Cover Story
CELEBRATING ASIAN AMERICAN
Women Who Do It All
March is all about women! This is the month we celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day (March 8). While we should honor women every day of the year, this month reminds us that women deserve recognition for the amazing work they do — many who continue to work in male-dominated spaces and have to work twice as hard (often for less pay). Asian Avenue magazine shares the perspectives of six talented and courageous Asian American women in Colorado, who are impacting the sectors they work in. The diversity in their ethnic backgrounds, passions/interests, as well as their career paths show that women really can do it all!
The Women’s Foundation of Colorado (WFCO) stands as a unique community foundation creating more pathways to economic security for Colorado women. Since the WFCO’s founding in 1987 as the only statewide community foundation focused on dismantling barriers to women’s economic prosperity, more than 80,000 gifts from generous donors have fueled the foundation’s work to release more than 30 research reports, help pass dozens of pieces of legislation, and grant nearly $19 million to nonprofit organizations throughout Colorado. Why women? Women are the co- or sole-breadwinners in 45 percent of Colorado households. By maximizing opportunities for all women to have access to education, job training, and career placement that is needed to secure livable wages, achieve pay equity, advance in their careers, or even start their own businesses, we strengthen the economic engines of our communities. Women Achieving Greater Economic Security (WAGES) is a WFCO program helping women gain economic security and propelling more women into careers that enable them to meet the current and future needs of their families. “It’s one of the coolest things we’re doing,” said Lisa Christie, senior director of communications of WFCO. Throughout the state, 23 grantees make up the cohort involved with advancing equity in wages. Organizations work with job training, soft skills, assistance in transportation and child care. Interested in engaging, connecting or volunteering? Learn more at the WFCO website: WFCO.org.
14
March 2020 | Cover Story
Interviews by: Mary Jeneverre Schultz
ASIAN AMERICAN WOMEN’S GIVING CIRCLE In collaboration with the WFCO, Asian Avenue magazine is identifying interest in a giving circle for Asian American women. “A giving circle is formed when individuals come together and pool their dollars, decide together where to give the money (and other resources such as volunteer time), and learn together about their community and philanthropy,” said Annie Guo VanDan, president of Asian Avenue. Once the cohort raises $2,500, the WFCO would match $2500, enabling the giving circle to grant $5,000 into the community. Members of the giving circle would discuss and vote on which areas of focus to donate the funds, such as education, equity/ inclusion, health, and APIA-related). If you’d like to learn more, e-mail annievandan@gmail.com.
The 2017 WFCO community-building and fundraising event, TOGETHER, with former First Lady Michelle Obama being interviewed by WFCO president and CEO, Lauren Y. Casteel.
