Women’s History Month: The Power of You!

March is Women’s History Month, celebrating the contributions of women who write history, enrich our communities and workforce, and strengthen families! The 2024 theme celebrates “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.” This theme recognizes the need to eliminate bias and inequities from individuals' lives and institutions. Despite the strides made in equality for women, we must continue to prioritize efforts that recognize women and lead change.

As we celebrate, let’s be diligent in offering support and allyship to women at every stage of their careers with no judgment in their journeys. For many women in the United States, the career path begins with graduating high school or college, starting careers, and working while managing motherhood, families, and life. 

Some women pause their careers, often to care for children or other family members. This decision may come with negative implications that interfere with an upward career path. I was this woman. I opted out of full-time work to raise our children, returning to the workforce in my mid-40s. Today, I share my story and passion for supporting women who decide to enter the workforce later in life.

In 2002, I was lunching with my neighbor, Cynthia. I shared with her it was time for me to explore my career options. She encouraged me to consider a career in philanthropy. I gasped at the suggestion revealing that I could not think about such work because I wasn’t qualified. 

Cynthia looked me straight in the eye, and said, “You are raising your children, on school committees, building a family business with your husband, writing business plans, grants and articles, balancing budgets, engaging with the community - you are doing what development professionals do every day, you can do this.” That lunch changed my journey.

I took Cynthia’s advice, updated my resume, and reassessed my experiences and their relevance to philanthropy positions. Even with Cynthia’s support, it wasn’t easy, but nine months later I secured my first position at a nonprofit!

For reasons, real or perceived, at times I continue to find it difficult and feel as though I am always trying to “catch up.” This is my “why” for joining AFP Global's Women’s Impact Initiative Committee (WII). I want to share my experiences and offer women what Cynthia gave me, a stern lecture, confidence, support, and the ability to see myself in a different light, allowing me to grow.

To all who reevaluated your career options, thank you for joining the philanthropy profession! After a pause in your career, you have unique perspectives. You possess a lifetime of experiences to draw from, you lean into your passions, and have a sense of what you want to accomplish in the coming years. You have amassed a life of diverse experiences allowing you to authentically connect people to important missions.

Our world of philanthropy is lucky to have you. 

AFP WII serves women in our profession in many capacities. Over the next few years, one area of focus will be on women who enter or re-enter, the workforce in their 40’s. Gen X that is you! You don’t have to do this alone. AFP Global and WII are here to help you manage this transition and give you the tools to succeed. 
A few tips to consider in your transition. This is your time!

Rid yourself of preconceived notions or behaviors that cause you to hold back. 

Embark on the journey with a fresh outlook and let life write your story, rather than re-writing past narratives.

Connect with a mentor through your AFP local chapter or AFP Global. 

Everyone needs a “Cynthia!” Look no further than AFP. We understand each other!

Explore positions in the philanthropy space that match your interests.

You don’t need to be a front-line fundraiser! Love research, explore prospect or grant research. Perhaps writing is your superpower; consider grant writing. Share your passion as an advocacy director. If you love organizing special events, nonprofits need event planners.

Lean on your transferable skills. 

Soft skills show your ability to adapt, solve problems, and work with others. Critical skills include cultural competency, work ethic, and collaboration. Hard skills are learned through education, job training, courses, and work experience. 

Build (or rebuild) your network and core skills in philanthropy. 

Attend local AFP chapter events, including educational programs, social events, and conferences. You will find like-minded people to help you navigate the new path you are blazing.

P.S. Cynthia, thank you!