Magnolia Monthly: September Newsletter

Letter from the President

Happy September! Farewell Summer and Hello! to the beautiful (and still sweltering hot) Autumn season!

I hope each of you enjoyed a wonderful summer filled with relaxation and joy. I must say, my summer was so busy! A few weeks ago, I was on the picturesque island of Martha's Vineyard. I spent time with family and friends and the sunsets were beautiful! breathtaking.

As the seasons change, so much is happening with the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls, and I'm thrilled to share the latest updates in this month’s newsletter!

First, we’ve seen an incredible wave of inspiration sweep across young girls worldwide, driven by the remarkable example of Vice President Kamala Harris—the first Black woman to lead a major-party ticket! Her powerful words on International Women’s Day resonate with our mission: “We are committed to lifting up women and girls everywhere because their ambitions and aspirations will change the world.”

Speaking of ambitions and aspirations, we are on the brink of hosting our inaugural **SHE Leads: Empowering Nonprofit Leaders for Girls Conference** in Los Angeles on September 30th and October 1st! This unique event will gather women leaders from girl-centered nonprofits across the country, providing a platform to empower each other and amplify our impact on the girls we serve.

We are especially proud to honor the incredible Dr. Monique Couvson, President and CEO of Grantmakers for Girls of Color, with our MAGNOLIA Award. The conference will also feature dynamic speakers, and we’re thrilled to announce that one nonprofit represented at the event will receive a $10,000 grant!

In this month’s newsletter, don’t miss Advisory Board Member Dr. Jayne Morgan’s life-saving insights in her column on "Heart Disease & Pregnancy". In addition, we’ll be showcasing women breaking barriers in aviation and music, while also celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with some delicious recipes that you’ll definitely want to try!

So many of you loved our "FAITH IT 'til you MAKE IT" t-shirt that I’m sharing the link again with you. Get yours in light gray or purple, or BOTH!

There’s so much to discover in this month’s newsletter! As always, your support makes our work possible. Please consider making a monthly donation to the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls by visiting shaunfoundationforgirls.org/donate.

Happy reading, and here’s to a fabulous Fall!

Amara Ajagu watches as Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, speaks at the DNC

Program Spotlight:

SHE Leads: Empowering Nonprofit Leaders for Girls Conference

Breaking Barriers:

* Iconic Cuban Singer Celia Cruz is First Afro-Latina on a U.S. Coin

* Texas Woman's University Launches New Flight Program, Breaking Barriers for Women in Aviation

* Belize-born Composer is First Black Woman Appointed Master of the King's Music

Health & Wellness:

Heart Disease and Pregnancy

Featured Favorites:

Traditional Latin American Recipes to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

“When opportunity presents itself, grab it. Hold on tight and don’t let go.”- Celia Cruz

Program Spotlight:

SHE Leads Conference

We can't wait to host our inaugural SHE Leads: Empowering Nonprofit Leaders for Girls Conference later this month!

This important event will bring together a diverse group of women leaders who are on the front lines of empowering underserved and underrepresented girls and women. Our SHE Leads Conference will foster networking, skill development and collaborative innovation to drive positive change for girls nationwide.

We are excited to share that Dr. Monique Couvson, President and CEO of Grantmakers for Girls of Color, will be our keynote speaker! Under her leadership, G4GC has awarded over $25 million in grants to girl-centered organizations. We are proud to honor Dr. Couvson with the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls' MAGNOLIA Award in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the empowerment of girls of color.

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Monique Couvson, President & CEO of Grantmakers for Girls of Color

If you know of a woman who leads a nonprofit dedicated to supporting girls and/or women who might like to attend, please email: contact@shaunfoundationforgirls.org

Breaking Barriers:

This Month's Must-Reads

"The calling to be a musician has been stronger than any other consideration. If along the way I’ve helped to dispel the myth that a composer is only white and male, that can only be a good thing." - Errollyn Wallen

Celia Cruz | American Women Quarters Program

Iconic Cuban Singer Celia Cruz is First Afro-Latina on a U.S. Coin

Celia Cruz, known for capturing joy and struggle in her music, has become the first Afro-Latina woman to appear on U.S. currency. The “Queen of Salsa” is one of five women featured on a quarter this year by the U.S. Mint to celebrate American women's achievements and contributions.

Doswell School of Aeronautical Sciences at TWU

Texas Woman's University Launches New Flight Program, Breaking Barriers for Women in Aviation

TWU is now the nation’s only woman-focused university with a professional pilot program, aiming to increase female representation in aviation and to tackle the pilot shortage through affordable training and education.

Belize-born Composer Becomes First Black Woman Master of King's Music

Errollyn Wallen has made history as the first Black woman appointed Master of the King’s Music by King Charles. With 22 operas and some of the most performed works by living musicians, she will use this role to compose for royal occasions and champion music-making for all.

Health & Wellness:

Heart Disease and Pregnancy

Did you know that certain pregnancy complications can increase your risk of heart disease later in life? This is true despite the delivery of a healthy baby.

Why is that?

Let’s view pregnancy this way. From a Cardiologist’s perspective, it is the first stress test of a woman. This is because pregnancy is technically a ‘volume overload’ state of the body.

Have you ever heard of pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, gestational diabetes or gestational hypertension? No?

These are complications of pregnancy that can develop during this volume overloaded state (pregnancy). In general, they are characterized by very high blood pressures, sometimes the involvement of kidneys, the development of diabetes during the pregnancy, or even seizures and death. If during the pregnancy the patient develops any of these conditions, then essentially that patient has failed her stress test.

What does this mean?

Like any patient with a failed stress test, a referral to a Cardiologist is warranted. However, this oftentimes does not happen…..even after the birth of the baby. So that mom goes on through life with an increased risk of heart disease without knowing it, and without receiving medical attention.

Featured Favorites: Traditional Latin American Recipes to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month