Member Spotlight on Michelle DeVaughn

What brought you to ninety-nine girlfriends?

When the universe tells me something three times, I check it out and, once again, I’m very glad I did. I moved to Portland for my husband’s job in June 2021 and within a month a new acquaintance mentioned ninety-nine girlfriends, but I was still trying to get my feet under me. After a third friend asked me to the Discovery Forum this spring, I attended and was hooked. (Sharing those ninety-nine girlfriends’ business cards really works!)

After 19 years in Minneapolis, I landed without the pulls and tugs of raising children and long-term volunteer commitments. It was a fresh slate: exciting, rudderless and a little lonely. I have enjoyed exploring and learning all the wonders of Portland, Oregon and the PNW. But I’m also ready to learn more about what can and is being done to address some of its issues, and how my donations and skills can be used along with others to help. It seems ninety-nine girlfriends is the perfect onramp for all the above.

I still do some marketing research consulting work, but I’m finding more time to hang with my grandsons, volunteer at an after-school program in St. John’s and investigate ways my church can help relieve the housing shortage. Until now, tennis has been my way to meet friends of all ages across the metro area. I look forward to meeting more through ninety-nine girlfriends!

Michelle with her grandkids

Member Spotlight on Meg Marshall

I joined ninety-nine girlfriends after years of hearing about this great organization. I've been a fundraiser for the better part of two decades and I was intrigued about being on the side of distributing money, rather than raising it. This year, I joined a grant review team and was so inspired by the work being done in our community. What a privilege to be able to support these extraordinary programs.

On a more personal and timely note, my family was recently affected by Hurricane Helene in the Southeast. I have seen how critical it is that communities have thriving, well-resourced non-profits. I have also seen how important it is that individuals know and invest in their neighbors and their communities. Being part of ninety-nine girlfriends has been a rewarding way to give back, connect with incredible people, and focus on uplifting essential organizations in our region.

I live in southeast Portland with my husband, two young daughters (ages 2 & 5), and our cat, Garlic Butters. Some of my favorite things about Portland are the food scene, the way the flowers bloom in the spring after the dark and dreary days, and the proximity to the ocean, Mount Hood, and the Gorge. 

Member Spotlight on Trina Brodsky

Emily chose to spotlight Trina Brodsky in this lovely tribute.

Dr. Trina Brodsky is an amazing member of ninety-nine girlfriends and someone who generously sponsored my membership this year! She’s my partner’s mom (I just call her my mother-in-law or my Portland mom) and a role model. She is a doctor of obstetrics & gynecology who practiced in Hawaii, Kansas, and Oregon for roughly 35 years - all while raising three boys and a house full of pets! She retired in 2019 and has been fully embracing her time without a pager. Trina loves to stay active through daily hikes, yoga, and travel, and recently she has gotten back into golf. As an avid reader, there is not a book she hasn't devoured and she is a part of a monthly book club with women from across the country. She is also an amazing cook/baker who has become known for her homemade galettes that I personally think about often; they are so delicious. During election season, she gets involved by donating her time to phone-banking for the Democratic party and is always staying up to date on politics. You can find her around town at local theater productions, exploring Portland’s many nature trails with her dog Kona, visiting family and friends, laughing at her husband Steve’s plethora of dad jokes, and, of course, staying involved with ninety-nine girlfriends!

Trina is an inspiring woman who approaches life with grace, patience, and a determination that I try to emulate. Something I cherish dearly is spending time with her and listening to her stories and life experiences. I am so fortunate to have her in my life and thankful she sponsored me this year. We will be in attendance at the Awards Celebration on October 29th; come say hi if you see us :)

Trina and Emily

Liason Report on North by Northeast Community Health Center

Recently, our Impact Partner Liaison Trina Brodsky met up with North by Northeast Community Health Center to catch up on their activities. If you are interested in learning more about being a liaison to an impact partner, please contact Van Pham.

Executive Director Suzy Jeffreys was very welcoming and appreciative of ninety-nine girlfriends’ commitment to the health center and especially grateful for our trust-based philanthropy approach. 

North by Northeast Community Health Center is a primary care clinic in Northeast Portland, caring for local, primarily Black residents, although all are welcome. They are looking for a new medical director as their founding medical director has retired. They are also seeking a clinical social worker to help with screening for social determinants of health, providing resources and referrals, and offering integrated behavioral health visits. They have noticed an increased demand for mental health services post-pandemic. 

The clinic offers blood pressure monitoring in local barber shops, although the area has fewer barber shops since the pandemic. They are hoping to obtain home blood pressure and glucose monitoring equipment and expand their clinic hours.  

