S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls
Magnolia Monthly: August Newsletter
Photo Banner - August
Check out this month's highlights...

Program Spotlight: SHE Leads: Empowering Nonprofit Leaders for Girls

Book of the Month: How We Heal by La June Montgomery Tabron

Good Governance Tips for Nonprofits: What's in Your Tech Stack?

Healthy Her: Fewer Americans Are Dying from Heart Attacks (Part 2)

Mindfulness Tip: Give Everything Time

The Edit: Jeniece Blanchet | Designer Highlight

Breaking Barriers:

A Message from Shaun

Bahamas Beach Photoshoot for Shaun's Birthday

🌸 Happy August, beautiful friend! 🌸


Can you believe how fast this summer is flying by? I hope you’ve taken some well-deserved time to relax, recharge, and soak up a little sunshine!



I had the joy of celebrating my birthday with an unforgettable trip to Nassau, Bahamas alongside my mom, my sister-in-law Carolyn, and my amazing Spelman sisters, Jayne and Emily! We laughed, made memories, and even had a fabulous all-white beach photoshoot on my birthday. It was such a blessing to share those moments—especially with my mom by my side.

S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls Summer Reception

In July, the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls hosted our Summer Reception and it was filled with love, laughter, and purpose. We were honored to be joined by members of our Board and some of our longtime supporters—folks like you who have helped keep our mission alive and thriving over the years.


During the event, we talked about the power of connection—and how sharing the mission of the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls can open unexpected doors. You never know who in your circle might be inspired to support our work just because you mentioned us. So don’t be shy... whether it’s a quick text, coffee chat, or good ol’ fashioned Rolodex scroll—spread the word!


We’re so grateful to have you in our corner. Your support means the world. 💜



Now go ahead and dive into this month’s issue—we’ve got some incredible stories and updates waiting for you.


Enjoy every last drop of summer!


With love and gratitude,


Shaun

Shaun Robinson

President and Founder

S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls

“You can't just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream. You've got to get out there and make it happen for yourself.” – Diana Ross

Headshot - Carla Harris
Headshot - Leena Barakat
Headshot - Lawanna Kimbro

Program Spotlight

The countdown is on! With just under two months to go until our 2nd Annual SHE Leads: Empowering Nonprofit Leaders for Girls conference, we're thrilled to highlight three more exceptional women who are bringing their visionary leadership and expertise to this year's program:


* Carla Harris, Senior Client Advisor, Morgan Stanley

* Leena Barakat, President & CEO, Women Donors Network

* Lawanna Kimbro, Managing Director, Stardust Fund


SHE Leads is a one-of-a-kind conference where passionate changemakers come together to inspire, uplift, and lead the movement for girls and women.


There's still time to register! Know a woman leading a girl-focused 501(c)(3)? Invite her to join us! For more details, email: sheleads@shaunfoundationforgirls.org

Impact in Action: Grantee News Reel

At the heart of our mission is supporting nonprofits that create real change for girls and women every day. See what some of our incredible partners have been up to!

AFG provided 7212 nights of shelter to participants and their children.

This summer, Girls Inc. LA is taking girls behind the scenes—from the worlds of film and tech to beauty—helping them envision bold, limitless futures.

A special shoutout to Gabriela Kane Guardia, Executive Director of Latinitas, on being honored as a 2025 MLS Hometown Hero! A well-deserved recognition of her meaningful impact on girls in the Austin, Texas community.

Headshot - La June Montgomery Tabron

La June Montgomery Tabron

President & CEO, W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Author of the Books, "How We Heal" & "Our Differences Make Us Stronger"

Book of the Month

Book Cover - 'How We Heal' by La June Montgomery Tabron

This month, we're reading the incredible memoir How We Heal: A Journey Toward Truth, Racial Healing and Community Transformation from the Inside Out by La June Montgomery Tabron.


Blending personal storytelling with deep insight, La June offers a timely look at leadership, healing, and equity. Her journey provides both inspiration and a practical roadmap for building more just, connected communities.


A must-read for anyone seeking empathy, understanding, and meaningful action—you’ll come away moved and motivated to reflect, share, and help create change.


