“There is no doubt that women hold the key to improving not just their own lot in life, but that of their families and entire community.
When you build up women, you build up nations.
This is why Women Engaged exists.”
About Us
Women Engaged (W.E.) is a Giving Circle focused on sharing resources to improve the health and well-being of African-American communities and causes.
our Core interests include:
Cultural Awareness
Sustainable Ecologies
Social Justice
Civic Literacy
Making impact
How we do what we do:
1.
W.E. host events and unique experiences that raise awareness about collective causes of concern.
2.
W.E. pool collective resources & leverage key relationships to support organized efforts.
3.
W.E. invite other Black women & allies to support our efforts through their time, talent, and treasures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Giving circle?
A giving circle is a group of people pooling their money, talents, or other resources and giving it to a chosen cause. Together, these individuals learn about issues, volunteer their time, and contribute in various ways to make a difference in their community.
What is Philanthropy?
The word ‘philanthropy’ means the love of humanity. Any idea, event, or action that involves some sacrifice, attempts to address the root cause of a problem, and is done to better humanity is philanthropy. This can include donating money to a charity, volunteering at a local shelter, or raising awareness about issues of social justice.
why is 'black philanthropy' a thing? (isn't giving just... giving ?)
It’s important to change the narrative and push back against stereotypes that African-Americans can only be recipients of philanthropy, or that giving back is reserved only for celebrities or the ultra-wealthy. For centuries, African-Americans have had to create our own institutions of giving (for civil rights, for education, etc). We now have access to numerous tools and resources and these traditions of Black philanthropy and change-making are a topic long overdue for study, application, and celebration.
how can i support w.e.?
There are three ways currently to get involved with W.E.:
1. LEARN
Attend our informational gatherings and events, and sign-up for updates on our membership outreach efforts.
2. SPEAK
Help us understand the issues you care about by taking part in future surveys and sharing stories about individuals who are giving back in your family, neighborhood, school, and beyond.
3. GIVE
Donate to support our initiatives for under-resourced African-American causes and communities across South Carolina...and beyond.
Meet Our Founder
Anita Garrett
Anita is a social entrepreneur and strategic adviser who has worked in the fields of philanthropy and community engagement for more than 30 years helping build capacity, and create public/private partnerships globally. Passionate about mutual aid and protecting community resources, Anita learned the profound power of philanthropy and honed her skills at motivating others to appreciate the social assets of all. She has been an active volunteer throughout her life and serves on the board of directors for several agencies working to advance social justice, promote the arts, and address health and gender disparities.
Anita is a graduate of the Diversity Leadership Initiative and the Women’s Leadership Institute at Furman University, a Global Career Development Facilitator, a former board member of United Way Worldwide, and an alumna of the Modjeska Simkins School through the South Carolina Progressive Network. For her unwavering leadership in community and business, Anita received the Tribute to Women in Industry Award and is a Queen Honoree of The Kemetic Institute for Health and Human Development. In collaboration with The Center for Women’s Welfare (University of Washington), Ms. Garrett coordinated the first statewide Self-Sufficiency Study for South Carolina.
Connect with Anita:
