There’s a growing movement of women who have given a million dollars to help women and girls. And hey, with women starting business and graduating from colleges and universities at record levels, isn’t it time? One of our own, Julie Jensen, will be honored next week at the National Capitol Philanthropy Day for her giving way above and beyond any call of duty—and for her passion for investing in women and youth. Julie is leading a new generation of women philanthropists.

For years, she has quietly and consistently helped to build key community institutions like the Latin American Youth Center. She gives her time, money, brains and heart. In the picture from left to right is Marjorie Sims, Stacey D. Stewart, Anne Mosle, Julie Jensen and Ruth Goins. She answered our call to serve as an Honorary Chair of Stepping Stones, our initiative designed to build the financial independence of low-income women who are heading families in our community. She stepped up with a leadership gift of a million dollars and has spoken across the country with other women donors, non-profit leaders and women clients. Julie, a widow, knows how hard it is to raise two sons alone—even when you have resources. She is one of the many women saying “I care. I want to give and get involved.”

Read more about her next Friday when she receives her award. In the meantime, I want to do my bit to pop women’s philanthropy. As you know, we have a challenge gift in play – with less than $10,000 to raise to meet our goal of $50,000. I will match any pledges made via this blog up to $1,000. Just let me know who you are and why you care! Pop!

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 24th, 2006 at 5:41 pm and is filed under Blog, Giving Back, Volunteer. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.