Spolight on Amanda Coven

I moved to Portland from New Jersey in 2018 and absolutely love Oregon. I'm fortunate that through my work, I've been able to travel throughout the state and explore so many of the beautiful spaces and places. I also enjoy traveling outside of Oregon and have been to all seven continents! Since having my daughter in 2023, traveling looks more like visiting different parks and splash pads, but it's all worth it to see her smile and have fun. 

I was introduced to ninety-nine girlfriends by my management coach, Kaye O’Kearny, who shared her own positive experiences with the group and encouraged me to get involved. She saw it as a meaningful way for me to expand my network in Portland while deepening my understanding of philanthropy. Coming from a background rooted in nonprofit program work, I was drawn to the opportunity to learn more about development and gain firsthand experience from the funder perspective. 

I joined ninety-nine girlfriends this past spring, so I’m still very new to the group, but I’ve already felt a strong sense of connection. I participated on a grant review team and really enjoyed the experience—it was inspiring to meet such thoughtful women from all walks of life and to hear their diverse perspectives on the incredible organizations being considered. What keeps me connected is the opportunity to build relationships with people who care deeply about our community. The concept of collective giving is both empowering and a meaningful reminder that we don’t have to take on big challenges alone. I’m also looking forward to the Meet the Finalists watch parties and the Awards Celebration later this year!

Amanda Coven

Social Housing

Although the term does not have a single agreed-upon definition, social housing usually means mixed-income housing that is owned or financed by local governments. Portland City Council passed a resolution urging city policymakers and experts to show how the city could implement social housing. Check out these articles in Street Roots (with the Portland angle), Vox, and the New York Times to learn more.

Get ready to vote!

As a member of ninety-nine girlfriends, you get to vote for our Impact Awards. Your vote matters, and we want to make it easy (and fun) to get informed before you cast your ballot.

  • Meet the Finalists Together: On Thursday, October 9, Girlfriends across Portland will host Meet the Finalists watch parties. These gatherings are a great chance to connect with Girlfriends while streaming the finalist videos. These parties are always popular, so register early!

  • Your Voter Toolkit: That same day, you’ll receive an email with two key resources including the Meet the Finalists Playlist. You can watch it on your own if you can’t make a party.                                                                                      Furthermore, you'll receive the Official Voters Guide. The guide is packed with finalist websites, facts, and statements from our grant review teams about why these organizations rose to the top.

  • Mark Your Calendar: Voting opens the evening of October 9 and closes just before midnight on October 19. Make sure to set aside time to review, reflect, and cast your ballot.

We rocked our Habitat for Humanity build day

Eighteen Girlfriends gathered in Lake Grove on a hot day to learn more about Habitat for Humanity and help build the program’s first homes in Lake Oswego.

Girlfriends shared about the experience:

“It was an amazing opportunity to get to know some wonderful Girlfriends, work together with Habitat for Humanity Portland, and learn about their incredible work in our community. I learned to use a power nail drill and a power saw and the incredible importance of making sure the wood is aligned perfectly! I loved learning about CREW too.” - Liz

“It was a great day of education, working together, and sisterhood.” - Lori Kellogg

“Spending a day helping frame one of the Habitat for Humanity houses was great fun. I learned how to use a serious nail gun while making a contribution. Liam, our supervisor, was very knowledgeable and patient. I recommend that everyone volunteer at some time. I’ll be going back when there is painting and other finish work to be done.” - Kay

If you couldn’t make it but want to support Habitat’s mission, you can:

Join in additional volunteer opportunities

Working Theory Farm Tour

On July 30, 10 Girlfriends carpooled to Hillsboro for a tour of Working Theory Farm, a 2024 Impact Partner. They were treated to a lengthy 90-minute tour of the beautiful 24- acre property that grows vegetables, fruit trees, chickens (for eggs), and pigs (being raised to sell by fall). A small pond surrounded by trees creates a quiet space for staff, youth, and visiting seniors from Centro Cultural.

A centerpiece of this farm’s model is that high-school-aged youth (from alternative schools and Harkins House, an alternative to detention) participate in paid summer work to learn about and participate in all aspects of organic farming. Produce is offered for purchase through community-supported agriculture shares* (sold out this year), and through collaboration with Centro Cultural for distribution through their Free Food Mercado. 

Bagel, a spunky mixed breed with a zest for fetching, followed behind her bosses David Altuzar (communications manager) and Henney Sullivan (development director).   

David Altuzar was recently hired (partially funded through our Impact Award). He summed up the experience as follows:   

“As if on cue, clouds rolled in to soften the summer sun during the ninety-nine girlfriends visit. As we strolled through the fields, we paused to meet the pigs and chickens and to share how our no-till, regenerative, organic practices are both a commitment to the land and a vehicle for transformation. Along the way, the Girlfriends saw youth actively working and heard how vital it is for young people to have spaces like this, where they can find purpose, connect with the earth, and redefine their relationship to food and community.

