WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – March 13, 2023 – In 1982, a group of professional women came together to advocate for a seat at the table in the boardrooms across Palm Beach County. In the four decades since then, Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Foundation (EWPBF) has continually improved the lives of local women and their families.
In celebration of its 40th Anniversary and in recognition of March being Women’s History Month, EWPBF announces the launch of its 40th Society, which will position the organization to ensure women’s futures for generations to come. The 40th Society will help shape EWPBF’s strategic planning, as it heads into its next decade.
“Our 40th Society members will be the sounding board that helps move our organization’s strategic planning for the next 40 years,” said Amy Brand, immediate past EWPBF president, and CEO of Philanthropy Tank. Brand spearheaded the creation of the 40th Society and became the first of its ten founding members.
“Together, we will be part of an exciting and inclusive dialogue and a guiding force for our organization’s efforts to impact the trajectory of women’s lives,” said Brand.
In the 40 years since its inception, EWPBF has distributed more than $900,000 in scholarships and community grant dollars, thanks to the generosity of its members, along with proceeds raised from signature events such as the Women in Leadership Awards (WILA) luncheon held in April. The launch of the new 40th Society positions EWPBF to reach its goal of meeting the $1 million mark for its 40th anniversary of philanthropy.
“We are asking EWPBF friends to step up with a $1,000 contribution to support operations and our vision for the next 40 years,” Brand said.
Founded in 1982 to provide a voice to the professional women who make up the business community of Palm Beach County, EWPBF has changed hundreds of women’s career and professional trajectories. Through WILA scholarships and the Lois B. Kwasman Community Grant, which funds local non-profit programs that assist women and girls in developing life skills, EWPBF has provided hope and encouragement.
Current EWPBF president Katie Klause-Newitt immediately joined Brand’s fundraising efforts. “I am honored to be a part of the 40th Society to help recognize and meet the needs of women. Our goal since 1982 continues to be to help women succeed. We aim to inspire the next generation of Palm Beach County business leaders and their daughters,” she said.
Members of the 40th Society will also receive special recognition at this year’s WILA luncheon. Currently, the following 40th Society members, along with EWPBF founding members Brand and Klause-Newitt, include Michele Gurto, past president; Cindy Pollack, treasurer; Jessica Cecere, former board member; Virginia Spencer, past president; Monica Manolas, past president; and Trixy Walker, past president; Charlotte Pelton, past president; and Dari Bowman, Kwasman Committee and longtime member.
Empowering women to succeed and lead, the Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit professional association that inspires integrity, equality, and leadership in the workplace and community. To learn more, visit www.ewpb.org.