Give to Women and Girls Day – The 2% That Matters

When I walked into the historic building of the New York Historical Society for Give to Women and Girls Day, I was immediately overwhelmed by the energy in the room. It wasn’t just any group of women who had gathered here—it was a collection of trailblazers, visionaries, and changemakers. These were women who have dedicated their lives to making the world a better place for all of us, working tirelessly to empower other women and girls to rise, thrive, and succeed.

As I took my seat and looked around, I realized that the room was filled with female founders, CEOs, and leaders of organizations devoted to gender equity. Each one of them had come to this event with a shared mission—to support and uplift women. This day wasn’t just about conversations; it was about action, determination, and commitment to ensuring that every woman and girl, regardless of her background, has the opportunity to reach her full potential.

A Room Full of Change Agents

The event began with an introduction by Marti Speranza Wong, Founder of the Amplify Her Foundation, whose vision was the driving force behind this impactful day. As Marti welcomed us, she emphasized how New York City, with its rich history of women’s empowerment—from the early days of the suffrage movement at Seneca Falls to today—continues to be a beacon for change. Her words set the tone for what would be a day full of inspiring stories, practical solutions, and a collective call to action.

As she introduced Marie Torres-Springer, the First Deputy Mayor of New York City, I could feel the excitement build in the room. Marie was not just another speaker; she represented the powerful intersection of policy, leadership, and community action.

Marie Torres-Springer: Leading the Charge for Gender Equity in NYC

Marie Torres-Springer’s presence was commanding, not just because she is the first Asian-American woman to hold the position of NYC’s First Deputy Mayor, but because of the sheer scope of her work. She began her speech by reflecting on her own immigrant roots and the generational strength of the women in her family. Her story resonated with many in the room, especially those who, like her, carried the weight of their ancestors’ sacrifices as they charted their own paths toward success.

Marie spoke passionately about her leadership in initiatives such as Women Forward NYC, a groundbreaking $50 million city-wide action plan aimed at making New York the best place for women to thrive. The initiative isn’t just about policy; it’s about embedding gender equity into the fabric of government decision-making. From public safety to health to economic mobility, Marie made it clear that no issue can be separated from the experiences of women and girls.

As she spoke, Marie’s message was clear: creating a future where women and girls can flourish is not just an aspirational goal, but an achievable reality. Her words filled the room with a renewed sense of purpose—reminding us all that leadership is about creating lasting, systemic change.

Valerie Jarrett: Breaking Barriers for Women and Girls of Color

Following Marie was Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation and former Senior Advisor to President Obama. Valerie’s speech was deeply personal, yet universal in its message. She spoke about her own journey—from being a single mother struggling to juggle work and parenthood, to becoming one of the most influential voices in the White House.

Valerie shared her experiences of growing up with parents who instilled in her the values of hard work and integrity. She credited their unwavering belief in her potential for giving her the confidence to break barriers throughout her career. But it wasn’t enough to break through as an individual—Valerie emphasized that real progress comes from lifting others as you rise.

She urged us to recognize the systemic barriers that keep women, particularly women of color, from achieving their full potential. One statistic she mentioned struck a chord: less than half of one percent of all philanthropic dollars in the U.S. go to support women and girls of color. This reality, Valerie pointed out, is not just a funding issue but a moral one. “Talent is ubiquitous,” she said, “but opportunity is not.”

Her call to action was clear: it’s time to invest in women and girls of color, not just as a matter of charity, but as a critical investment in the future of our society. The room responded with resounding applause, inspired by Valerie’s commitment to ensuring that no woman is left behind.

When Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation and former Senior Advisor to President Obama, took the stage, the room fell into a thoughtful silence. Her presence was magnetic, and she had a way of weaving her personal journey with universal truths about the challenges women face. Valerie’s speech was not just a reflection on her impressive career but a call to action for all of us to break the barriers that still hold women, especially women of color, back.

She began by speaking about her upbringing, growing up in the segregated era with two Black parents who defied the limitations imposed on them. Valerie credited their unconditional love and the values they instilled in her—hard work, honesty, and a sense of responsibility to uplift others—for the success she achieved in her career. She recalled her early days as a single mother, struggling to balance work, parenthood, and life. Despite having a good-paying job and a supportive family, she often felt overwhelmed, like she was holding on by her fingertips. If it was so hard for her, she wondered, what must it be like for women without these safety nets?

But Valerie’s speech truly came alive when she recounted the story of how she met Michelle Obama, then Michelle Robinson, a young lawyer who would go on to become one of the most influential women in the world. Valerie described the moment Michelle walked into her office for a job interview in Chicago over three decades ago.

