Greetings!
This month at Boston Women’s Fund we’ve been reflecting on Ketanji Brown Jackon’s historic Supreme Court confirmation. We are excited about the ways that Judge Jackson’s leadership is and will continue to be inspiring for so many women, girls, and gender-expansive individuals of color across the country!
It’s taken 232 years and 115 prior appointments for a Black woman to be seated on the Supreme Court. Considering this, we can’t help but think of all the reasons why representation matters. In a survey, 45% of women of color said they were commonly the only person of their race and gender in a room at their workplace. (Just 7% of men had this experience.) We know the unique pressures that often come with being the person of a marginalized identity in an organization — the microaggressions, the pressure to overwork to make sure you’re not perceived as less-than, the feeling that you’re representing every other individual that shares your identity.
We also know that members of the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities aren’t a monolith. There’s immense, complex, beautiful diversity among us. And we know where we belong, and that is everywhere. That it has taken centuries for a Black woman to join our highest court is only further proof that we still have a long way to go until we reach racial and gender equity in this country. We believe that change begins with women, girls, and gender-expansive individuals in their own communities, and that they must be leaders within all movements if progressive change is to occur. This is why supporting grassroots efforts led by women, girls, and gender-expansive folks is crucial.
Boston Women’s Fund is growing, and we’re searching for passionate individuals to join us in our mission! Read on for opportunities to join our team, why support for women of color leaders is critical, ways to take action in your community, and a deeper look inside this month at BWF.
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“If now isn’t a good time for the truth, I don’t see when we’ll get to it.”
—Nikki Giovanni
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BWF is Looking for Passionate Individuals to Join Our Team! |
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Boston Women’s Fund is hiring! We’re searching for a Program Manager, a Manager of Development and Communications, a Youth Leadership Coordinator and Youth Leaders to join us in our mission to impact the lives of women, girls and gender-expansive individuals. Learn more below, and visit our website for the full job descriptions and info on how to apply!
Program Manager - Reporting to the Community Investments Director, the Program Manager will strategize, plan, and execute on BWF’s grantmaking, community engagement, and related programs. This is a full-time, hybrid position for an individual with experience in grantmaking, programs, and/or providing philanthropic support. Details here.
Manager of Development and Communications - The Manager of Development and Communications will work with the Executive Director to create BWF’s annual development and communications plans and oversee and implement these functions. This is a full-time, hybrid position for a thoughtful communicator with experience in nonprofit fundraising and communications. Details here.
Youth Leadership Coordinator - Our Youth Leadership Coordinator will work with BWF staff to develop, grow and coordinate our Youth Leadership in Philanthropy program. This is a part-time, hybrid role for a creative thinker with youth facilitation or teaching experience. Details here.
Youth Leaders - BWF is hiring youth leaders aged 16-21 to facilitate our youth-led grantmaking initiative this summer. Youth Leaders will learn about philanthropy, the nonprofit sector and organizing strategies around issues of social justice. They’ll also lead BWF in awarding $25,000 to local young people and initiatives organizing for transformative social change. Additional opportunities include meeting with and learning from community leaders and leaders in the philanthropic sector, learning to write grant proposals, providing social media support and more! Details here.
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Dismantling Doubt, Rebuilding Oursevles |
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Millions of women of color watched Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Supreme Court confirmation hearings and saw themselves — in all of the pride of finding oneself reflected on the national stage and the familiar frustration in how Judge Jackson was treated. The disrespect she endured from a largely white and male committee was a glaring example that no matter your accomplishments, your income bracket, your level of education, your notoriety, where you live or what you do, women of color are impacted by the same oppressive systems and the double-edged, intersectional sword of race and sex-based and discrimination.
Underneath Jackson’s treatment lies societal doubt about women of color and pervasive disbelief in our inherent capability to succeed. In this month's blog, we explore the impact of such doubt on women in leadership roles, and how Judge Jackson’s confirmation hearing illustrates why the Women of Color Leadership Circle is so needed today.
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Urge Legislators to Support Midwifery in Massachusetts
Legislators are considering a budget amendment that would include funds for our grantee Neighborhood Birth Center in addition to supporting midwifery more broadly in the state. Use this form and call script to urge your legislators to support midwifery in Massachusetts!
Attend Sisters Unchained’s Virtual Workshop Series
Tonight, join BWF grantee Sisters Unchained’s online workshop, held in collaboration with New Beginning Re-Entry Services: “What is Restorative and Transformative Justice.” Thursday, April 28th, 5:30-6:30 pm. To register, email info@sistersunchained.com.
Sign Up For Girls Empowerment and Leadership Initiative Virtual Summit
Hosted by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, the Girls Empowerment and Leadership Initiative Summit (GELI) strives to empower girl-identified youth, ages 14-22, to better advocate for themselves and their communities. This Friday, April 29th, 5:30-7:30 pm on Zoom. Attendees can choose from three workshops: “The Current STEM Culture,” “Mental Health and Success,” and “Confidence and Leadership Building.” The first 100 registrants get a tote bag full of surprises! Register here.
Attend PNC’s 12th Annual Women in Business Week Webcast Series
PNC's Project 257 is all about closing the 257-year economic gender gap. Learn more at PNC’s week-long series of events focused on accelerating women's financial equality! May 9th-13th. The event features keynote speakers Stephanie Cartin and Courtney Spritzer, on Thursday, May 12th, at 1pm. Register here.
Register for The State of Asian Women’s Health in MA Virtual Conference
Our grantee partner, Asian Women for Health, is hosting a public, virtual conference to advance Asian Women’s health and wellbeing. The conference will discuss broadening health focal points to include racial, economic, and environmental justice issues; Asian health data, and more, along with special remarks by Senator Ed Markey and District 2 City Councilor Ed Flynn. May 10th, 2022, 10:30 am-3:30 pm, on Zoom. $40 general admission, $20 for students and seniors. Register here.
Mark Your Calendars for the first Trans Pride: A Celebration of Liberation
Transgender Emergency Fund is hosting the first Trans Pride: A Celebration of Liberation, a day of community bonding, healing, food, performances, and activities for the LGBTQ+ community. June 4th, 2022, at Government Center Plaza in Boston. Organizers are still looking for more LGBTQ+/TGNC folks to perform! If you’re interested, fill out this form. Lastly, if your organization is interested in sponsoring the event, email Transgender Emergency Fund at info@transemergencyfund.org for pricing and table options.
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*Disclaimer: The above media do not reflect the views of Boston Women's Fund and are not endorsed by Boston Women's Fund. These are the items our board and staff are currently engaging with to further their learning and/or rest and find joy. |
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