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PhilanthropyA GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVINGMeet WFCO’s Four Giving CirclesSince WFCO announced in 2018 our new giving circle, Sisterhoodof Philanthropists Impacting Needs (SPIN), community responsehas been a gift that keeps giving. Several more have launched, willlaunch soon, or are in initial planning phases.For decades, giving circles have provided like-minded donorsa space to multiply their philanthropy by pooling their dollars,deciding where to give the money, and learning together aboutcommunity, philanthropy, and impact.communities. They also allow The Foundation to touch more issuesand have greater impact.”Renee notes that giving circles are perfect for regional or affinitygroups, such as the members who make up The Community Chest a group of friends who survived the challenges of breast cancer.“Having The Women’s Foundation host our giving circle was ano-brainer,” said Ruth Rohs, co-founder of The Community Chest.“It was important to us that WFCO was founded by women for women.”“As a philanthropic institution, developing new giving vehiclesis an important part of WFCO’s current strategic plan,” saidRenee Ferrufino, vice president of development. “Giving circlesmake philanthropy more accessible and connect donors to newEach separate giving circle makes group decisions about whetherto co-invest with The Foundation or fund other interest areas,as well as minimum financial contributions, requirements formembership, and processes for grantmaking.BEYOND OUR BORDERSSPINBeyond Our Borders has been a group-advised fund held at The Women’sFoundation of Colorado since 2000 and is also considered a givingcircle. Beyond Our Borders promotes equity and social justice througheducational, economic, and social opportunities for women and girlsin global settings. There are currently 38 members.SPIN is an African-American women’s giving circle empoweringand positively impacting marginalized women and girls in ourcommunity. There are currently 11 members.Membership: Members donate at least 400 per year. To learn more,contact Co-Chair LaRae Scott-Jennings, lscottjennings@gmail.com.Membership: Members donate at least 2,000 per year, or if they areunder age 40, at least 1,000 per year. Accepting new members.In May 2019, The Community Chest was started by nine womenwho survived the challenges of breast cancer diagnoses and whowant to share their strength, thankfulness, and desire to build amore connected and empowered Denver community for women andgirls. The founding members include: Christine Benero, JenDarling, Kathryn Harris, Lisa Hill, Kasia Iwaniczko-MacLeod,Sarah Lehmann, Ruth Rohs, Tamra Ward, and Marla Williams.Membership: Members donate 1,000 annually. Accepting newmembers and donations. Breast cancer survivorship is not required.Members of SPIN build on the tradition of African-American philanthropy.Photo: Flor BlakeTHE COMMUNITY CHESTWOMEN’S IMPACT INVESTINGGIVING CIRCLE (WIIGC)The founding members of The Community Chest.Photo: McLeod9 CreativeThe Women’s Impact Investing Giving Circle is the first giving circlein the country to invest directly in women entrepreneurs. ImpactFinance Center is partnering with WFCO to offer members educationin governance, social ventures, due diligence, and deal creation.There are currently 19 members who will select the chair(s) at theirfirst meeting on July 10, 2019.Membership: Members donate 2,000 or more per year. Acceptingnew members until July 8, 2019.Interested in any of WFCO’s giving circles or starting your own?Contact Kristina Vaio, development officer and events manager,at kristinav@wfco.org or 303-285-2967.WFCO is matching every new giving circle opened in 2019 with 2,500.4MISSION DRIVEN / SUMMER 2019