One of our youth, Maverick (15), captured it best: ‘Working here makes me more appreciative of everything I have — in knowing the process, the love, the energy, the hard work that goes into growing food.’ ”

All who participated felt grateful for the Working Theory Farm staff taking time to treat the Girlfriends to this tour during their busiest time of the year. When it works for our Impact Partners, a visit to experience the mission of their organization enriches our knowledge and appreciation of all the pieces that our partners manage. Beyond vegetables…it was food for the soul!


What happened at the New Member Welcome

Last week, 39 of us gathered for our New Member Welcome at McMenamins Kennedy School. We chatted over spinach and goat cheese salad, sparkling water, and chocolates curated by Girlfriend Melissa C. While mingling, new member Sarah T. shared that Melissa officiated her wedding last year. And Sonjaly S. shared that she was introduced to ninety-nine girlfriends by Tammy W., whose husband is one of Sonjaly’s colleagues. 

The program began with introductions from Michelle Hynes, a founding member and the Fellows Program lead; Pip Meagher, a founding member and chair of the Governing Board; CeCe Petrick., a Fellow and PSU intern; and Tammy Wilhoite, chair of the Coordinating Council and Operations Committee.

The group welcomed a few questions to start things off. “How long until we get to learn the secret handshake?” prompted the whole room to burst into laughter and created a friendly opening for the next part of the evening.

Next, we broke into groups to explore our personal relationships with philanthropy. Debbie H., a returning member, shared that her donor-advised fund has been a meaningful and rewarding way for her to give. She also noted that ninety-nine girlfriends has helped her discover and connect with organizations she might not have found otherwise. Laurie D., a member of a grant review team, spoke about wanting to be more intentional with her giving, aiming to make a bigger, more consistent impact over time.

Our second breakout encouraged reflection on personal moments of action—“What have you done because you felt something wasn’t right?” And “What organizations inspire you to give?” New member Debbie E. spoke about her background as an emergency responder and her deep admiration for World Central Kitchen’s work. Former park ranger Linda D. shared her lifelong passion for the environment, noting that she founded the Mendocino Coast chapter of the Audubon Society. Heidi D. spoke movingly about her family’s experience with Ronald McDonald House, which supported them during her son’s childhood illness. She emphasized how volunteerism became a shared family passion after that experience.

 

The evening wrapped up with Q&A. Tammy, Pip, and Michelle shared information about volunteering, grantmaking, member voting, and the Meet the Finalists and Awards Celebration events. We left feeling more rooted in the ninety-nine girlfriends community and energized by all of the meaningful conversations. 


This article has been corrected to show Melissa as the wedding officiant. A previous version incorrectly identified that individual as Michelle H.


Member Spotlight on Tammy Wilhoite

I’ve been a Girlfriend for nine years and have volunteered the whole time. From my first gig as a GRT co-lead to my current positions of Coordinating Council chair and Operations chair, I’ve loved every minute. Even during the challenging times, I’ve found joy in working collaboratively and improving my professional skills.

I’ve loved most the culture of learning and continuous improvement, the collaborative leadership structure and willingness to try new things, and the women I’m in community with, who are here to be a force for good. 

Although I’m hopeful that the universe will allow me to remain a Girlfriend for another nine years, I’m helping to mentor and develop new leaders for the future of this amazing collective.

Tammy Wilhoite

Path Home

Last week, Path Home presented their Lullaby Project at Alberta Rose Theater. Through an ongoing partnership with the Oregon Symphony, the Lullaby Project uses creative expression to build bonds and improve maternal health for families experiencing homelessness. The project pairs musicians from the symphony and local singer-songwriters with parents from Path Home to create personalized lullabies for their children, expressing comfort and hope for the future. The project was an inspiring showcase for these powerful collaborations and received coverage from the Oregonian and KOIN. To learn more about the project and listen to prior seasons of the project’s lullabies, visit Path Home’s website. 

Join us at the price that works for you

One of the ways we embed equity into our operations is to offer a sliding scale to paid events:

  • Member + Help Another: for people who want to pay it forward and do a bit more          

  • Member (I could use a little help): for those who’d like financial assistance

  • Member or Fellow: tickets for members and Fellows

"Create inclusion with simple mindfulness that others might have a different reality from your own." — Patti Digh

Member Spotlight on Jessica Wechter

I returned to Portland in December 2023 after 20 years living on the East Coast for school and work. As part of this transition, I looked for (and continue to seek) different ways to plug into the region, especially alongside people who care about similar issues—whether that’s dismantling barriers to equity and opportunity or helping ensure that Portland and its people thrive. While living in the Washington, D.C. area, I had the privilege of serving as a founding member of a giving circle that launched right before the COVID-19 pandemic. This experience taught valuable lessons in the principles of trust-based philanthropy, like streamlining paperwork, getting to know the issues, and listening to nonprofit and community leaders. I knew I wanted to be part of another place-based and responsive giving circle that shared these values. I also was drawn to ninety-nine girlfriends because of its intergenerational membership and tiered contribution structure that lowers barriers to participation. Philanthropy should be for everyone!

