About the foundation.
Washington Area Women’s Foundation is a community-supported foundation that invests in the power of women and girls of color in the Washington DC region. We open doors to opportunity, safety and security through grantmaking and advocacy.
Since 1998, we have awarded more than $14 million in grants to more than 205 community-based organizations in the Washington, D.C. region.
Mission
Washington Area Women’s Foundation is a community-supported foundation that invests in the power of women and girls of color across the Washington metropolitan region.
Vision
To ignite change in our community to advance gender, racial, and economic justice.
Values
● We are constantly learning and adapt our practices to serve a changing world.
● We are honest, transparent and accountable to our community.
● We are a small but mighty collective that encourages diversity in community, thoughts and ideas.
● We practice kindness and intentionality in all we do.
Meet Our Staff
- Sarena BarnesOffice Assistant
Sarena serves as the first point of contact for the Foundation, providing operations, administrative and finance support to the staff.
- Mercy ChikoworeCommunications Manager
Mercy Chikowore is responsible for executing the organization’s communications and branding strategies.
- Martine GordonVice President of ProgramsMartine leads the Program team and The Foundation’s program strategy development.
- Jennifer Lockwood-ShabatPresident and CEO
Jennifer leads the organization in its mission, providing and implementing its strategic vision.
- Sylvia PadillaFinance and Operations Associate
Sylvia provides operation and finance support to The Foundation staff.
- Donna WiedemanExecutive Assistant to the President
Donna provides administrative support to the President and CEO, serving as liaison with the Board of Directors, and as office manager.
- Claudia WilliamsProgram OfficerClaudia contributes to crafting and executing program strategy and manages the Young Women’s Initiative of Washington, DC.
Meet Our Board
- Joyce M. Brayboy
Managing Director
Goldman Sachs Office of Government Affairs - Yvette ButlerTreasurer
Head of Private Bank & Wealth Advisory
Silicon Valley Bank - Evelyn N. Bynum
President
The Maultsby WaySenior Career Consultant
George Washington University School of Business - Sally D’Amato
Principal
Deloitte Consulting - Andrea DykesCo-Chair, Development & Co-Chair, Luncheon Committees
Managing Partner
Howard Insurance - James MacGregor
Vice President of Local Markets
Washington Business Journal - Pinkie Dent MayfieldBoard Chair
Vice President — Corporate Affairs and Chief Communications Officer
Graham Holdings Company - Jennifer Parker Porter, M.D.
Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon,
Medical Director
Chevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgery, LLC - Teresa Payne-Nunn
Vice President and Chief Member Officer
Executive Leadership Council - Matthew D. Shank, Ph.D
President
Virginia Foundation of Independent Colleges - Leo Tucker
Managing Partner
Northwestern Mutual
Grantee Partners
We work in partnership with community to build relationships with nonprofit organizations led by, benefiting, and recognizing the power of women and girls of color and gender expansive people of color in the Washington, DC region.