We’re especially excited to share that Shaun will have the privilege of speaking with La June about her book and her work at our upcoming SHE Leads Conference!

Good Governance Tips for Nonprofits

What's in Your Tech Stack?

As a nonprofit leader, you're juggling a million things at once. Because your plate is full, it's easy to overlook the digital tools that keep your organization running. But here's the thing: your tech stack might be either your secret weapon or your biggest headache.


What Exactly Is a Tech Stack?


Think of your tech stack as your organization's digital toolkit.

Headshot | Ivy Walker

Ivy Walker

Serial Entrepreneur, Author & Risk Management Expert

Treasurer, S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls

It's every piece of software, app, and online platform you use to get work done. This includes your email system, donor management platform, social media scheduling tools, video conferencing software, project management apps, and even that budgeting spreadsheet you can't live without.


Your tech stack is like the foundation of your house. When it's solid and well organized, everything else runs smoother. When it's messy or unstable, even simple tasks become frustrating time drains.

Jayne Morgan, M.D.

@drjaynemorgan

Cardiologist and V.P. of Medical Affairs, Hello Heart

Adj. Ass. Prof. of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine

Creator of the Stairwell Chronicles

Advisory Board Member,

S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls

Healthy Her: Fewer Americans Are Dying from Heart Attacks (Part 2)


Interesting and encouraging data was recently published showing that heart attacks are no longer the primary cause of death for Americans. While that sounds like incredibly great news, a deeper dive reveals a more complicated story of heart attacks now being the drivers of heart failure.


In other words, we survive the heart attack, but the subsequent damage done to the heart results in heart failure later. So, a bit of kicking the can down the road.


If you are in this situation, what can you do?

Mindfulness Tip: Give Everything Time

How do we get things in this world? By giving everything time. Trust that what you seek is also seeking you, so be patient, have faith, and quiet the inner doubts.

Mindfulness Video: youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5bS4mEWQg
Headshot | Laura Saltman

Laura Saltman

Mindfulness, Meditation and Metaphysical Teacher

@laurasaltman

Headshot | LaDonna Whittingham

LaDonna Whittingham

Costume Designer

Local705 Film/TV Costumer and Wardrobe Stylist

The Edit: Designer Highlight

Designer Jeniece Blanchet

JeBlanc is the handmade couture jewelry and accessory brand turning heads across the fashion world. Black-owned and independently led by powerhouse designer Jeniece Blanchet (@jesuisjeniece), JeBlanc is redefining luxury with bold, one-of-a-kind pieces. From Cardi B to top supermodels and A-list actresses, everyone who’s anyone is wearing JeBlanc!

Jewelry & Accessories Designed by Jeniece Blanchet

Breaking Barriers: This Month's Must-Reads

Ayo Edebiri on the set of FX's The Bear (Photo Credit - Blexmedia)

Ayo Edebiri Makes Emmy History with Trailblazing Nominations

The Bear's Ayo Edebiri is now the youngest Black woman with three acting Emmy nods—and the first woman ever nominated for both acting and directing in a comedy series in the same year.

Soon Uber will let female riders select female drivers and female drivers to choose female riders. (Photo Credit - GETTY)

Uber To Let Female Passengers & Drivers Opt For Women-Only Rides

Uber is launching a U.S. pilot program allowing female riders and drivers to choose women-only matches. This initiative aims to enhance safety and comfort for women on the platform.

First Black Triplets to Earn Eagle Scout Honors in the U.S. (Photo Credit - Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office)

Meet the First Black Triplets to Earn Eagle Scout Honors in the U.S.

Three siblings are making history! Helaina, Henniyah, and Henri Rivers, 17-year-old triplets, have officially earned their Eagle Scout status, becoming the first Black triplets in the nation to do so.

The S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls is a grant-making, 501(c)(3) dedicated to improving the quality of life for underserved and underrepresented girls and young women. We support initiatives empowering girls in the key areas of our mission: (S)TEM, (H)EALTH, (A)RTS, (U)NITY and (N)EIGHBORHOODS.

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