I’ve spent my career in the nonprofit sector, working for both grant-making and grant-seeking organizations, but most of these organizations work nationally, not locally, making it easy to feel disconnected from the region I call home. Ninety-nine girlfriends offers a way to give where I live and learn about nonprofit groups that I might not have known about otherwise…as well as the current context of the communities they serve. I value being part of a group committed to collective action and learning together. As a new member, I also appreciated immediate opportunities to deepen my involvement by serving on a grant review team and attending educational and networking events throughout the year.

My ideal morning starts with a cappuccino and leisurely dog walk. New cafes or trail suggestions are always welcome! Final thought: The organizations that ninety-nine girlfriends funds are the experts at addressing challenges in our region. As members, it’s our job to give flexible funding and other resources and then get out of their way!

Jessica Wechter

FinAbility

FinAbility’s Survivor Advisory Committee just wrapped up their first 2-year term, working to ensure that the organization’s work is trauma-informed, accessible, and relevant – and they’ve created an impact report of their accomplishments since 2023…check it out on their Instagram or LinkedIn. Also, do you know anyone who would like to get more involved with their work? They are recruiting board members. 

ELSO

ELSO has been full steam ahead with its youth-focused programs. On May 10, they will host their annual Youth Design Forum, engaging young community members in learning about the history of Portland and collaborating to shape ELSO’s future headquarters! In addition, registration is now open for ELSO’s summer 2025 Wayfinders Camp, a STEAM-based program for K-8 students. These week-long adventures in July and August 2025 focus on science and nature, aiming to cultivate environmental literacy and a lifelong love of learning. Campers will engage in science projects and learn from expert speakers. For more information and to register, visit their website.  

Working Theory Farm

The team at Working Theory Farm is busy working their 24 acres of land, supporting vegetable and livestock farming and educational and employment programs for youth, so much so that they are sold out of their 2025 CSAs! For those hoping to snag a weekly veggie share, keep your eyes peeled for a reminder on their next round in October. But did you know that they also offer shares for sustainable meat? Working Theory Farm raises Red Wattle pigs known for their hardiness, foraging abilities, docile temperament, and high-quality meat. The pigs rotate through the forested southern end of the farm and are available for purchase by the whole or half pig on a sliding scale of $5.00-$6.50 per pound. For more information, check out their site or write henney@workingtheoryfarm.com. 

Path Home

Path Home's recent Family Reunion Fundraiser proved a resounding success, bringing in over $272,000 to support their vital programs and sharing uplifting stories from community members like Taylor and Trina, who stayed at Path Home's Goose Hollow shelter 15 years ago. Excitement is also building for their annual Lullaby Project, a beautiful collaboration with families staying at Family Village shelter and the Oregon Symphony.  Tickets are on sale for the May 13th event!  The impact of Path Home's work is evident in their 2024 Annual Report, which reveals that 98% of families transitioned from shelter to stable housing. Executive Director Brandi Tuck also recently lent her expertise to a broader audience, discussing solutions to family homelessness on OPB's Think Out Loud.

And we're off! Grant review teams dive in!

Last Saturday, 35 Girlfriends met for training to prepare for this year’s grant cycle. Over the next seven weeks, they will evaluate applications from 45 community nonprofits and conduct site visits with the top 16 candidates, all hoping to be selected for one of this year’s Impact Awards. We deeply appreciate the commitment of time, energy, and care that each member makes as they embark on this important and fundamental work!

Grant Review Team members at their workshop

Founding & fabulous: 23 Girlfriends still going strong!

We are honored to continue to call 23 of our founding members Girlfriends. Each of these women were here when it all started, and they’re here to celebrate our 10th year! Just thinking about the difference they have made through their commitment is humbling.

Thank you for your vision!   

Lisa Adatto, Deborah Edward, Jinx Faulkner, Betty Friedman, Andra Georges, Nancy Hamilton, Barbara Hershey, Barbara Hilyer, Claudia Hollister-Stearman, Kimberly Howard Wade, Michelle Hynes, Nancy V. Johnson, Maura Koehler-Hanlon, Shelley Laurance, Kathy Stuart Masarie, Pip Meagher, Susan Mersereau, Karen Rich, Halle M. Sadle, Robin Selig, Holly Vaughn-Edmonds, Tracy Wiens, and Erin Zollenkopf.

Member Spotlight on Pamela Neferkara

My dear friends Angela Patrick and Tammy Wilhoite invited me to join ninety-nine girlfriends. I admire both of them so much, so I knew it was going to be amazing!

The opportunity to affect local nonprofits quickly and significantly is hard to resist. I’ve seen us raise funds, evaluate organizations, and give away those funds in a 12-month cycle and achieve that repeatedly. That means our donations get to work quickly, so the impact can be immediate.

I love the egalitarian nature of our organization. We grow by inviting more women from our community to become involved, not by continually asking existing members to give more. That leads to greater impact, not only in dollars, but in our ability to truly reflect the makeup of our city. That’s our secret sauce!

Pamela Neferkara