The end of 2017 is upon us. I'm not sure what I expected of 2017 this time last year, but I'm pretty sure what I and we got is not it. I expected to find a new job, and have been more than thrilled with my time at the Maine Women's Fund. At the Fund, I expected to work on issues of women's equity, inclusion, policy, and voice - but who knew the environment would just hand over all this material, day after day, week after week?

 

As you know, the Fund took at little pause at the end of 2016 and beginning of 2017 to regroup, re-energize, and re-focus the work of the Fund. It worked! During this year we began a new grants program you've heard about, the Swift Social Justice Grants, and Kimberly is going to talk more about them below, but for reference we've given nearly $18,000 in grants to 12 organizations by and for communities which are under special stress in this social and political climate.

 

We renewed our commitment to the focus on ensuring economic security with our inaugural Women Mean Business forum, this year introducing a panel of women (and men) who have excelled in the mostly corporate world, and in 2018 we look forward to a panel of women (and men) who excel in non-corporate and/or non-traditional occupations. We delved deeper into community - what it means, who we are and how it is changing - with Shay Stewart-Bouley, a.k.a. blackgirlinmaine, as we Turn(ed) Talk Into Action.  The conversation was interesting, enlightening and we hope to repeat some version of it in different areas of Maine during the next year.

 

First and foremost - the Leadership Luncheon is back, better than ever; Save the Date: April 26, 2018. If you are interested in joining the planning team, please call or e-mail me and we'll get you on to work! There are opportunities for planning, engaging, and day-of, so join the fun this year.

 

Yes, it's been an exciting year, and at a recent Board of Directors' retreat we planned for more excitement next year - you'll be hearing from and/or seeing us in the community, working with and for women and girls, throughout the year. Luncheons are fun, and we'll see you there, as well as at smaller, more intimate events and with our grantees. I, we, are really excited for 2018. I hope you are, too.

 

In closing, on behalf of the Board and Kimberly, please celebrate your preferred holiday with love, family and friends, and travel safely! I look forward to spending 2018 with you.