South Jersey women celebrate Women’s History Month with event on the power of female philanthropy

On March 20, women in South Jersey will gather for Why We Give, an event focused on what makes female philanthropy unique.

This is the first symposium of South Jersey women’s organizations that have philanthropy and volunteerism as part of their mission.

Dr. Debra Mesch of the Lilly School of Philanthropy & Women’s Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University is the keynote speaker and will talk of the power women’s movements have and the way women’s giving is different from men’s.

Two panels, Why We Give and How We Give, will showcase various women’s groups and provide insights into how and why investing can strengthen communities.

The panels will be moderated by Jennifer Lewis-Hall, WPHL17 community relations manager and anchor of “In Focus”. Panelists include representatives from Alpha Kappa Alpha, Theta Pi Omega Chapter, Continental Societies Inc. SJ Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. South Jersey Alumnae Chapter, Hindu American Foundation, Impact 100 South Jersey, Moms Demand Action, Jewish Community Foundation, Jewish Family & Children Services of SNJ, Pascale Sykes Foundation, and Thrive Public Affairs. Closing remarks will be given by June Grushka-Rosen, founder and CEO of ExtraordinarYou and The Extraordinary Women’s League.

“There are many communities of women quietly making a difference in South Jersey. Unfortunately, they don’t know that each other exist,”  Kyle Ruffin, chair of Why We Give. said. “We hope to introduce them and open the door for potential collaboration and greater impact.”

The event takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Rowan College of Burlington County. Admission is $20. It is sponsored by the Community Foundation of South Jersey, Weber Gallagher and Rowan College of Burlington County.