Today’s Portrait Project 2010 fact is one of the most mind-blowing statistics you’ll find in the report: the average annual cost of full-time center-based infant care is 52 percent of the median annual income for a single mother with children in the District.

As journalists, my mom and I are often considered powerful women.

But we know that true power comes from much more than a job or a public voice. It stems from collective action and dedication to postive change–in ourselves, our families, our community and the world.

Last week’s Leadership Luncheon was as powerful as ever, but also a bit peculiar, in a good way.

Perhaps it was because it provided our community a much needed break from the pessimistic news we’ve been pummeled by, and offered a moment – or a few hours – to reflect on the possibility of hope.

Hobo International is honored to participate in Washington Area Women’s Foundation’s 10th anniversary Leadership Luncheon!  What a wonderful opportunity for us as women to focus our energy in celebration of the power of women, and the incredible triumphs that result from the power of giving.

I am so excited that Dr. Johnnetta Cole is going to be speaking at this year’s Leadership Luncheon.  I admire her and the work she is doing tremendously.

I was thrilled to hear that Dr. Johnetta B. Cole would be the keynote speaker at The Women’s Foundation’s upcoming Leadership Luncheon on October 15th!

In my work on gender issues, I am acutely aware of the disproportionate impact that poverty has on women—–and when women are mothers, on their daughters and sons.

After taking a few weeks off this summer, I’ve returned to The Women’s Foundation re-energized and excited about the coming months.

On Wednesday, the day our challenge grant closed more than $25K over our goal, I couldn’t help but notice the serendipity when I saw this headline across my reader: "Women step up in philanthropy."

Don’t they ever.

Well, I just came out of a wrap-up meeting of the Development Committee about our fantastic Leadership Luncheon.  Who would have believed it was possible to raise a million dollars from a luncheon?

Last year we thought we were pretty great to raise $670,000.  A goal of $1 million for 2007? No way!