The clinic offers additional services, sometimes through a partnership with Metro. For example, “Safe Homes! Healthy Homes!,” 24-hour sharps disposal, paint recycling, mold and hazard cleanup, home fire extinguishers, and monthly fresh produce boxes. They’ve also hosted a backpack with school supplies giveaway, a bike and bike helmet giveaway, and a summer safety program. Together with Portland Parks and Rec, they offer a summer water safety program.

It’s an honor to be a liaison for this wonderful impact partner and to see their wonderful work. I plan to volunteer at their annual fundraiser on April 3, 2025.  ~ Trina 

Spread the Love: Amplify the Power of Ninety-Nine Girlfriends on Social Media

Craft a social media post to share why you’re a Girlfriend!

Promoting ninety-nine girlfriends on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook isn't just about spreading the word—it's about amplifying the impact of our mission. Your shares and posts are working! Since May, we've seen increases in our social media follows by 5% (LinkedIn), Instagram (3%) and Facebook (1%).

When you like, comment and share our content, you help to build a stronger community of supporters who believe in the power of collective giving. Each interaction increases our visibility, reaching more potential members and partners. You also send a powerful message that you stand with us in creating positive change. Every like, comment, and share isn't just a click—it's a step toward making a meaningful difference.

Member Spotlight on Jane Ullman

What brought you to ninety-nine girlfriends?

One of the founders of ninety-nine girlfriends invited me several years ago, and I became a member based on my respect for her and her commitment to our region. I figured I'd try it for a year and then probably drop out. Ha! I was so impressed with the nonprofits we supported and the group's rigor and thoughtfulness that now I expect to be a member forever.

What keeps you engaged/interested/connected?

Impact – ninety-nine girlfriends makes it easy for me to donate to local organizations that have deeply positive impacts on our community. I want to contribute locally, but I couldn't possibly identify and vet all the amazing organizations we support. Ninety-nine girlfriends does the heavy lifting and I get to tag along.

Flexibility – If I want to participate in social events or educational sessions or reviewing grant applications, I can. But I don't have to. There's no pressure, but there's lots of opportunity.

Women – The women I've met through ninety-nine girlfriends are smart and engaging and have a wide range of experiences. In person or virtually, it's been delightful to meet women I would not otherwise have met through my regular professional and social channels.

Community Energy Project

This year, our 2023 Impact Partner Community Energy Project (CEP) collected detailed demographic data to ensure their services reached Portland's most vulnerable communities. They also launched a strategic plan to support growth and deepen their impact. They released some key highlights from their equity report in their latest newsletter: 

56% of their clients are people of color

63% earn at or below 50% of Median Family Income

80% of their staff have experienced being low-income

67% of their board members identify as women

North by Northeast Community Healthcare

On August 22, North by Northeast Community Health Center held their Safe Homes, Healthy Homes: Back to School Edition event, handing out over 70 backpacks to students getting ready to return to school! If you need a little midweek pick me up, check out this fun video from the NxNE staff after their annual fundraiser (very pleased to report this is not their first video inspired by top hits). 

Extend Your Girlfriend Network Beyond the Portland Area

As a member, you have access to lots of virtual learning and networking opportunities through Philanos, a national giving circle network that includes nearly 100 similar organizations. Attend a monthly learning webinar or jump into an informal affinity group to meet other women engaged in membership, communications, grantmaking, or operations. If you have questions, you can reach out to Michelle, one of our Girlfriends who’s on the Philanos board. 

Member Spotlight on Marie Gettel-Gilmartin

What brought you to ninety-nine girlfriends?

After working in corporate for 29 years, I started a communications consulting firm in 2019. Throughout my career I served on and led teams, including 13 years managing 70 communications professionals in 5 northwest states (including Alaska and Hawaii). I love being my own boss but I miss the daily collaboration and interaction. For several years I managed communications for my global firm’s sustainability and corporate citizenship programs, including our company foundation. I enjoyed amplifying our amazing work in building sustainable communities around the world. I was drawn to ninety-nine girlfriends because I share your commitment to making the world a better place and giving back.

What has engaged you/interested you so far?

I’ve jumped in with both feet! I participated in the Discovery Forum on poverty, attended the Letters of Interest Workshop, joined the awesome Communications Team, and served on a Grant Review Team. I have been impressed by people’s warmth, intelligence and shared passion for using our money for good.

A little about me

I met my British husband while teaching English in Japan. We have three sons (now 27, 21, and 17), the oldest of whom was born at just 24 weeks gestation and is a walking, thriving miracle. One of my callings is raising kind men who are respectful to women. My hubby was a stay-at-home dad for most of our parenthood years.

My superpowers are generating ideas, communicating, and connecting people. After the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor I became a podcaster and interviewed 150+ people around the world from marginalized communities. Hearing and amplifying their stories has been one of my life’s greatest honors. I fiercely believe in diversity, equity and inclusion and write on these topics regularly.

