It seems like only yesterday I was attending my very first event at The Women’s Foundation: The Leadership Awards reception.
The Leadership Awards Program is a signature program of The Women’s Foundation that identifies and recognizes local – but largely undiscovered – nonprofits demonstrating innovation and measurable success in the service of women and girls.
The event started out as so many others, with snacks and drinks, friendly chit chatting, and meeting new friends and old. It was lovely, but also very reminiscent of a number of other receptions I had attended before.
That was about to change.
As the program began and the awards committee co-chairs began to introduce the recipient organizations, I could feel the whole tenor of the room change. I was immediately enthralled with the work of these organizations and the individuals working within them. All of these incredible organizations were doing work right here in my own back yard!
More amazingly, I had never heard of most of them! I realized then that though I had lived in the area of the last 10 years, I did not really know my own community.
By the end of the awards presentations, this ordinary reception had become an extraordinarily inspirational event – and not just for me. As I looked around the room, I could see that many other attendees had been as amazed and inspired as I was. (See event photos!)
Today, I am part of the great process that brought these wonderful organizations to the attention of so many others that evening back in March 2008. I am working with at least 45 volunteers eager to get to work on what will no doubt be a challenging, but engaging selection process.
As was the case last year, the Leadership Awards are focused on organizations working to improve the health and safety of women and girls.
I can’t wait to see what hidden gems we uncover!
But we all know that we can’t do this alone. To uncover gems like these, we need the involvement of many people.
We have officially opened nominations for organizations to be considered for the 2008 Leadership Awards.
Additionally, I encourage all of you to get involved in identifying innovative and emerging organizations – many of them operating below the radar – working to improve the health and safety of Washington-area women and girls. Visit TheWomensFoundation.org to learn more about how YOU can help the Leadership Awards committee by either joining a regional team or nominating an area nonprofit.
We will continue to welcome new members to the committee through October 24, 2008.
If you are interested in joining, please complete and return the volunteer commitment form and be prepared to attend the kick-off meeting on Tuesday October 28th from 6-9 p.m.
Or, to nominate an organization for a Leadership Award, click here.
Nicole Cozier is The Women’s Foundation’s philanthropic education officer.
