I joined ninety-nine girlfriends in 2017 after Tammy Wilhoite introduced me to the organization. A born-and-raised Portlander, I was familiar with the philanthropy landscape in our area, but unfamiliar with women-focused collective impact giving. I was interested in the opportunity to learn about a variety of subjects through member education and to engage collaboratively with knowledgeable, thoughtful, and diverse women to focus our giving. Being a Girlfriend has allowed me to lead a Spotlight Study Team on Safe Homes for All in 2020 and serve as an Impact Partner Liaison with a couple organizations that I still keep in contact with. I often include articles on these organizations - and ninety-nine girlfriends - in a neighborhood magazine I write for. The fact that we have granted over $3.5 million to local nonprofits over the past decade is in itself amazing - to know it was accomplished through the dedication and determination of the women in ninety-nine girlfriends is breathtaking!

Ninety-nine girlfriends’ model is something I often bring to the table when discussing philanthropy. I graduated from the University of Oregon with degrees in international studies and political science. Having been raised speaking Spanish and then becoming fluent in French, I thought my education would lead me in an international direction. However, my career was in managing investment portfolios for individuals and nonprofits instead. Perhaps this is where my interest in philanthropy began? I retired when my husband and I had three young children and I found motherhood was my true passion.

I continued supporting youth-oriented organizations, and once the kids were nearing college age, I became reconnected with my alma mater, supporting areas with direct impact on students like internships and most recently The Ballmer Institute for Children's Behavioral Health on UO's North Portland Campus. I was asked to join the UO Board of Trustees in 2019 and currently serve as the chair of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee. This board service continues to be an honor and a continual learning opportunity for me.

My involvement with the UO recently connected with that of ninety-nine girlfriends. Women lead philanthropy decisions in most families, and they have an interest in learning. Building on these ideas, the university began a new initiative, She Champions Oregon designed to bring women together to shape the future of philanthropy at the university makes their giving meaningful and impactful through education, engagement, and connection. Through my participation in ninety-nine girlfriends, I have been able to share what I have learned from our successful collective giving model for example: clear principles, goals and focus, core pillars, voting structure, and even communication guidelines.

I am thrilled that two organizations I care deeply about are being championed by women!