I adore traveling, reading, walking in nature and being creative. I also love music and have played violin, guitar, cello, organ and mandolin. I also lead music and communications for my progressive Lutheran-Catholic church, Spirit of Grace.

Oregon Tradeswomen

Oregon Tradeswomen, 2023 Impact Partner, is seeking sponsors, guests, or volunteers for their annual Blue-Collar Fundraising Gala and Industry Awards,coming up on September 13 at the Melody Event Center. The event will raise funds for the organization’s compelling work and honor exemplary tradespeople. Their Woman on the Rise Award recognizes women in the skilled trades who are rising as leaders in their careers, industry or communities, and the Wanda Hall Legacy Award recognizes a worker who champions others and serves as a role model and mentor s. The gala also features a raffle for two round-trip airfare tickets from Alaska Airlines. 

Community Energy Project

Earlier this month, 2023 Impact Partner, Community Energy Project, revealed its new mission statement: “Community Energy Project partners with low-income families on the front lines of climate change to create more resilient, efficient and healthy homes. We transform homes, share skills and community wisdom and advocate for energy justice.” Read more about their vision for a just and sustainable, clean energy future in their newsletter, linked above.

A New Fellow Joins the Program

We are delighted to welcome Catherine Wehage, new to ninety-nine girlfriends in 2024, as one of our Fellows. Catherine will join Lan Fendors and Jane Ullman on the Finance & Operations Committee. For the last 10 years, Catherine has streamlined operations for tech, healthcare and nonprofit organizations. In her spare time, she enjoys dancing bachata and salsa, hiking and traveling. Born in Portland, Catherine now lives in Clark County with her husband and two children and works for the City of Portland. We are so happy that Fellows alum Ana Rau introduced Catherine to us! you would like to learn more about becoming or mentoring a Fellow, please reach out to Michelle. 

Spotlight on Melaura Wittemyer

I joined ninety-nine girlfriends when a friend, whom I greatly admire, invited me to a World Cafe to learn about the mission.

I was, and continue to be, inspired by the concept of giving back to your local community. The power of collective giving is so evident in ninety-nine girlfriends’ impact. 

I really value learning about local non-profits I would otherwise not have exposure to. I am committed to reform of our justice system, and so appreciate being introduced to the non-profit groups that provide bridges back to the community with job training for women released from prison.

I am impressed with how ninety-nine girlfriends has evolved over the years - such as the recent expansion to a wider member base - offering different contribution levels. The commitment of member volunteers in governance, administration, grant preparation, and ongoing support to grant recipients, etc., is amazing. I, unfortunately, am not able to donate my time, but certainly value those who do. 

Thank you for the leadership, innovation and inspiration ninety-nine girlfriends provides to so many. You are all truly remarkable.

Cheers! 


Friends of Noise

Friends of Noise (FoN) is thrilled to once again partner with the Waterfront Blues Festival, which will be held Thursday, July 4 through Sunday, July 7.

Through our partnership, FoN is able to connect its teen sound engineers with opportunities to shadow backstage. Musicians from the FoN community will perform onstage as well! This year they are proud to present the following bands at the Crossroads Stage:

Red Strings: Thurs, 7/4 at 5:00

Blvk Harmony: Thurs, 7/4 at 5:30

Earl Gracious: Sat, 7/6 at 1:00

Jack 10: Sat, 7/6 at 1:30

They will also have an info table all four days, so be sure to stop by and say hello! 


Get Your Girlfriend Updates by Text

The survey results are in. Enough of you are interested in hearing from us via text that we are adding this channel to our communications. Beginning with our August 21 issue, we will text a link to Member Updates to the phone number we have on file for you. If you prefer not to receive texts, just opt out by following the prompt in the message. This will stop you from receiving any future texts as well. We intend to use texting to complement our outreach for important reminders like voting, membership renewal, and exciting announcements.


New Leadership Opportunity for Younger Members 

Ninety-nine girlfriends is relaunching our Fellows Program. Since 2017, we’ve used this program to recruit and engage members in their 20s and 30s. With our strategic plan completed and the advent of tiered membership, we’ve revised the program to focus on (1) offering leadership opportunities (for example, on a committee or team); (2) hosting peer social events; and (3) matching each Fellow with another Girlfriend, based on career and personal interests. 


The redesigned Fellows Program supports Strategic Plan Goal One, “Build an engaged, diverse, and connected membership,” as well as Goal Three, Objective 1, “Strengthen governance and leadership.” 


Interested? Learn more about the program’s history here, and then please complete this short application. Have questions? Michelle Hynes would love to talk with you.