|  | | Dear John, As we move into the second half of the year, I’m reflecting on the nature of planning — on the plans I’ve made for myself, the ones we’ve made together as an organization, and the countless plans movement leaders have laid out for our country and our collective future. This year has reminded us that even the most carefully crafted plans can be turned upside down. Life has a way of reshaping our timelines and asking us to adapt, often in ways we didn’t anticipate. This moment of reflection comes at a meaningful time. The end of July marks Black (In)Fertility Awareness Week, a time that holds deep personal significance for me. I recall my own family planning process and subsequent infertility struggles. Those experiences – those upended plans – while painful, have profoundly shaped who I am. At a time when planning may feel futile – a time where change is a constant, not a possibility, I return to the words of our Co-Founding Mother Gloria Steinem: “hope is a form of planning.” It allows us to dream into a reality we can’t see yet, even if that reality may not be where we land. In solidarity, P.S. Speaking of planning, we hope you’ll plan to join us at our Ms. on Martha’s event and our 2026 Women of Vision Awards! More details below. |
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| Items in this newsletter: - Grantee Partner Spotlight: ACT 4 SA
- Event Reminder: Ms. on Martha’s
- WATCH NOW: Instagram Live
- Save the Date: 2026 Women of Vision Awards
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| | Grantee Partner Spotlight: ACT 4 SA In the wake of George Floyd’s murder in 2020, and after her own sister experienced police violence without justice, ACT 4 SA Executive Director Ananda Tomas felt called to the fight for racial justice in San Antonio. Ananda and ACT 4 SA are helping to create accountable, compassionate, and transparent public safety that preserves and centers the health and well-being of their entire community—without a reliance on police and prisons. Learn more about ACT 4 SA's work in our latest grantee partner spotlight. |
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| | Event Reminder: Ms. on Martha's We’re just a few weeks away from our Ms. on Martha’s event, which is coming up on Tuesday, August 19, on Martha’s Vineyard! Hali Lee, founder of the Asian Women’s Giving Circle and the Donors of Color Network and recent author of The Big We, will join Ms. Foundation President & CEO Teresa C. Younger for an inspiring conversation, discussing the role each person plays in meeting this moment to drive our collective impact. Register now! |
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| | WATCH NOW: Instagram Live We recently hosted an Instagram Live discussing infertility in America, and the racial, ethnic, gender, ability, and class-based disparities that fertility challenges bring. In case you missed it, you can watch the full conversation on our Instagram! The conversation featured Ms. Foundation Birth Justice Program Officer Sona Smith; feminist scholar, author, and Associate Professor of Gender & Sexuality Studies and Society, Environment, & Health Equity at the University of California, Riverside Jade S. Sasser, PhD; and Founder and Executive Director of The Broken Brown Egg Regina M. Townsend. Jade also co-authored a new blog on this topic, which you can read now on our website! |
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| | Save the Date: 2026 Women of Vision Awards Mark your calendars! On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, join us at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in Manhattan, New York for our annual Women of Vision Awards, where we'll honor visionary grantee partners and feminist leaders who are galvanizing communities and driving change. Stay tuned for details on honorees, presenters, performers, and more in the coming months! |
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| | | | | | Ms. Foundation For Women 1 Willoughby Square, Suite 2000 | Brooklyn, New York 11201 (212) 709-4421 | [email protected] |
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