Happy September!

It’s time to say goodbye to summer and WELCOME FALL!

I feel like summer just flew by and part of the reason is that we’ve been so busy preparing for our SHE LEADS: Empowering Nonprofit Leaders for Girls Conference at the end of this month!

But first, September is a very special month because it’s the birthday month of the most wonderful mommy in the world. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MA! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

Now, on to SHE LEADS, which I am so excited about! This is our 3rd annual conference, created to strengthen and support the women who lead nonprofit organizations working every day to empower underserved girls and young women.



And I’m thrilled to report that WE ARE SOLD OUT!

That response speaks volumes about how important this gathering is for the women who work tirelessly to provide much-needed services and opportunities in their communities. SHE LEADS is about bringing these incredible women together, giving them tools and resources to strengthen their organizations, and reminding them that they don’t have to do this work alone.

This year, we are also excited to honor Janiece Evans-Page, CEO of Tides, the nonprofit and philanthropic organization focused on advancing social justice. Janiece has been an ardent supporter of the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls, and we are so pleased to honor her with our MAGNOLIA Award for Leadership.

I also had the opportunity to spend a little time on Martha’s Vineyard, the beautiful island off the coast of Massachusetts, about seven miles south of Cape Cod. Martha’s Vineyard is known for its beaches, charming towns and historic summer homes. August is an especially popular time to visit, with events centered around the arts, philanthropy, politics and networking.

One of the biggest attractions each August is the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, where I was honored to host a discussion about the upcoming ESPN documentary, The Brittany Griner Story. The film chronicles the rise of the WNBA star, her detention in Russia and her eventual release.

I had the opportunity to interview the film’s director, Alex Stapleton, as well as Brittney’s agent and the film’s executive producer, Lindsay Kagawa Colas. It was a fascinating and important conversation, and I hope you’ll get a chance to check out the film when it premieres.

And, as always, there are so many great stories and articles in this month’s newsletter. I hope you’ll take some time to relax and enjoy!

Finally, THANK YOU for the incredible support you have given the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls throughout our 10 years of serving girls and young women. We are so grateful for everyone who has believed in this mission and helped us reach this milestone.

If you’d like to support our continued work, you can always make a contribution at shaunfoundationforgirls.org/donate.

Thank you so much for being part of the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls family.

Happy Reading!

With gratitude,



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!

Last month, Girls Going Global took 100 high school girls on a life-changing trip to Ghana! 🇬🇭

The experience included exploring identity through intentional workshops, immersing themselves in Ghanaian culture, connecting with local girls, and shadowing inspiring professionals across global career paths.

STEM from Dance recently wrapped up summer programming across New York and LA. Girls coded, choreographed, designed tech, and built confidence as well as friendships - showcasing what's possible when STEM meets something they already love!

Book of the Month: A Pair of Aces

Our friend and New York Times bestselling author Victoria Christopher Murray has teamed up once again with Marie Benedict for another gripping historical fiction novel featuring extraordinary women.

Set in 1930s New York, A Pair of Aces follows two trailblazing women on opposite sides of the law - pioneering prosecutor Eunice Carter and infamous madam Polly Adler - who form an unlikely alliance to take down notorious mob boss Lucky Luciano.

We love the empowering message woven throughout this compelling story of courage, resilience, and the power of women who refuse to be underestimated.

Healthy Her: Your Heart Might Be Aging Faster Than You Are. Here's How to Turn Back the Clock.

Our hearts don’t always age at the same pace as the rest of us—and that’s something most people never think about. Even if you feel healthy, silent risks can be adding years to your heart. 

A recent study found that women’s hearts may age about four years faster than their actual age, with men’s hearts aging seven years faster.

This may seem like a reason to worry, but I encourage you to see it as a wake-up call. It helps us understand heart health in a real way, because when we know what shapes our heart’s age, we can take the necessary steps to protect it.

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

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.