Reflecting on Women’s History Month with the Affinity Funds

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate achievements and milestones made by women throughout history. To commemorate the month, we reached out to leaders from five of the Trust’s affinity funds*—women with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. They shared with us their thoughts on the importance of Women’s History Month, their influences, and issues women are still facing today.  

*Affinity funds are groups of donors united by a shared heritage, identity, or common interest. They leverage collective giving in support of specific groups of people and the organizations that serve them. The Trust houses six affinity funds—five which are currently active. The steering committees for these funds are often diverse and a mix of established and emerging leaders in the philanthropy, nonprofit, and business sectors.

Why is it important to celebrate Women’s History Month?

Deborah Harrington, African American Legacy: As a Black woman baptized Catholic at birth, I grew up reciting the Serenity Prayer which provided guidance and comfort in navigating the crossroads of life. A philosophy by which to help reckon my often-divergent paths. Decades later, [Educator and Civil Rights Activist] Sister Angela Davis threw down the gauntlet in her radical reinterpretation of empowerment in a mighty call to action. Her words give rise to our Global Sisterhood to stand “flat footed and arms akimbo” in our collective fight for truth, equity, and justice. As I write, our nation faces a defining moment with Congress working to enshrine the Rights of Women in the U.S. Constitution. The time is now!

Katie Eccles, LGBTQ Community Fund: When we celebrate Women’s History Month, it signals to the girls of the world that there are many, many paths in life. The notion that one may choose their own path is reinforced by the examples of others. Too often the paths of girls and young women are pruned to only include the sexual, reproductive, and household servicing of men. This limits those who may feel alternative sexual orientations or gender expressions, and those who possess innate exceptionality in traditionally “male” fields: engineering, exploration, politics, science, economics, strategic defense, sports, or technology. Additionally, it limits boys who feel mismatched with traditional gender roles. If the pandemic has taught us anything it is that the societal needs of tomorrow cannot be precisely determined today. The more examples girls have of women serving others in various arenas, the better they will be at discerning the best role for themselves in the world.

Liz Vlahos, Nuestro Futuro: Women’s History Month gives all of us the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the women who have changed the world for the better. There are more women in positions of leadership and influence across the world today than there were 20 years ago. There have been so many positive achievements, but we also need to acknowledge there is more to be done. We must continue to collectively strive for economic, educational, social, and health care equity. 

Tell us about an influential woman in your life and how she impacted you?

LeMinh Hoang, Asian Giving Circle: My mother, Mai, greatly influenced my life’s trajectory in so many ways. One memory, in particular, stands out for me. When I was a little girl, my mom volunteered at several food pantries in Saigon, which often ran out of food. On many occasions, individuals unable to receive a meal would follow my mom home and she would hand out food directly from our kitchen. Although my uncle chided my mom for doing so, as he thought this would encourage more traffic to our home, my mom continued to invite guests to come around.

After spending many years working in financial services, I now have a new home in nonprofits. I could not be happier or more grateful for the opportunity to partner with our Chicago communities, including the Asian Giving Circle, and my life has come full circle indeed. I’m feeling firsthand the joy my mother experienced when serving others. Why would I be doing anything else? ‘

Think of a vital issue facing women today. How do you see progress being made in 10 years?

Liz Miller, Young Leaders Fund: Many women still have to choose between a family and a career. We need to continue to push for work policies, insurance benefits, laws, and a societal structure that support women and allow them to have both. Moms make the world go round! Let’s break down the barriers keeping them from having financial independence and chasing their dreams.