How did you first get involved with The Women’s Fund?
Zalika: I first got involved with the Women’s Fund through my mom. She found the opportunity and asked me if I wanted to participate my freshman year of high school. I eagerly said yes, and although I was nervous about being one of the only young people there, I was super excited to practice my communication skills and to be a part of something as impactful as Grant Reading for typically marginalized groups. I have participated twice since then and look forward to grant reading my junior year!
Bertha: Two years ago, I came across the WFCO Grant Reading opportunity on social media and didn’t hesitate to apply. Right away, I thought of my (then) 14-year-old daughter—I knew she had the skills to be an excellent grant reader. When I asked if she’d be interested, she was all in. I also shared the opportunity with my girlfriends and encouraged them to bring their daughters along. It felt like the perfect way to teach them about community engagement, empowerment, and so much more.
What about the grant reading experience resonates most with you?
Z: As a small business owner myself, along with living with the intersectionality of Black and female, I resonate with the burdens often placed in front of people like me. The surplus of work that women of color often have to do to receive their rightful positions, jobs, schooling, and opportunities is unfair, and it is extremely important for everyone to work together in bringing equity to these groups. Applying for grants is a great way to do that, and being on the side of reading them is, for me, a way to ensure equity towards these groups. Being able to share my experiences and perspectives to a diverse group of other readers is so important and impactful towards the grant applicants, and the possible effects it can have on those programs is what makes grant reading meaningful to me.
B: Asking for help hasn’t always been easy for women, especially Black women and other historically marginalized women. Many of us have been taught to be strong, to push through challenges alone, and to prove our worth through perseverance. There are studies that show that women—especially women of color—are less likely to seek support in professional and entrepreneurial spaces, whether out of fear of being seen as less capable or because they lack access to the right networks. But we also know that research tells us that when we reach out for mentorship, resources, and community support, we are far more likely to thrive. That’s why I’m grateful to be part of an organization that sees asking for help as a strength, not a weakness. The energy at the grant readings is unmatched; a room full of women with a common goal of championing our fellow sisters’ dreams is so transformative. The power of that—it’s a gift and I’m so glad to be sharing it with my daughter. Once they are old enough, I hope to make this a tradition for all three of my daughters and myself.
What inspires you to give to The Women’s Fund as volunteers and donors?
Z: Knowing the number of unmatched barriers that women, and women with multiple intersections especially, must face to receive their rightfully deserved opportunities, is what always motivates me to give my time and energy to The Women’s Fund. Being a Black girl myself, I understand how real working twice as hard is, and I understand how much is often denied and lacking in Black female communities. The Women’s Fund focuses on advancing women of color and those a part of the LGBTQ+ community, and they empower organizations that are dedicated to the same goal. Knowing the amount of courageous work and change The Women’s Fund works towards is inspiring to me and motivates me to be a part of that.
B: I firmly believe that when we support women, we elevate the entire community. As an immigrant, Black woman, daughter, mother, sister, friend, and advocate for the voiceless, I know my voice matters. Every contribution I make to the WFCO fuels the growth of women and historically marginalized communities. I’m committed to lifting up the brave, brilliant ideas that will drive lasting change. It means so much to me that Zalika, Zakiya, and Zahara grow up seeing their mother not just standing strong on my own but also embracing the power of community. I want them to know that success isn’t just about individual effort—it’s about lifting each other up, being intentional about the spaces we engage in, and aligning with organizations that reflect our values. And support doesn’t look the same for everyone. Sometimes it’s mentorship, sometimes it’s a shared opportunity, and sometimes it’s simply showing up for one another. What matters most is that we choose to support, to connect, and to build together. That’s the kind of legacy I hope to pass on to them.
Is there a conversation or an experience from grant reading that has stayed with you?
Z: Grant reading my first year of high school introduced me to so many new people and a new type of experience that allowed me to exercise sharing my opinions with others with a common goal. Being able to read over a grant request from a group trying to better marginalized communities and truly helping these organizations for the first time was really special to me. My group consisted of two other Black girl high schoolers, just a year or two older than myself at the time, and we really bonded in this experience together as well. I was really grateful to be able to make positive change in areas that mattered to me, and to leave with meaningful friendships outside of the grant reading as well.
B: Last year marked our second grant reading experience together, and at this point, it’s safe to say it has become a cherished mother-daughter tradition. This time was even more special because we were both invited to speak during the opening remarks—a moment I will never forget. When I tell you my daughter stood at that podium and addressed the room with the confidence and presence of someone who had been doing this her entire 15 years of life, I am not exaggerating. I was, and always will be, incredibly proud of her. But what made the moment even more powerful was looking out into the crowd and seeing so many supportive faces beaming back at her—faces that reflected belief, encouragement, and hope. In that moment, all I could think of was that our future is in capable hands with young leaders like Zalika. And that is a feeling I will carry with me forever.
What do you want other people to know about The Women’s Fund?
Z: I want people to know that The Women’s Fund is more than an organization—it is a team making courageous change. The Women’s Fund’s goal to advance marginalized groups of women and give organizations that are dedicated to the same mission a platform to voice their needs is admirable. I think that the more people donating time towards The Women’s Fund’s cause will create more positive impacts in areas that need it. I am so grateful to be a part of this team.
B: I want people to know that we live in a city where organizations like WFCO exist—organizations that are dedicated to creating access to resources for the programs and initiatives that uplift women and youth. And it’s up to us to support them. Take a moment to look up WFCO and see the impact they’re making. Then, ask yourself: Does this align with the present and future I want for my city? For myself, my family, my friends, and my community? Can I use my voice to shape how WFCO supports the women in my community? If the answer is yes, be part of the change. Get involved, lend your support, and help build the future we all definitely deserve.
If you could describe The Women’s Fund in three words, what would it be?
Z: Necessary, courageous team
B: Ah, let’s see: Women Get *hit Done. That’s four words, and I’m ok with that