompassing perspective on how to meet the needs of our community.  When asked “how do we accomplish this?”, Yulonda had 2 clear ideas that she shared.

“Physically meet people where they are.  Go learn more about organizations and communities outside of yours to gain perspective. Stand with people where they are.  Not from where you are.

Secondly, be the best you.  As others get to know you, you become a representative for all that you are involved in, including W2W.  We have an amazing organization that cares deeply about our neighbors and that in itself is a testament to W2W.”

If Yulonda is any example of the women that our organization attracts, we are headed in the right direction.  Though, still we have so much work to be done in building the diverse board perspective we need to best serve ourselves and our larger community.

As an organization who’s mission is to help women and families in our Greensboro community, that includes all families. Especially the Black community, who are still under the thumb of racism.  We have, and will continue to dedicate the time to listen, learn, and support our community and we are committed to amplifying Black voices. We aim to not only speak out against racism, but to be actively anti-racist.

Author: Carrie Little

Friday Feature - Money and Masks

Women to Women (W2W) attracts women that are passionate about their community and neighbors.  One of our newest members, Michelle Schneider is the VP and Chief Philanthropy Officer of Cone Health.  When Michelle accepted the position of Chief Philanthropy Officer just over a year ago, little did she know she would be counting masks as often as money.  

Many people are not aware that Cone Health is a nonprofit that relies on donations to operate. These donations have become more important and more varied during these uncommon times. “We are overwhelmed with gratitude by the contributions of goods and services from the community”, says Michelle. Cone has seen support in a variety of ways from food, medical supplies and masks to heartfelt letters of thanks and they are accepting each donation from the community with deep gratitude. “The love and encouragement we receive daily keeps us going and strengthens our resolve. We just can’t say it enough. Thank you!”  

COVID-19, is re-defining philanthropy. Now more than ever, we need to be responsive to the rapidly changing health care needs.   As the situation evolves, so do the needs, some that are easily identified and others that we cannot predict. Donated funds to Cone Health will help increase access to personal protective equipment for staff, provide technology so that patients can stay connected with loved ones and provide meals to patients sheltering in place. Money will also be used to meet future needs such as housing staff who may have been infected by coronavirus or who wish to self-isolate to protect their families.

Please watch this amazing video Michelle shared on how our community is supporting Cone Health during this pandemic.

https://youtu.be/_Ztm2SvPDoU

If you would like to make a donation or learn more please visit the Cone Health COVID-19 Support Fund.

Author: Carrie Little

Friday Feature - It Just Takes One Woman

Think one person can’t make a difference? Meet Paige Cox! One woman who inspired an army of people to help keep health-care workers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Paige is the Founder and Executive Director of Reconsidered Goods, a non-profit to reduce waste through reuse. Reconsidered Goods takes donated materials from manufacturers and individuals and helps divert them from the landfill and instead, puts these items and materials into the hands of artists, makers, teachers and kids to create something new. 

When Guilford County issued a stay-at-home order in response to COVID-19, Reconsidered Goods was required to close its doors.  Paige used this time working at home sewing protective fabric masks. It did not take long before she realized there was also a need for protective face shields, and she thought about all of the items she had at Reconsidered Goods. She was able to turn donated items like elastic straps, clear plastic sheets into personal protective see-through shields. After posting photos of what she was doing on social media, others wanted to help, and the effort took off.

Paige shifted from making the masks and shields to assembling kits for others to take and help make them. Each kit has enough materials to make about 50 shields or 50 no-sew masks. She stuffs each kit into a plastic bag with instruction on how to assemble and hangs them on a picket fence outside her home for people to pick up. People pick up the kits assemble them and bring them back the next day.

Thus, the army was formed! The network of volunteer mask and face shield makers calls itself the PPEople Brigade, PPE being an acronym for personal protective equipment. Paige created a website and Facebook page to inspire others to create grassroots networks in their cities. It was no surprise to learn that a new PPEople Brigade has already sprung up in the Triangle following the blueprint Paige created.

The one woman turned army is sending out masks and shields each week by the thousands. The PPEolpe Brigade is helping healthcare workers on the front lines as well as patients that are without masks in lower income areas, here at home and all over the world. This week the Brigade has extended its reach all the way to Malawi, Africa!

Want to be part of this amazing woman’s volunteer army? Stop by the fence at 908 Fairmont Street in Greensboro and pick up a kit ~ It’s that easy!

Friday Feature - Women To Women Supporting Their Neighbors

In the wake of the COVID 19 pandemic we see much of our community “shut down.” This creates more work for some and less work for others. There is too much to be sad about. I don’t need to list those here, for we are painfully aware of what our neighbors may be experiencing.  

Yet, it is comforting to see organizations may shut down, but people don’t. People keep at it, especially in a strong resilient community like Greensboro/Guilford County. We are holding food drives, providing meals to those in need, changing the way we educate our students, distributing laptops to students, sending more flowers, providing safety for our employees, sewing masks, assembling face shields, sharing toilet paper and wipes with our neighbors,  providing childcare to essential workers, dancing on TikTok for laughs, putting up yard signs, organizing efforts for graduates, … the list goes on.  

Women to Women is keeping at it. They are giving early and generously to their community.  Women to Women voted unanimously to donate $75,000.00 to Greensboro’s Virus Relief Fund. This relief fund is providing grants to Greensboro nonprofits that are directly supporting our neighbors most impacted during this crisis. To date GVRF has received a total of $1,345,138 that has been distributed to 58 local nonprofits helping thousands of individuals and families.  

We, as a county and city, will keep working to serve our neighbors.  The people in Greensboro/Guilford County are generous and have built a strong nonprofit network to care for our residents.  If you or your organization would like to donate to the Greensboro Virus Relief Fund go to: Greensboro’s Virus Relief Fund.  Take care and stay safe.