2015 Foundation Profile
Our mission is to build resources and lead change so that every woman and girl in Colorado
achieves her full potential. The Women’s Foundation of Colorado is boldly leading essential,
long-term systemic change to advance economic opportunities for women and girls
statewide.
Why is change needed in Colorado?
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Anahita Pazirandeh Kemp
Chair of the Board
Half of a million women are living at or near poverty.
Patti Klinge - Chair Elect
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Nearly 4,600 girls drop out of high school each year, resulting in a lifetime of challenges that are
difficult, if not impossible, to overcome. Four girls drop out every hour of every school day.
Cathy J. Hart - Past Chair
Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) offer higher salaries and earning
potential during a woman’s lifetime, however Colorado high school girls are less prepared than
boys for college-level math and science – coursework needed to enter STEM careers and higher
education programs for these careers.
Stephanie Bruno - Treasurer
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Elaine Torres - Secretary
Dolores Atencio
Brooke Bell
Susan Campbell
Jennifer Colosimo
Colleen Dougherty
Kelley Duke
MaryAnn Franklin
Nancy Hartley
John Ikard
Katie Kellen
Richard Kelly
Deborah Luginbuhl
Patricia Orman
Laurie Oswald
Kim Patmore
Patty Powell
Natalie Rekstad-Lynn
Meredith Vaughan
Gaye Woods
Colorado families headed by single mothers have the lowest median annual income of all family
types at $26,705, and the cost of child care can be nearly half their income.
Our commitments to three vital areas of need in Colorado communities:
1.
2.
3.
Reducing Girls’ High School Dropout Rate: Our Girls Graduate Initiative is based on extensive
research and experience collaborating with organizations to keep girls at risk of dropping out
on the path to high school graduation. By partnering with organizations that work closely with
schools to offer evidence-based school engagement interventions, academic support, and
family engagement resources, we help girls overcome obstacles and stay on track, especially
in the critical transition from middle school to high school. These investments improve girls’
futures and strengthen Colorado communities.
Enhancing STEM Careers Opportunities for Girls: Women working in Science, Technology,
Engineering and Math (STEM) fields earn 33% more than in other fields and Colorado has the
highest number per capita of entry-level STEM jobs, yet women represent only 24% of the
STEM workforce. Too many women are discouraged at a young age from pursuing their
scientific interests and lack female role models and mentors who could help them achieve
success in STEM careers.
Helping Low-Income Single Mothers On The Path To Economic Self-Sufficiency: We work to
ensure working women receive the necessary support on their path to achieving their full
potential. Single mothers often fare the worst when it comes to economic security. Some
women lack basic education and job skills; some women lack education to qualify for higher
paying jobs; some women are without access to affordable child care; and some need other
support systems so they may continue in their careers. We will partner with organizations
that provide direct service programs including job training or education, career
counseling/planning and child care.
Through research, education, public policy and strategic philanthropy, The Women’s Foundation of
Colorado works to ensure women and girls are empowered to reach their full potential. We support
women and girls by identifying needs and ensuring those needs are addressed through strategic
collaboration with investors, volunteers and community partners.
Since 1987, The Women’s Foundation of Colorado has invested more than $13 million in agencies in
communities across Colorado to create change for women and girls.
STAFF
Lauren Y. Casteel
President & CEO
Sarah Braun
Development Manager/
Database Coordinator
Shayna Braunstein
Annual Fund Officer
Lisa Christie
Director, Marketing
Renee Ferrufino
Major Gifts Officer
Alison Friedman, MPP
Manager,
Community Initiatives & Investments
Lydia Johnson
Statewide Community
Engagement Manager
Nancy Miller
Executive Assistant
Louise Myrland, MPA
Vice President,
Community Initiatives & Investments
Lisa Pease
Interim Director of Development
Jonathan Resnick
Vice President,
Finance & Administration
The Chambers Center ■ 1901 E. Asbury Ave. ■ Denver, CO 80208
Phone: 303-285-2960 ■ Fax: 303-285-2978 ■ Email: [email protected] ■ www.wfco.org