As we celebrate Women’s History Month this March, The Women’s Foundation is proud to recognize and honor the incredible women who make up our team. Each day, these inspiring women work tirelessly to support and empower women and girls of color, investing in their futures and helping them achieve their highest potential.
Our team comes from all walks of life and brings many skills, experiences, and perspectives to our work. They are leaders, advocates, and changemakers committed to creating a more equitable and just society for all.
Today and every day, we celebrate them and the many women breaking down barriers, shattering stereotypes, and making a difference in our communities.
Meet each of these women below, and learn more about the motivation behind their work and how they empower themselves and other women.
Name: Abriana Kimbrough
Title: Program Officer, Early Care & Education
What inspires you most about The Women’s Foundation and your work?
I am most inspired by the hardworking women I have the pleasure to call colleagues. The women who make the work of the Women’s Foundation possible are community leaders and dedicated activists. The passion within the organization drives me to give my best to those we serve.
How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
I empower myself and those around me through radical self-care. By exemplifying what it means to put self first, I can pour more into my community.
If you could describe yourself using one adjective, what would it be?
Cool
Name: Jacquelyn L. Lendsey
Title: Interim President & CEO
What inspires you most about The Women’s Foundation and your work?
I am inspired by the diverse group of women I work with daily at the foundation. Women who model what it means to commit to serving women and girls of color in our region every day through their outreach in the community, their work with grantee partners, and their willingness to advocate on issues that are not always popular but are necessary to move the conversation on what it will take to ensure the foundation opens doors to opportunity and safety for the women and girls we serve.
How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
I believe as women, we have the power to control our lives and change our destinies. That power extends not just to myself but to the women around me. I hope I not only model this thinking but also encourage it.
If you could describe yourself using one adjective, what would it be?
Thankful
Name: Chika Onwuvuche
Title: Program Officer, Young Women’s Initiative
What inspires you most about The Women’s Foundation and your work?
I’m inspired by the way we engage young women and gender-expansive youth of color as decision-makers. It’s one thing to say you support youth, but it’s another to resource youth to be able to make decisions about changes they want to see in their communities. I am also inspired by the legacy of this foundation—how far we have come and how far we will go—in partnership with such brilliant and dynamic colleagues, leadership, grantee partners, and community members to create change!
How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
I feel empowered when I can show up as myself, and I try to ensure that the women and folks around me also feel like they can show up as their true and authentic selves. Vulnerable conversations, experiences, and interactions with my community about the strength they often wield, the rest they need and should take, and the resources needed are steps towards feeling and being empowered. Rest is essential.
If you could describe yourself using one adjective, what would it be?
Magnetic
Name: Crystal Rucker
Title: Director of Development
What inspires you most about The Women’s Foundation and your work?
As a native Washingtonian, I am inspired by the incredible work of The Women’s Foundation and our mission because we continue to invest in the power of women and girls in the Washington, DC region, especially women and girls of color. I have been even more inspired as I’ve learned more about the important work of our grantee partners and have also been inspired by our Women’s Foundation supporters who continue to invest in women and girls in our community through their philanthropic efforts. In this work, I will continue my dedication to advocating for and raising funds to support women and girls, especially women and girls of color.
How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
I empower myself through my faith. As I ground myself in my spirituality, I understand that I am right where I am supposed to be, and no matter what challenges or adversity come my way, my life trajectory has proven to me that when I believe in my own ability, I am always provided with all that I need to feel empowered at just the right time. I am able to empower other women around me by reminding them of our strength as women. When women come together, we are stronger together because we make change happen, not only in our own lives but for the betterment of those around us.
If you could describe yourself using one adjective, what would it be?
Resilient
Name: Sylvia Padilla
Title: Finance and Operations Associate
What inspires you most about The Women’s Foundation and your work?
What inspires me the most is collaborating with like-minded women who not only have vision and passion but are very action-oriented. The Women’s Foundation has a safe space to openly communicate and have those “uncomfortable” conversations in order to shed light on an issue and find creative ways to help the community. Hearing what my peers have to say gives me the confidence that we can get there.
How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
To give back to other women authentically, I first start with myself. I show grace and kindness to myself as much as possible. I set short-term goals (little wins make a huge difference!) and encourage the women around me to allow themselves to give 1% every day. Why 1% and not 100%? We as women have been operating at the “Give 100%” mentality, which leaves us rundown and with no energy to give back to ourselves, to truly enjoy the fruit of our efforts, and find enlightenment in our day-to-day life. I do my best to encourage doing things outside the “comfort zone”. I’m a habitual individual and love my daily rituals; however, this can also make the space too comfortable without enough space for growth. It ties to “short-term goals”, do something that makes you uncomfortable at least once every other month.
If you could describe yourself using one adjective, what would it be?
Cheerful
Name: Sarah Weatherby
Title: Director of Communications
What inspires you most about The Women’s Foundation and your work?
Every day, I am reminded of women’s critical challenges, from systemic discrimination and inequality to personal hardships and struggles. What inspires me is the resiliency, strength, and determination of the women we serve and witnessing first-hand the impact The Women’s Foundation is making within our region and nationally. I’m also inspired by our incredible staff and the sisterhood we share. Through my work, I have the privilege of highlighting not only our outstanding work and the work of our grantee partners and other community leaders and changemakers, but I have the privilege of amplifying the voices and stories of women and girls—particularly of color—to inspire and empower others, while also building a sense of community and solidarity among women.
How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
True empowerment comes from a deep sense of self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-love. By taking the time to reflect on my strengths and weaknesses, setting goals for myself, and working towards them with determination and perseverance, I can empower myself in ways I never thought were possible. As far as others, I’m a Southern girl (Mississippi), and I’m all about family and community. I’m passionate about uplifting others and helping them see their own potential. Whether through mentoring or simply being a supportive friend and ally, I do my best to listen to others’ needs, provide guidance and resources, and help them overcome their obstacles.
If you could describe yourself using one adjective, what would it be?
Connector
Name: Donna Wiedeman
Title: Executive Assistant to the President & CEO
What inspires you most about The Women’s Foundation and your work?
I am in awe of and grateful for the amazing women who do the work we are privileged to fund. Their dedication, creativity, intelligence (in all its many guises), and courage inspire me every day.
How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
By reminding them that they are already “enough.” Brave enough. Smart enough. Strong enough. Compassionate enough.
If you could describe yourself using one adjective, what would it be?
Resourceful
