Dear Friends,

Today, as we prepare for tomorrow’s Annual Making a Difference Luncheon, I cannot shake the heartache that I have felt over the unjust loss of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others. For me, our festive celebration is tempered by this cloud of mourning.

Though our organization has always recognized structural inequalities that negatively impact women and people of color, this current climax of institutional violence is a reminder to us all that we cannot be complacent.

We stand in solidarity against oppression in all forms because there is no gender justice without racial justice. Holding to our guiding principles that include equality, inclusion, and strength, we renew our commitment to spark dialogue into action.

We will fund local organizations that are addressing inequities and mobilizing to advance community-based solutions.

We will raise up the next generation of leaders and educate them to lead with an understanding of equity, privilege, and our country’s history of systemic inequalities.

We will amplify the voices of all women and other disenfranchised groups by using our Blueprint Report to disaggregate data in order to uncover their unique experiences, and by helping to mobilize them to vote.

This was our commitment prior but the current events make it clearer than ever — The Fund can and must do better. We invite and challenge you to walk alongside us in this journey — to use who you are and what you have to create a more equitable world for all.

In solidarity,

Michelle Legaspi Sánchez
Executive Director
The Fund for Women and Girls

Art by Shirien Damra