Happy Women's History Month!

March is the time when we shine a special spotlight on the extraordinary contributions of women past and present and that is why I’m so excited to bring this month’s MAGNOLIA Monthly to you!

And, while we certainly have reason to be proud of how far we have come, it is also a time to reflect on the challenges ahead and how we can work together to support the next generation of women leaders.

Honoring Trailblazers, Empowering the Future

Did you watch the Oscars? Congratulations to 25-year-old Mikey Madison, Best Actress winner for ANORA and Zoe Saldana, Best Supporting Actress for EMILIA PEREZ at the Academy Awards! If you haven’t had a chance to check them out, please do - they were absolutely amazing in their roles!

We also want to take a moment to recognize the incredible accomplishments of our very own Lisa Gilford, Secretary of the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls. Lisa was recently honored with the Loren Miller "Lawyer of the Year" Award—a testament to her outstanding contributions to justice and advocacy. Congratulations, Lisa!

We’re also thrilled to introduce a new contributor to our newsletter: my fabulous friend, LaDonna Whittingham, a renowned celebrity stylist. LaDonna will be profiling women-owned brands in our upcoming editions, and we can’t wait for you to discover these inspiring entrepreneurs!

The Urgent Need for Support

While we celebrate progress, we must also acknowledge the challenges. Many nonprofits are facing difficult times as federal funding cuts threaten the vital programs that serve girls and young women. That’s why the work of the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls is more important than ever. We remain committed to supporting organizations that provide education, leadership development, and advocacy for those who need it most.

SHE Leads 2025: Save the Date!

Mark your calendars! Our 2nd annual SHE LEADS: Empowering Nonprofit Leaders for Girls conference will take place September 29th - 30th in Los Angeles. This event will bring together dynamic leaders who are dedicated to making a lasting impact. For more information, email us at sheleads@shaunfoundationforgirls.org. More details coming soon—stay tuned!

How You Can Celebrate Women’s History Month with Us

1. Support Girls’ Nonprofits: Consider donating to or volunteering with a girl-centered nonprofit in your community.

2. Honor Women Who Inspire You: Share stories of impactful women on social media and tag us—we’d love to amplify their legacy!

3. Support the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls: Help us continue our mission by donating at shaunfoundationforgirls.org/donate.

4. Stay Connected: Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media to see how we’re making a difference together.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support allows us to continue uplifting the next generation of change-makers. Let’s make this Women’s History Month one of action, inspiration, and empowerment!

With gratitude,



Shaun

Shaun Robinson

President and Founder

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

How do we empower the next generation of unstoppable female leaders? By championing amazing organizations like DemocraShe, our newest partner and SHE Leads Grant recipient!

Connecting with Executive Director and Founder Sarah Jackle at our inaugural SHE Leads Conference was a true highlight, and we can't wait to welcome her back this year! Learning how DemocraShe's public policy and social skills training equips young women with the confidence, resilience and advocacy skills to lead with impact was nothing short of inspiring.

Here’s to shaping the future and paving the way for our first “Madame President”!

Early Bird Registration is now open for our 2nd Annual SHE LEADS: Empowering Nonprofit Leaders for Girls Conference!

If you know of a woman leading a girl-focused 501(c)(3) organization, we'd love to invite her to be part of this transformative experience.

For more information, please email: sheleads@shaunfoundationforgirls.org

Ivy Walker

Serial Entrepreneur, Author & Risk Management Expert

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

Good Governance Tips for Non-Profits

Managing Human Resources Risk

Understanding and managing human resources (HR) risk is a critical responsibility of a non-profit leader. In this article, we’ll cover what HR risk is, some common sources of HR risk and the importance of HR audits.

Let’s begin with this question: what exactly is HR risk? HR risk refers to the potential for financial, legal, or reputational damage arising from issues related to the management of human resources within an organization. This can include everything from compliance with labor laws and managing employee relations to ensuring workplace safety, and the proper handling of worker classification. Essentially, HR risk is any threat to the organization that stems from how people are managed, treated, or governed within the workplace.

Healthy Her

The Heart Brain Connection

Anxiety. Stress. Dementia. Could those all be related to the heart, and not the brain?

Well, the answer is actually both.

The brain sends neurologic or electrical signals to the heart stimulating the heart to beat. The heart responds by contracting and pushing blood back to the brain to feed it oxygen. This loop is continuous with one dependent on the other.

Jayne Morgan, M.D.

@drjaynemorgan

Cardiologist

V.P. of Medical Affairs, Hello Heart

Creator of the Stairwell Chronicles

Advisory Board Member,

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

Patrik Henry Bass

Executive Editor,

Amistad Books

Patrik's Pick

A true story: Nearly seven years ago Shaun Robinson sent me The Little Book of Big Lies, a self-published book written by the actress Tina Lifford. I read it in a single sitting, and asked Shaun if the author was open to speaking. Not only did we re-publish The Little Book of Big Lies, but it is my thrill to share with you all, that Amistad will publish The Inner Fitness Revolution: A Roadmap to Your Freedom and Joy on March 11, 2025. This is the book for anyone who is ready to break free from coping mechanisms that have helped us to survive, but in their own way, blocking us from reaching our truest potential to feel whole, and to thrive!

Mindfulness Tip:

Spring Clean Your Mind

Laura Saltman

Mindfulness, Meditation and Metaphysical Teacher

LaDonna Whittingham

Costume Designer

Local705 Film/TV Costumer and Wardrobe Stylist

The Edit: Designer Highlight

Samantha Black, renowned designer from Project Runway Season 11 and All Stars Season 4, elevates her signature aesthetic with the launch of Samantha Black New York—a higher-tier collection that marks a bold new era. Stay tuned as this new chapter unfolds @samanthablacknewyork.

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.