Our Mission and Vision

Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy (WOC)® celebrates, inspires and champions women of color in fundraising, philanthropy and related fields through building community and providing unparalleled personal and professional development resources.

WOC endeavors to be the “hub” and “heart” for women of color in the fundraising and philanthropic communities around the world.

 
Three Black women sitting in a conference room.Photo credit: wocintech.com

Photo credit: wocintechchat.com

Two women of color career counsel meeting.Photo credit: wocintech.com

Photo credit: wocintechchat.com

We know that for women of color to rise to leadership positions in philanthropic organizations, our perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and points of view need to be represented. We have the unique opportunity to change patterns in fundraising and philanthropy, to offer our talents, and to bring diversity of perspective in decision-making rooms.

But the current reality for women of color in the non-profit sector is pay inequity, emotional tax, burnout, imposter syndrome, and gatekeeping to prevent our rise to the top. This must change.

We know from history and experience that this takes some heavy lifting. We at WOC are up to the task.

 

We’ve assembled an esteemed Advisory Committee of women of color experts and thought leaders who champion equity and bring a wealth of knowledge on how to succeed in the nonprofit world. Our event programming, Radiant Leadership Institute curriculum, expert articles, and career resources, are all shaped by and for women of color. We’ve been there, and our experiences in this work powers everything we do.

And we know that you need to hear from other women of color, to encourage each other, learn from one another, and come together. Networking and social opportunities are always in the forefront of planning endeavors here at WOC.

 
Indian woman typing on laptop in outdoor garden.

So, why WOC?

Because women of color are radiant, strong, resilient, and brilliant, and we are even better together.

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WOC is here to champion you— with over 1,000 members around the United States and the world, we are proving that together, we can move the fundraising and philanthropy sectors forward in a more equitable, inclusive way.

Be part of the powerful WOC momentum.

 

From Our Community

“I cannot wait to see where WOC goes. It has been a long time coming. Thank you for bringing it to life.”

— WOC Member

Group photo of women of color at WOC's holiday dinner

“As a woman of color in this profession, I finally have a place where I feel I belong.”

— WOC Member

“In my years in this profession— I can count on one hand how many other WOC I've met in this work. Now I know that not only there are many more of us, but I feel like I now have a community I can reach out to — who would understand the unique challenges of being a WOC in this profession.”

— WOC Member

 

Join the WOC Community

Are you ready to connect with other radiant women of color in fundraising and philanthropy? Are you looking for personal and professional development, specifically designed for your success?

WOC is here to support you on your journey and celebrate your excellence as woman of color in the non-profit sector.

WOC 2023 Holiday Dinner: (left to right) Evelyn Hernandez, Hera Javaid, and Marilyn Alexander

Celebrating Our First Year

 

Location

WOC is a national organization, headquartered in the New York City Metropolitan Area.