MISSION DRIVEN / SUMMER 2019EXPANDING DONOR IMPACT THROUGHGENDER-LENS INVESTINGAKASHA ABSHERis the chief consultingofficer of SyntrinsicInvestment Counsel,leading the firm’sefforts to createenduring strategicpartnerships withnonprofit clients tohelp them investall resources withmission and business strategy. Syntrinsic isWFCO’s investment advisor. Akasha is a WFCOfundholder, PEP member, and Women Will member.Q: What is unique about opening adonor-advised fund at WFCO?A: What’s great about WFCO is it providesdonor-advised fundholders (DAF) twooptions to invest alongside it in its genderlens investment platform: a long-termportfolio, which is well-diversified witha 15 percent gender-lens allocation, andthe 100 percent gender-lens portfolio,which no other community foundation inColorado offers.Q: What is gender-lens investing?A: Gender-lens investing is a form ofimpact investing, which is investingwith the intent of both a financial andmeasurable, beneficial, social return.The folks at the Global Impact InvestingNetwork define gender-lens investing asstrategies that are applied to an allocationor to the entirety of an investmentportfolio that seek to intentionally andmeasurably address gender disparitiesand/or examine gender dynamics to betterinform investment decisions.Q: Why should a donor-advisedfundholder consider investing in WFCO’s100 percent gender-lens portfolio?A: Investing alongside WFCO in thegender-lens investing program supportsWFCO in achieving its top priorities. Morespecifically, through their investmentdollars, donors will advocate for equalpay, family-friendly work policies, andgender diversity on corporate boardsand executive management. They willLiving Her Values ThroughWomen Will“Values are important, but we need to act them out, not just know what they are,” saidJean Saul, a member of WFCO’s planned giving program, Women Will. Jean’s sentimentsalign with an inspirational phrase often heard from WFCO President and CEO Lauren Y.Casteel, also a Women Will member: seek substance over symbols.Wanting to substantiate her own values of sharing, kindness, and encouraging othersprompted Jean to include The Women’s Foundation of Colorado in her estate plans.She developed a passion for the advancement of women in graduateschool and soon began teaching women’s studies. That passionfully bloomed when she worked for an organization dedicated towomen’s learning and action in the U.S. and globally. She hopesher planned gift will increase women’s representation, power, andagency in all areas of larger society.also support companies that are “best inclass” based on scoring for issues suchas climate change, human capital andlabor management, corporate governance,privacy, data security, among others.Q: What are WFCO’s investment goals?A: WFCO is broadening its gender-lensinvestment strategies while giving donorseven more options to expand their impact.WFCO's goal is to use all forms of capitalfrom investments to grantmaking forgreater social and economic change forwomen statewide. The aim is for the entireasset base to be 51 percent gender-lensinvested by spring 2021.Q: How can donors participate in genderlens investing?A: Learn more! Donors can becomeinvolved in gender-lens investment optionsby opening a donor-advised fund orjoining a giving circle or group-advisedfund at WFCO. Contact Renee Ferrufino,vice president of development, at303-285-2969 or reneef@wfco.org.Women Will members plan giftsor bequests to fund the essential workof The Women’s Foundation throughtheir estates. You may name WFCO asa beneficiary of IRAs, retirement plans,life insurance policies, marketablesecurities, and real property. Tolearn more, contact Renee Ferrufino,vice president of development, at303-285-2969 or reneef@wfco.org.“In all probability, my money will outlast me, and I know this workwill not be finished,” she said. “Women need to be equal in all things —pay, education, and policymaking. It’s a great relief to know I can bea small part of helping things continue.”WFCO.ORG5

PhilanthropyTWO SPEAKERS, MANY STORIES, ONE VISIONTogether, we can create a future where women of every background and identity thrive. Attend WFCO’sAnnual Luncheon on Friday, Oct. 11, 2019.WFCO's Annual Luncheon is a renowned community showcaseexperiences in TED-style talks that will connect and inspire theof icons, ideas, and stories and has grown to become the state’saudience. Then, WFCO President and CEO Lauren Y. Casteel willlargest fundraising event on behalf of Colorado women and theirhost a joint conversation with both speakers.families.