The latest news, analysis and opinion on the state of low-income women and their families from Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity. For the week ending 8/27/2010: A look at one foundation’s achievements in helping low-income and at-risk girls find confidence and empowerment.  Plus, more than half of babies born into poverty are being raised by mothers who show symptoms of depression.

In today’s rundown: A Women’s Foundation Grantee Partner has a new CEO. | For the first time, voters in Maryland can begin heading to the polls tomorrow.

– The Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital (a Women’s Foundation Grantee Partner) has a new chief executive officer.  Lidia Soto-Harmon took over as CEO last month.  Click here to watch the introductory message she videotaped.

In today’s rundown: How pre-kindergarten programs helped improve one local county’s public schools. | Using humor to draw attention to sexism in the media.

– Montgomery County schools are being highlighted in a new report for their successful pre-kindergarten programs.  The Pew Center on the States study looks at a decade worth of data and found the extra time in school during pre-K was critical to the school district’s success.  Click here to read more.

In today’s rundown: Montgomery County political candidates speak to the nonprofit community via a candidates’ questionnaire.  Two of the candidates in D.C.’s biggest race get ready to go head to head.  Is the District still a city divided by race?

In today’s rundown: Fresh food comes to Ward 8 — at a price.  |  Early voting begins in the District.  |  A different take on the racial achievement gap in public schools.

The latest news, analysis and opinion on the state of low-income women and their families from Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity. For the week ending 8/20/2010: A look at a small nonprofit facing tough times and the impact on one community.  Plus, Wisconsin becomes the latest state to use Medicaid funds for free contraception.

In today’s rundown: A new study links poverty to depression among mothers. | Efforts to narrow the racial achievement gap in D.C. public schools stall. | D.C.’s first woman varsity football coach takes to the field tonight for Coolidge High’s season opener.

Today, we’re celebrating the 90th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage — on this date in 1920, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was certified, giving women the right to vote.  The fight for suffrage was first organized in 1848, when women like Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Sojourner Truth, Lucy Stone, Susan B. Anthony and Lucretia Mott started campaigning at the state and federal levels following the Seneca Falls Convention.

In today’s rundown: Local school districts win millions in federal funds.  |  Get to know more about D.C.’s public schools on DC Public Education Learning Tours.  |  And local attorneys general join others in a national call to shut down Craigslist’s adult services section.

One of the great things about working at an organization like The Women’s Foundation is the opportunity to consistently grow and develop as a professional and as a member of this community.  We recently had a guest in the office who spoke on a topic about which we’re all passionate: helping women improve their lives.  But the conversation took some unexpected turns as we discussed the dimensions of success and how we help women and girls.