Happy New Year!

I hope you welcomed the New Year feeling refreshed after a wonderful holiday season, full of rest, reflection and meaningful time with the people you love most.

I spent the holidays in my hometown of Detroit with my mom and family, which is always grounding for my soul. One of our cherished traditions is going to church together to give thanks for all of our blessings. It was a beautiful reminder of gratitude, faith, and community - the values that are deeply woven into the work we do at the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls.

As we step into this new year, I am beyond excited about what’s ahead - especially because 2026 marks the 10th Anniversary of the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls! We have big, bold plans to expand our impact and reach even more underserved and underrepresented girls and young women across the globe.

I’m also thrilled to share that we are joined by a new Advisory Board member, Jennifer Lucas. Jennifer is a dear friend, philanthropist and producer who deeply cares about uplifting our girls. She is ready to roll up her sleeves and help us bring our 2026 vision to life, and we are so grateful to have her leadership and heart.

Recently, I had the joy of participating in a mentoring call with an incredible group of young women who serve as Ambassadors for Girl Up, one of the organizations we proudly support. Emilia joined us from Peru; Niyamet from India; Luiza from Brazil; Mumba from Zambia; and Megan, the coordinator from Girl Up. The young women asked thoughtful questions about my career and how I maintain confidence while navigating obstacles. Their brilliance, curiosity and courage reminded me once again that they are the leaders of the future.

It is because of YOU - your generosity, belief and support - that we are able to stand behind organizations like Girl Up and invest in the next generation of changemakers.

So as we begin this new year, I ask you: Do you have any New Year’s resolutions? One way you can continue making a difference is by supporting our mission. You can go to: shaunfoundationforgirls.org/donate and become part of our 2026 Village of Supporters - with your name proudly displayed on our website.

Together, we are ready to make 2026 the best year yet for the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls and for the girls we serve.

Wishing you peace, joy and endless possibilities in the year ahead!

Shaun

Shaun Robinson

President and Founder

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

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!

A group of DemocraSheroes recently attended an interview with iconic activist Malala Yousafzai, led by actress Kristen Bell. She shared her journey as a world-changing advocate—and as a young woman navigating college, friendships, and dating.

Girls Make Beats closed out their Winter Camp with stunning performances, showcasing original songs the girls produced, wrote, and recorded themselves.

Cynthia Erivo

Actress, Singer, Songwriter, Producer, and Author

Book of the Month

We love the empowering message in Simply More: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told They’re Too Much.

In this heartfelt and inspiring read, globally renowned performer Cynthia Erivo shares her own journey and the lessons she’s learned, encouraging each of us to embrace every part of who we are — especially the parts others may not always understand.

Her message is a beautiful reminder that what makes us “too much” is often what makes us powerful, and that we deserve to show up in the world as our fullest, brightest selves.

New Year, Bold Vision: Resolutions for Leaders Creating Change

As we step into a new year, you're likely reflecting on the past twelve months: the wins, the challenges, and the girls whose lives you've touched. Leading a nonprofit serving girls of color requires vision, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to your mission. This year let's focus on resolutions that will amplify your impact and sustain your leadership.

Listen First, Always

Ivy Walker

Serial Entrepreneur, Author & Risk Management Expert

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

Your greatest strategic asset isn't a new program or funding stream, it's the voices of the girls you serve. This year, commit to creating structured opportunities to hear directly from them. What are their real needs, not what we assume they need? What barriers do they face that we might not see? Monthly listening circles, anonymous feedback channels, or youth advisory boards can transform your programming from well-intentioned to genuinely responsive. Their insights will guide you toward excellence in ways no consultant ever could.

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: Vitamin D and Your Heart Health

Here’s something I literally do every day for my heart health as a Cardiologist. Are you ready for it? I take Vitamin D. You are probably asking yourself what that has to do with heart health, and why a Cardiologist is not only speaking about it, but doing it herself.

Glad you asked…..

1. Heart and Immune Health
2. Heart and Vascular Health
3. Bone Health and Fracture Prevention
4. Lipids Heart Health

Mindfulness Tip: Step into Self Love

Breath is something that we do that we don't think about often. We don't need to think—our breath is just there. It gives us life. You don't need to tell yourself how to breathe. Your body knows how to breathe on its own.

So in this meditation, we are going to learn to love on our own, without thinking about it. We're going to actualize our inner self. Turn on our heart light and love our self. 

Laura Saltman

Mindfulness, Meditation and Metaphysical Teacher

@laurasaltman

LaDonna Whittingham

Costume Designer

Local705 Film/TV Costumer and Wardrobe Stylist

The Edit: Featured Fashion Brand

Ofuure is redefining statement dressing with tailored silhouettes designed to celebrate every shape and size. Known for bold construction and standout pieces made to turn heads, the brand balances timeless craftsmanship with undeniable edge.

We’re especially loving the Denim Daze’ collection - it's effortless, elevated, and made for repeat wear - as well as the buzz around her year-end Party’25. If you’re searching for a timeless look that still makes a statement, @ofuure is absolutely the place to look ✨

Breaking Barriers: This Month's Must-Reads

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.