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Summertime is here! July is my BIRTHDAY month so it’s my favorite part of the summer.
I’m glad you are spending some relaxing time with our MAGNOLIA Monthly newsletter.
Recently, I had the honor of giving the keynote speech at South LA College Prep’s graduation. What made it extra special was being invited by my “play niece”, Chrystyn, who I’ve known since she was just 8 years old. Not only was Chrystyn part of the graduating class, she was also Salutatorian which filled my heart with pride!
And, speaking of school…I’m thrilled to share that Rosalind Brewer will be joining us this fall as keynote speaker and MAGNOLIA Award Honoree for our 2nd Annual SHE Leads: Empowering Nonprofit Leaders for Girls conference. Roz is the Interim President of my alma mater, Spelman College — and my dear friend since childhood! We grew up across the street from each other in Detroit, went to high school together, and later to Spelman. Having her grace our stage will be a full-circle moment.
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And I’m equally excited to announce that Ambassador Candace Bond McKeever has joined our S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls Advisory Board. As the former U.S. Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Candace brings extraordinary leadership and passion to our mission. Welcome, Candace!
As always, we have so much to read in this month’s MAGNOLIA Monthly newsletter. Kick back with your favorite cool beverage and enjoy!
With gratitude,
Shaun
Shaun Robinson
President and Founder
S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls
| | “Be strong, be fearless, be beautiful. And believe that anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you.” – Misty Copeland | | |
Marissa Nance
Founder and CEO, Native Tongue Communications
Advisory Board Member, S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls
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Proud Cleveland Girl. FURever dog Mom. Mid Century Modern Enthusiast. All things that describe our amazing Advisory Board Member in the Spotlight, Marissa Nance.
Marissa has been an advocate of the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls for a number of years. As a 30+ year marketing veteran, she leverages her expertise when the Foundation needs any advertising, marketing, or promotional support.
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Her professional accolades include launching some of the most iconic reality shows in history (Survivor, Top Chef, Biggest Loser), helping to craft one of the biggest films of all time (Castaway) and creating an almost endless list of award-winning advertising campaigns, for clients that include Nike, McDonald’s, Clorox, Microsoft, Intel, Lilly, Apple, FedEx, Pepsi, and Peanuts.
After a three-decade career with Omnicom, in 2019, Marissa launched Native Tongue Communications (nativetonguecommunications.com). The first and only minority female-led media agency. With her team, she offers services in Marketing Communications (strategy, buying, audience design, measurement), Branded Entertainment (short form, long form, social) and DEA&I. Her skills have supported the Foundation’s digital presence, sponsor solicitation and branding.
We are proud to partner with Marissa! Please visit her website and learn more about how she might support you!
| | 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! | | |
Each month, Alternatives for Girls serves over 300 girls and women through programs that help break the cycle of generational trauma and poverty—empowering them to achieve their true potential. |
| Black Girls Film Camp just celebrated a major milestone: 50 films in 5 years! Watch the powerful new premieres from their 2025 teen directors now at blackgirlsfilmcamp.org. | This summer, Confident S.O.L.E. is empowering girls through hands-on experiences in seven unique career fields! |
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With just three months to go, we're thrilled to unveil the headlining voice of our 2nd Annual SHE LEADS Conference...
KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Rosalind Brewer
Interim President and Chair Emerita of Spelman College
We're also proud to present President Brewer with our prestigious MAGNOLIA Award, honoring her exceptional impact on young women of color.
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Do you know a woman leading a girl-focused 501(c)(3)? We'd love to invite her to register! For more information, email: sheleads@shaunfoundationforgirls.org |
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Anna Malaika Tubbs
New York Times Best Selling Author
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This month, we're spotlighting Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden from Us by Dr. Anna Malaika Tubbs—a powerful, eye-opening examination of how patriarchy in the U.S. has uniquely shaped and erased the contributions of women, especially women of color.
Blending accessible scholarship, historical insight, and personal reflection, Dr. Tubbs exposes how gender and whiteness have long defined American humanity, often invisibly. From the founding fathers to today’s maternal health crisis, she unearths what has been deliberately hidden and shows that the tools to dismantle these systems—intuition, wisdom, and courage—are still within our reach. Learn more at annamalaikatubbs.com.
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Good Governance Tips for Nonprofits
Investing in Yourself: The Leadership Move Your Organization Needs
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As a nonprofit leader, you're used to stretching every dollar. You know how to make magic happen with limited resources, and you've probably gotten pretty good at saying "we can't afford that right now" when it comes to organizational expenses. But here's the thing: when was the last time you invested in yourself?
I know what you're thinking. "Invest in myself? I don’t have time and there are so many other things I can do with that money." Trust me, I get it. But investing in your own growth isn't selfish or frivolous. It's one of the smartest moves you can make for your organization and the girls you serve.
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Ivy Walker
Serial Entrepreneur, Author & Risk Management Expert
Treasurer, S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls
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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 Stairwell Chronicles
Advisory Board Member,
S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls
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Healthy Her: Heart Attacks Are No Longer the Top Cause of Death
New data has just been published in NewScientist.com that reveals something interesting.
Heart attacks are no longer the top cause of death in the United States. In fact, there has been a significant decline of 90% mortality in the pat 55 years. That is very difficult to ignore. A closer look however, reveals an interesting story.
As heart attacks have increasingly become survivable due to research, and pharmaceutical and technological advancements, there has been a significant increase in chronic heart conditions such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertensive (high blood pressure) heart disease. In fact, hypertensive heart disease alone has increased by 450% in that same time frame! Why is this?
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| Mindfulness Tip: Inventory List | This month's theme is all about taking inventory of your life and realigning with the goals that matter most. | | |
Laura Saltman
Mindfulness, Meditation and Metaphysical Teacher
@laurasaltman
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LaDonna Whittingham
Costume Designer
Local705 Film/TV Costumer and Wardrobe Stylist
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The Edit: Designer Highlight | Andrea Iyamah is a Nigerian fashion designer known for her bold, culturally inspired designs that blend modern sophistication with African heritage. Founded in 2011, her namesake brand is celebrated for its vibrant swimwear, resort wear, and statement pieces that empower women to feel confident and radiant. With a global following and striking visual storytelling on social media, Andrea (@andreaiyamah) continues to redefine contemporary fashion through the lens of African elegance. | | Breaking Barriers: This Month's Must-Reads | |
In Memoriam: Honoring Ananda Lewis's Legacy in Media and Beyond | Ananda Lewis, a pioneering TV host who reshaped media representation and brought attention to systemic and health issues, has died at 52. | | |
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Coco Gauff Becomes First American in a Decade to Win the French Open | At 21, Coco Gauff won her 2nd Grand Slam title, becoming the first American singles champion at Roland-Garros since Serena Williams in 2015. | | |
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End of an Era: Misty Copeland to Retire from American Ballet Theatre | After a groundbreaking 25-year career, Misty Copeland—the American Ballet Theatre’s first Black female principal dancer—is retiring. | | |
| 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. | | | | |
