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Dear Friends,
After five wonderful and fulfilling years with Impact100 DC, I am writing to share the news of my transition from founding president to immediate past president, effective January 1, 2026. It is with both pride and a touch of bittersweetness that I step into this new role. The past five years have been filled with countless meaningful moments, deep connections, and the incredible privilege of helping lead this organization to new heights—always in partnership with you.
Over the past year, I have had the privilege of working closely with vice president Francine Lamoriello to ensure a smooth transition as she assumes the role of president on January 1. Francine is exactly the right leader to carry forward Impact100 DC’s mission. Her energy, creativity, and wisdom will guide the organization into its next chapter, building on all that we have accomplished together.
I will never forget the moment in the early fall of 2019 when I knew Impact100 DC was going to become a reality. At the Tenley-Friendship Library, I gathered with five remarkable women, many of whom had just met one another: Iris Morton, Brenda Ewing, Janelle Haskell, Sharon Dennis, Ellen Sivon, and Susan Nussbaum. Together, we mapped out the first steps toward creating a greater Washington, DC chapter of Impact100.
The mission and vision statements we drafted during our first meeting reflected our belief that the organization’s success would rest on the strength of its community. To identify the proposals with the greatest potential for change, to partner effectively with nonprofit organizations advancing that change, and to steward each $1,000 membership contribution wisely, we would need a membership community as rich and varied as the region we serve: diverse in age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, economic resources, and geography. We envisioned a community able to bridge divides and work across differences for common goals.
Looking at the Impact100 DC community today, I am profoundly proud of what has grown from that vision—and even more excited for how it continues to expand.
I am tremendously grateful to all of the women who have served— and are serving— on the Impact100 DC Board of Directors. The breadth of expertise, talent, experience, and wisdom within this highly collaborative leadership team has been central to our success. I want to especially acknowledge Sharon Dennis. A true cofounder of this organization, she drafted our bylaws and other policy documents, created and led our first grant review process, and contributed so much more.
While it is not easy to leave this role, I do so with great joy in what we have achieved. Leading Impact100 DC has truly been the honor of a lifetime. I am deeply grateful to each of you for your passion, commitment, and support. With your continued engagement, I know Impact100 DC will soar to even greater heights.
With gratitude and warmest wishes,
Ann Vaughn
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