Happy May!

This month, my heart is especially full.

First, I want to send love and appreciation to all the moms, aunties and caregivers - those incredible women who show up every day with strength, grace, and unwavering support. Happy Mother’s Day to each of you!

And I have to give a very special shout-out to my beautiful mother, Ms. Joanne. She is my constant source of encouragement and wisdom, and she’s the one who instilled in me a value that has shaped my life: "If God gives you a platform, use it to give back.” That belief is the foundation of everything I do - and a big reason why I started the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls.

Which brings me to a milestone I can hardly believe…

This month, the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls turns 10 years old.

A full decade of purpose, passion and impact.

I founded this organization with a simple but powerful vision: to use my platform to support girls who may not have had the same access or opportunities I was blessed with growing up. To now look back and see what that vision has grown into - it’s nothing short of a dream realized.

I’ve witnessed firsthand the ripple effect of our work. I’ve seen the organizations we support continue to uplift their communities in meaningful, lasting ways. I’ve heard powerful testimonies from girls whose lives have been transformed - girls who found confidence, opportunity, and a sense of belonging through the programs we help fund.

That is the impact. That is the mission in motion.

And while I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come, I’m even more energized by what’s ahead. Because with 10 years behind us, we know one thing for sure - there is still so much more to do.

To our Village of Supporters: Thank you! You have believed in this mission, invested in it and carried it forward with us every step of the way. I am deeply grateful for you.

If you’d like to continue supporting our work, you can always visit: shaunfoundationforgirls.org/donate. Every contribution helps us expand our reach and deepen our impact.

And of course, this month’s MAGNOLIA Monthly is filled with goodness - stories to inspire you, important medical updates, a touch of fashion and so much more.

Happy reading - and thank you for growing with us over these incredible 10 years.

With gratitude,

Shaun

Shaun Robinson

President and Founder

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

Partner Spotlight:

Unity Ice Academy

We are excited to introduce one of our newest grantee partners: Unity Ice Academy!

This incredible nonprofit opens the door to the transformative power of figure skating for young people - especially girls from underserved communities - who might not otherwise have access by providing equipment, coaching, and ice time.

The S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls was honored to award a grant supporting Unity Ice Academy’s expanded summer camp programming and increased access to ice time. Head over to our Instagram to watch the sweet video they shared showcasing the impact.

THIS is why we do, what we do - and we could not do it without YOU! We are incredibly grateful to our Village of Supporters who make it possible for us to resource life-changing work like this through our grantmaking program.

Book of the Month: A Trio of Empowering Reads

We couldn't pick just one, so this month, we're featuring THREE incredible reads!

Shaun recently had the privilege of connecting with inspiring trailblazing women at the Leading Women Defined Conference, two of whom have new books we're excited to feature. We're also highlighting a third title from a well-known voice in the political landscape. Each of these books reflects our mission to empower and uplift girls and women - and they’re all at the top of our spring reading list:

Through Mom's Eyes

by Sheinelle Jones

A heartfelt collection of life lessons from women who raised extraordinary people, celebrating the influence of motherhood, mentorship, and love.

The Rough Side of the Mountain: A Memoir by Kiesha Lance Bottoms

A poignant and inspiring memoir from the former mayor of Atlanta about her modest, hardscrabble upbringing, and fully appreciating the selfless, loving, fierce, and altogether Southern-twinged lessons her family taught her.

Start with Yourself

by Emma Grede

A bold, tough-love guide to navigating life and work, encouraging women to prioritize themselves as they pursue success, fulfillment, and balance.

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: A Call to Reframe Menopause in Clinical Practice

Menopause Is Not a Symptom Problem. It is a Systems Problem We Must Acknowledge. The gap in care is not accidental. It is structural.

Women have historically been underrepresented in cardiovascular trials.

Cardiology has largely focused on obstructive, male-pattern disease.

Menopause has remained siloed within gynecology, disconnected from cardiovascular risk assessment.

As a result, we have failed to integrate one of the most important physiologic transitions in a woman’s life into our prevention models.



And patients are paying the price.

Featured Fashion Brand: Christie Brown

Founded in 2008 by acclaimed designer, Aisha Ayensu, Christie Brown (@christiebrowngh) is a contemporary luxury fashion house redefining global style through the lens of African heritage, craftsmanship, and sophistication. Proudly made in Ghana, the brand has earned international recognition for its impeccable tailoring, bold storytelling, and elevated designs. 

Shaun had the pleasure of meeting Aisha last month at the Leading Women Defined Conference and was blown away by her beautiful clothing!

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.