“The Women’s Foundation is thrilled to have Noor and MaysoonThe event will draw nearly 2,600 passionate attendees and morecatalyze community, philanthropy, and impact through theirthan 200 sponsors to raise critical funds for WFCO’s strategicpoignant storytelling,” said Lauren. “Bringing both speakersstatewide research, public policy advocacy, and grantmaking torepresents our belief that it takes inclusive stories and voiceshelp Colorado women reach economic security. Tickets, tables,to inspire a future where women of every background andand sponsorships are available now at www.wfco.org/luncheon.identity thrive. Our luncheon is a space where individuals fromGuests will be treated to a new luncheon format: two dynamicspeakers, Noor Tagouri and Maysoon Zayid, will deliverheartfelt and humorous personal stories about their livedall sectors of the community come together each year with acommon goal of fueling that future for our mothers, daughters,sisters, colleagues, and neighbors.”SPEAKERSNoor TagouriNoor Tagouri is a prominent Muslim-American woman, blazinga trail across mainstream media. In 2018, Noor released thedocumentary “Sold in America,” investigating the sex tradein the U.S., with a podcast spinoff climbing to #8 on Apple’sPodcast Charts. In 2017, Noor released her Hulu series “AWoman’s Job,” highlighting badass women in male-dominatedcareers. Noor has been featured at SXSW, TEDx, Create &Cultivate, and New York Fashion Week. Noor’s influence canbe summed-up in two words: innovative storytelling. NoorTagouri is, quite literally, changing the face of journalism –one story at a time.6Maysoon ZayidMaysoon Zayid is an actress, comedian, writer, and disabilityadvocate. She is a guest comedian in residence at ArizonaState University and the co-founder/co-executive producerof the New York Arab American Comedy Festival andThe Muslim Funny Fest. She was an on-air contributor to“Countdown with Keith Olbermann” and a columnist forThe Daily Beast, appearing on Oprah Winfrey Network’s “InDeep Shift”, “60 Minutes”, and ABC News. Maysoon hadthe number-one TED Talk of 2014. She walked in New YorkFashion Week and is an ambassador for the Cerebral PalsyFoundation. Maysoon is currently developing a comedyseries called “Can-Can.”MISSION DRIVEN / SUMMER 2019

2019ANNUAL LUNCHEONFriday, October 11, 2019 11:30 AMColorado Convention Center – Denver, COMile High BallroommanySTORIESoneVISIONPurchase tables and tickets today at wfco.org/luncheonOverheard at 2018 Annual Luncheon.“They’ve inspired meto make changeand to help in anyway I can.”“It made myspirit soar!”“The Women’s Foundation ofColorado is doing absolutelyamazing things to help women!”Top-3 reasons to sponsorour Annual Luncheon1. You will demonstrate communityleadership and commitment to buildinga brighter future for Colorado.2. You will be in good company amongColorado’s community and civic leaders,business leaders, nonprofits, corporations, and individual donors who arepassionate about making a difference.3. An investment in Colorado women isan investment in their children, families,communities, workplaces, and oureconomy!Visit wfco.org/luncheon to learn moreabout sponsorships.2019 Annual Luncheon Sponsors*PRESENTING SPONSOR“I think we’re better and more powerfulin numbers, so it’s great to cometogether and work together, and builda network.”PLATINUM SPONSORS“This is a big eventnow, but each onehas been inspiring.”GOLD SPONSORSSILVER SPONSORSMary andGeorge SisselWFCO.ORG*As of June 7, 20197

ImpactColorado Gov. Jared Polis signsthe Equal Pay for Equal Work Act atWFCO's offices on May 22, 2019.A WIN FOR WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACEThe 2019 Colorado legislative session will be remembered for many things, including an unprecedented femalemajority House and the first session under the leadership of a new governor. The Women’s Foundation ofColorado will remember it for the traction made for women in the workplace.WFCO supported 18 bills, 16 of which passed. We are proudin any form has advanced to this point. Colorado is on thethat many of these policies earned bipartisan support, withway to implementing a safety net for women in the workplacerecognition that they will positively impact Colorado women,(and all Colorado workers) to provide care to loved ones atcritical times, seek necessary medical treatment, and remainfamilies, and our economy.employed, which helps employers retain a skilled workforce.Our Priority Policies Passed or Advanced!WFCO dedicated lobbying resources to three bills thatChild Care Educator Tax Creditsupported women in the workplace. All will be signed into96 percent of early child care educators in Colorado arelaw. We have supported iterations of the Equal Pay for Equallow-income working women who don’t make enough toWork Act and FAMLI for many years and their passage andmeet their basic needs despite being a vital segment ofadvancement in 2019 demonstrates that women’s progressour workforce. Their inadequate pay contributes to a hightakes patience, persistence, and partnership. We’re in it forturnover rate and instability in the child care industry,the long haul.which in turn negatively affects the quality of care childrenexperience and disrupts parents’ employment. KeepingEqual Pay for Equal Work Actchildhood educators in the field, with good pay, is key toThe Equal Pay for Equal Work Act is a major step forwardfor Colorado women and a solution that works for our entireproviding high-quality education and care for Colorado kids.state. Molded by input from employees and employers, itThere Is Work Still to Be Doneis among the most comprehensive equal pay protections inEach bill paves clear pathways toward economic securitythe country. It provides an unprecedented opportunity forfor more Colorado families, but there is more work to beColorado women to be paid what they’re worth.done. The child care crisis in Colorado must be addressedon multiple levels. As the Equal Work for Equal Pay ActFAMLI Family Medical Leave Insurance Programapproaches implementation in January 2021, WFCO plans toThe bill creates a family and medical leave implementationtask force and calls for an analysis of options foradministration of a paid leave insurance program. Althoughthe bill shifted into an implementation study bill, WFCO isbe a resource for employees and employers. Lastly, we lookforward to working alongside employees, employers, policyexperts, economists, private insurers, and several otherstakeholders to shape a viable future for FAMLI in Colorado.pleased with this progress. No prior paid family leave policyHelp advocate for WFCO’s policy priorities. Email malloryg@wfco.org8MISSION DRIVEN / SUMMER 2019

MISSION DRIVEN / SUMMER 2019FROM STUDENT LOANSTO CENSUS OUTREACH –PROMOTING PROSPERITYTHROUGH POLICYDOTTIE LAMM AWARDAPPLICATIONS DUE JULY 1216 BILLS WE SUPPORTED PASSEDELEVATING CHILD CAREHB 19-1005Income Tax Credit for CertainEarly Childhood EducatorsHB 19-1013Income Tax Credit for Child Care ExpensesHB 19-1052Special Districts to Provide Early ChildhoodDevelopment ServicesSB 19-063Infant and Family Child Care Action PlanHB 19-1262State Funding for Full-Day ProgramIn 1987, WFCO created the Dottie Lamm Leadership Awardto honor the former first lady of Colorado’s commitment2018 DottieLamm Award Winner,Athena ClemenstoWFCOwomenand recognizethe resilienceof women who arecreating better lives for themselves and their families.Do you know a young woman who overcame challengingcircumstances on her personal journey toward economicMAKING WORK WORKsecurity? Help her win 1,500. Applications are now open forHB 19-1210Local Government Minimum Wagethe 2019 Dottie Lamm Leadership Award.HB 19-2007Employment Support Job Retention ServicesProgramIn addition to applicants, WFCO is also seeking volunteers toSB 19-085Equal Pay for Equal Work ActSB 19-173Colorado Secure Savings Plan BoardSB 19-188FAMLI Family Medical Leave InsuranceProgram (implementation study bill)PROPELLING OPPORTUNITYSB 19-002Regulation of Student Education LoanServicersHB 19-1280College Savings AccountsHB 19-1332Expand Supply Affordable HousingIMPROVING COLORADO’S TAXAND BUDGET POLICIESHB 19-1257HB 19-1258Voter Approval to Retrain Revenue forEduction and TransportationAllocate Voter-approved Revenue forEducation & Transportationreview applications.Learn more at wfco.org/dottielammaward.BE PART OF WFCO’SGRANTMAKING DECISIONSWFCO is seeking additional direct service grantmakingcommittee members to serve a three-year term, beginningAugust 2019. The committee advises the WFCO board of trusteeson grantmaking decisions regarding the direct-service granteepartners of our WAGES (Women Achieving Greater EconomicSecurity) program. We are looking for members who: Represent communities across Colorado and reflect differentsocial identitiesPROMOTING AND PROTECTINGISSUES AND RIGHTS Have community knowledge and/or experience relevant to ourHB 19-1239 Demonstrate a passion for and interest in women reachingCensus Outreach Grant Programfocus areaeconomic securityWe don’t do this work alone. Thank you to our statewidenetwork of advocates, partners, funders, legislativechampions, and supporters.For more information about our legislative work and those Value diversity and inclusivenessLearn more at wfco.org/volunteer.who help move it forward, visit wfco.org/publicpolicy.WFCO.ORG9

