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Traditionally, philanthropy is led by people furthest from the need, isn’t represented by diverse groups of people, and reinforces existing power dynamics that are often harmful to people of color.
Women of Color GIVE takes a human-centered approach. Together, we are transforming the charitable giving landscape by envisioning a new model of philanthropy—one that empowers those closest to the need, changes structural power dynamics, and adds to the diversity of voices in the sector.
Empowering and investing in projects for and by individuals of color along the West Michigan Lakeshore.
We identify as and invite women of color to invest in Women of Color Give. Our members are committed to attending a minimum of four meetings a year and pledging $75 per quarter. There are additional meetings and social events throughout the year, including our annual celebration where the money collected throughout the year is distributed to organizations that are nominated and voted on by the majority of our members.
Women of Color (WOC) GIVE is a philanthropic collective based in West Michigan. We bring women from diverse cultural backgrounds together, sharing space to connect and leverage resources to support each other and causes that matter to us.
Today, women and girls of color only receive 2% of the philanthropic pie while making up 19% of the U.S. population. Studies indicate BIWOC choose how to give based on their race and ethnicity and therefore bring a more inclusive and equitable approach to giving despite being grossly underrepresented in formal philanthropic sectors.
We fund and distribute grants to organizations that support the advancement, development, and promotion of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) on the Lakeshore.
We welcome everyone to join us in building a brighter future for our community. Become an investor or partner today and help us give back to charitable organizations and causes in West Michigan.
A bunch of dedicated, caring, talented, and powerful women
President: Jenn VanHekken
Vice President: Kate Bareman
Treasurer: Yah-Sheba Jenkins
Secretary: Anita Esquerra-Zwiers
Grants Committee Co-Chairs: Anita Esquerra-Zwiers & Kim Koeman
Membership Committee Co-Chairs: Lora Kleinsasser & Lindsay Cherry
Events Committee Co-Chairs: Alexandra Darland & Cynthia Peña
Ad Hoc, Past President, Co-Founder: Yah-Hanna Jenkins Leys (not pictured)
Ad Hoc: Simone Weithers, Rebekah Bakker, & Erin Avery Zylman
Co-founder, President, Communications & Development Committee Chair
Communications & Development and Nominations & Distribution Committee Member
Secretary
Co-Founder, Vice President
Treasurer
Nominations & Distribution Committee Chair
Co-Founder
Membership & Events Committee Chair