Women’s leadership panel, volunteer opportunities highlight calls to action

International Women’s Day 2021 has once again put the world on notice – the call is out to challenge gender bias and inequality. Under the theme #ChooseToChallenge, International Women’s Day focused on breaking down barriers, celebrating the achievements of women in all walks of life and creating a more inclusive world.

Ford Motor Company Fund – the philanthropic arm of Ford – invests in programs that provide opportunities for women to expand their career options, open new pathways for personal growth and improve the quality of life for themselves and their families. As part of Women of Ford’s month-long International Women’s Day activities, Ford Fund brought together women nonprofit leaders in a panel discussion to talk about their successes, challenges and how they #ChooseToChallenge.

Women comprise nearly 75% of nonprofit employees yet they hold just 22% of CEO roles at nonprofits with budgets over $50 million. This discussion featured women who lead nonprofit organizations, their personal stories of success and overcoming obstacles, and how they are paving the way for younger women to advance in the future.  

“Like any sector, women working in nonprofits have their own unique set of challenges,” said Mary Culler, president, Ford Motor Company Fund. “Through our philanthropic work around the world, we are fortunate to meet many inspirational people and organizations helping to strengthen our communities and make people’s lives better. Among those people are the amazing women who joined our panel.”

Participating in the Ford Fund panel were moderator Melissa Bradley, founder of 1863 Ventures and Ford Fund’s partner for the HI-HERimpact initiative, boosting social entrepreneurship among women. Serving on the panel were Dr. Darienne Driver Hudson, president and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Dr. Najah Bazzy, founder and CEO, Zaman International, Dr. Susan Scurlock MBE, founder and CEO, Primary Engineer Programmes and Sindy Benavides, CEO, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).

You can view this insightful and thoughtful conversation by watching the video below.

When employees access the new Ford Volunteer Corps website, the system allows employees to specify the issues that interest them, find projects that match their skill sets, and track service hours through a personal profile. To find all activities available pertaining to Women & Girls throughout March and beyond be sure to select Women as you create your profile.Employees can also take the next step forward by joining the Ford Volunteer Corps and getting involved in the positive work various nonprofits are doing in our communities.

To learn more about the Ford Fund supported programs that benefit women and girls visit:
www.fordfund.org/community-life/women-girls-initiatives.