ImpactA COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER FORIMMIGRANT WORKING MOTHERS“The original intent of the space was to house a resource deskto address immigration concerns and needs. It’s evolved into acohesive community center where all walks of life are welcomed.”SUSANA GUARDANOExecutive Director, OneMorganThe Morgan County Community Center,run by community building organizationOneMorgan, is a vibrant and welcomingconvening spot for Fort Morgan residentsand organizations.It opened in 2018 as a temporary “pop-up”resource for the immigrant, refugee, andasylee community; more than 19 percentof the town’s population is foreign bornand 39 percent speaks a language otherthan English.The concept flourished and morphed into apermanent resident-led community centeroffering adult English classes, citizenshipclasses, cultural events, and a safe space forstudents to gather after school.Susana Guardano, executive director,arrived in Fort Morgan from Mexico whenshe was five years old. She believes herfamily may not have felt so isolated if thecommunity center had existed then. Shereinforces that the intercultural center is anecessary place for understanding, support,and friendship, but it’s also an economicdriver for Fort Morgan.Helping Immigrant Women AchieveGreater Economic SecuritySix working mothers gather at OneMorganbimonthly to chat about motherhood andmatriculation and to offer support to oneanother.They are part of The Women’s Foundationof Colorado’s WAGES program, which iscomprised of 23 nonprofit organizationsstatewide that help increase women’saccess to higher education, job training,equal pay, child care, and livable wages.OneMorgan’s program focuses on helpingthe mothers acquire degrees that willlead to professional advancement, andultimately, economic security.Morgan Community College generouslycovers their tuition and the support ofcareer counselors. WFCO’s funding providesmonthly stipends to offset the staggering10costs of child care, transportation, books,and supplies that often are barriers toworking mothers entering and stayingin school. Susana and two other programcoordinators – Eric Ishiwata, PhD, andTaylor Jordan – host career workshopsand computer literacy trainings whileaddressing the linguistic, cultural, andsocial-emotional needs of workingmothers from immigrant backgrounds.Because of this targeted approach andsupport system, every participantfinished her second semester andOneMorgan reports a 100-percentretention rate for fall semester.SITINA'S STORYSitina, 25, came to Fort Morgan fromEthiopia in 2011 in tenth grade to joinher brother who worked at Cargill Meatprocessing plant. She originally attendedclasses at Fort Morgan High School butwithdrew so she could work full timeto help cover her mother’s medical bills.Today, she’s a mom to one-year-old andfive-year-old sons.Finishing high school seemed unlikely toSitina. When OneMorgan told her about theWAGES program, she jumped at a chanceto earn her GED and take college coursessimultaneously. She is on track to completeher GED at the end of 2019 and plans toenroll in a four-year college for nursing.MARCELA'S STORYMarcela, 22, immigrated to the U.S. fromMexico when she was 15. Despite thinkingshe “wasn’t going to make it” through highschool because of the language barrier, shepersevered and graduated. She attendedcollege for one year, but when she hada child, she didn’t have the child careresources to keep going.With OneMorgan’s WAGES program,Marcela is close to earning her Associateof Science degree, and plans to attenda four-year college to pursue industrialengineering. She loves working with systemsand logistics and enjoys the challenge ofmaking the best possible use of resources.With her stipend, she can afford high-qualitychild care for her daughter, Samantha, whois almost three.“Samantha has grown so much; she canalready identify all her letters,” said Marcelaproudly.GLORIA'S STORYAt the potluck, Gloria, 38, sits with herdaughters

Kendra is an attorney and owns her own firm, Kendra M. Oyen, LLC. Before earning her J.D. at the University of Colorado School of Law, she was a Boettcher Scholar at Colorado College. Kendra has served on boards of Pueblo Domestic Violence Task Force, Sangre de Cristo Hospice, and the Western Colorado AIDS Project. Sue Sharkey, Castle Rock