Women Supporting Women

Philanthropic leadership in a time of women’s empowerment

“I define a leader as anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes, and who has the courage to develop that potential.”

– Brené Brown, Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.

At Uplift, we honor women through every level of our organizations. Our multigenerational leadership not only enhances the representation needed to support our grant recipients, but also brings diverse, important perspectives to the table.

The ability to hear and learn from women of all ages and backgrounds is invaluable, and truly aids in bringing better support for our grant applicants. These ideals are sincerely recognized at uplift, and crucial in the success of our organization’s efforts. However, despite these opportunities, at Uplift we continue to hear harrowing ordeals from our applicants on a daily basis. The adversities that our grant recipients disproportionately face is proof that our fight for equality and justice is far from over.

We’re fortunate to witness the exorbitant success of women in our lifetime. Our highest-grossing actors and musicians have overcome their male counterparts, female entrepreneurs are becoming billionaires at an increasing rate, and the representation of real, women’s stories are more present than ever in our culture. But, this often isn’t reflective of the reality so many women across our country are living.

Today, we’re witnessing this contrast first-hand in an Arizona primary election. Deja Foxx, a Gen Z congressional hopeful has been making waves in the political landscape as one of the youngest women ever to launch a large-scale campaign. Foxx experienced homelessness as a teen, grew up benefitting from government-assisted programs, such as SNAP and medicaid, ideals she largely based her campaign on. Although she recently lost her special election primary, Foxx represents the success that so many can accomplish despite the struggles of their circumstance. Her tenacity demonstrates the power of her generation and just how important female empowerment can be in changing our culture.

Since Uplift’s founding, our executive director, Angie Heuck, has shared this belief and focused on creating a community of women to help others. Her commitment to female leadership has inspired young leaders and created change for women and children facing crises throughout the country. There’s a responsibility to foster this community of leading women, and Uplift is not afraid to take that challenge head-on. Whether it’s our professional team on the Board of Directors, or our youth leaders on the Girls2Women Advisory Council, all of Uplift’s volunteers and contractors are here to become better leaders and advocates for the communities around us.

Uplift is not alone in creating this culture of empowerment.Throughout the philanthropic world, women are leading the charge in raising money and creating change. According to the U.S. Bureau of  Labor Statistics, women comprise over 75% of those employed in the nonprofit sector. Our leadership is increasing, particularly across fundraising efforts, demonstrating the significant importance of investing in a female workforce.

At the Malala Fund, for example, their largely female workforce is actively changing and advocating for the rights of women across the world. In addition to their diverse and dynamic team, they partner with larger organizations that prioritize bettering female education throughout the world. Like Uplift, the strength of the Malala Fund comes from not only its powerful founder, but also the leadership it fosters within its own team.

Uplift’s entirely female community continues to further our mission of supporting women and children in need across our country. The women at every level of our organization come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences to provide varying perspectives on the issues at hand. Their input is valued and inspiring, and the reason our work can continue. The strength of our organization is the ability to support emerging leaders through mentorship and opportunity. We hope to continue our important fundraising efforts with a team of like-minded and hardworking women who share the belief that when we work together, our mission is possible.

We’re an organization for women, run by women. For more information and to join the cause visit https://www.upliftingwomen.org/.