It seems a perfect fit for one of the Women’s Fund’s major sponsors to be a champion of gender equity and women’s empowerment in both her personal and professional life.
Nancy D. O’Reilly, PsyD, is an author, global advocate for women’s leadership and gender equality, and the founder of Women Connect4Good, Inc., a 501(c)3 foundation dedicated to supporting women-led initiatives and amplifying women’s voices around the world, with a twist.
One of the foundation’s grantmaking decisions each year is determined – not by the staff – but by the young, college-bound women (ages 16-20) who participate in Women Connect4Good’s Connect4Impact program. Each year’s class benefits from mentoring and hands-on experience in leadership, civic engagement, and participatory grantmaking.
These young women undergo a series of exercises to qualify and engage with several “social nonprofits” that equip and empower women to lead. From this research, they invite a handful of organizations to submit funding proposals. Then, with a scoring rubric in hand, they rank participants and make the tough decisions about which organization will receive $10k in funding. These young women are philanthropists and activists-in-training for their own success and for the success of others. Women’s Fund members-in-the-making!
Dr. O’Reilly (pictured above) feels that supporting other women—like the work of the Women’s Fund—is not only important, but also a required practice for all women, and especially important for women in leadership. “By supporting each other, we will step into our power and claim equality for all—together,” O’Reilly said. “One woman alone can’t do this, but all of us together, supporting one another, can make it happen. This is where our greatest strength lies”.
A former crisis team leader, Dr. O’Reilly brings a deep understanding of women’s wellness, leadership, and connection to her work. She serves on the boards of the ERA Coalition and the National Women’s History Museum and frequently speaks on advancing equity, including recent appearances at the U.S. Senate and Roosevelt House. She hosts “Smart, Amazing Conversations with Dr. Nancy,” a podcast that celebrates the stories of changemakers making a difference in their communities and the world.
Dr. O’Reilly has also authored a number of books that have helped equip women for success, including In This Together (Adams Media/Simon & Schuster, January 2019) and Leading Women (Adams Media/Simon & Schuster, 2014). Her latest, Timeless Women Speak: Power, Purpose, and Feeling Your Best at Every Age, is a powerful update to her groundbreaking 2008 title, driven by new research from more than 1,000 women.
Thank you, Dr. O’Reilly, for helping the Women’s Fund maximize our support of women, children, and families in south Santa Barbara County through your generous sponsorship.
Learn more about Women Connect4Good, Inc., here: www.womenconnect4good.org.