Washington Area Women’s Foundation President and CEO recognized in Nonprofits, Philanthropy & Religion category
WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 28, 2026) — Washington Area Women’s Foundation is proud to announce that our President and CEO Dr. Tamara Wilds Lawson has been named one of Washingtonian magazine’s 2026 Most Powerful Women in Washington, recognized in the Nonprofits, Philanthropy & Religion category.
The 2026 list features 300 women shaping the Washington region across government, business, media, education, the arts, law, nonprofits, and other sectors. Washingtonian describes the annual recognition as highlighting influential women who are making an impact and leading the way in their respective fields. The recognition appears in Washingtonian’s October 2026 issue.
Since becoming President and CEO of The Women’s Foundation in 2023, Lawson has led the organization’s work to deepen investments in women and girls across the Washington, D.C. region, “from birth to the boardroom.” Under her leadership, the Foundation’s work has expanded to include maternal health grantmaking, the HERizon scholarship fund and Black women and gender-expansive leadership project, while continuing to advance its early childhood education and Young Women’s Initiative programs.
“This recognition is a reflection not only of Tamara’s leadership, but also of the power and importance of the work happening every day to advance opportunities for women and girls throughout our region,” said Lynn English, Board Co-Chair of Washington Area Women’s Foundation. “Her leadership has helped the Foundation create a continuum of investment and support for women and girls that is more critical than ever.”
Lawson has spent her career at the intersection of philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, community impact, and advocacy. Before joining Washington Area Women’s Foundation, she held leadership roles with ActBlue, Washington Nationals Philanthropies, and the Posse Foundation. She was previously recognized by the Washington Business Journal as Nonprofit Leader of the Year (2024) and one of its Women Who Mean Business (2019).
“I am deeply honored to be included alongside so many remarkable women who are shaping our region,” said Lawson. “This recognition is also an acknowledgement of the incredible Women’s Foundation staff, grantee partners, community leaders, longtime supporters and generous funders who make our work possible. Together, we are building a region where the needs of women and girls are being centered and resourced abundantly.”
About Washington Area Women’s Foundation
Washington Area Women’s Foundation invests in the power, leadership, and well-being of women and girls of color across the Washington, D.C. region. Through strategic investments, advocacy, research and partnerships, we ensure access to the resources, opportunities, and equitable systems they need to drive lasting change for entire communities. www.thewomensfoundation.org
Media Contact:
Talisa White
Director of Communications
Washington Area Women’s Foundation
twhite@wawf.org