Michelle Robinson was 27 years old at the time, confident and passionate, yet not overly focused on her resume or the accomplishments that she had already achieved. Instead, Michelle spoke about her personal story—growing up in a working-class family, her parents’ deep belief in hard work and education, and how the recent deaths of her father and best friend had made her reevaluate her life. Michelle felt she wasn’t living up to her true potential and wanted to make a greater impact.

Valerie was deeply impressed by Michelle’s authenticity and purpose-driven mindset. She immediately offered her a job. To Valerie’s surprise, Michelle didn’t accept the offer right away. Instead, she said she needed to discuss it with her fiancé. Valerie was taken aback—who was this fiancé, and why did his opinion matter so much? But when she learned that the fiancé was a man named Barack Obama, it all made sense.

A few days later, Michelle invited Valerie to dinner with her and Barack, and as Valerie humorously recalled, “the rest is history.” That night, Valerie not only connected with Michelle but also began a lifelong friendship and professional partnership with the Obamas. As she shared this story with the audience, you could feel the bond that had grown between these remarkable individuals who would go on to reshape the political landscape of the United States.

Valerie reflected on this moment as one that encapsulated her approach to mentorship and leadership. Just as her own mentor, Lucille Dobbins, had lifted her up and changed the course of her career, Valerie wanted to do the same for other women. And in Michelle, she saw someone with limitless potential, someone who would go on to redefine the role of First Lady and become a powerful advocate for women and girls across the globe.

This personal anecdote was not just a heartwarming story—it was a reminder of the importance of mentorship, community, and lifting as you rise. Valerie’s ability to connect her journey with broader societal lessons underscored the power of relationships in building a more equitable future for women and girls.

Seema R. Hingorani: Empowering Women in Finance

Next up was Seema R. Hingorani, Founder and Chair of Girls Who Invest, an organization that is changing the landscape of finance by training young women to enter the investment world. Seema’s journey began when she was the Chief Investment Officer of the New York City Pension Fund, overseeing billions of dollars in assets. But as she reviewed the organizational charts of investment firms, she was shocked to find that women, especially women of color, were almost entirely absent from these teams.

This experience inspired her to launch Girls Who Invest, a nonprofit aimed at bridging the gender gap in finance. In just nine years, Seema’s organization has trained over 3,000 college-aged women from diverse backgrounds, 75% of whom are now pursuing careers in the investment industry. Of those women, 80% are women of color, and 30% are first-generation college students.

Seema shared staggering statistics: less than 2% of the world’s assets are managed by women, and women of color are barely represented in these positions. Yet, studies consistently show that diverse teams produce better results. Seema’s mission is to build a more inclusive financial sector, where women not only participate but lead.

Her message resonated deeply, particularly with the entrepreneurs and CEOs in the room who know all too well the challenges of navigating male-dominated industries. Seema’s story was a powerful reminder that true empowerment comes not just from opening doors, but from ensuring that women have the skills, resources, and confidence to walk through them.

Giselle Burgess: The Heart of Troop 6000

The next speaker, Giselle Burgess, brought a heartwarming and deeply emotional story to the stage. As the leader of Troop 6000, a Girl Scout troop designed for girls living in the New York City shelter system, Giselle’s journey was one of resilience and determination. She spoke about her own experience of becoming homeless and how, despite the overwhelming challenges, she found hope in the Girl Scouts.

Giselle’s passion for helping girls in the shelter system led her to create Troop 6000, a program that has since expanded to over 30 shelters, reaching more than 2,500 girls. The troop provides a safe space where girls can build friendships, develop leadership skills, and experience the joy of being part of a community.

What stood out most about Giselle’s story was her commitment to breaking the stigma around homelessness. She spoke about the importance of giving girls in the shelter system a sense of normalcy and belonging—helping them to realize that their circumstances do not define their futures. Her work reminded us all of the transformative power of community and the importance of creating spaces where every girl feels seen and valued.

A Day of Action: From Research to Implementation

The day continued with powerful panel discussions on women’s philanthropy and the importance of targeted giving. Nan Khan, of the Ford Foundation, alongside Sarah Hackney Bird of Women Moving Millions, spoke about the growing movement to increase philanthropic funding for women and girls.

The statistics shared were eye-opening. Despite recent progress, less than 2% of total charitable giving in the U.S. goes to women and girls. This number has remained stagnant for over a decade, even as the evidence grows that investing in women leads to better outcomes for families, communities, and entire economies.

Julia, a representative from the Women’s Philanthropy Institute, presented new data showing that while giving to women’s and girls’ organizations has reached a $10 billion milestone, it still represents a fraction of total giving. She emphasized the need to grow the philanthropic pie, not just redistribute existing funds, so that women’s organizations have the resources they need to make lasting change.

The panelists urged the audience to move from research to action, to use data not just to inform their giving but to inspire bolder, more ambitious efforts to close the gender gap in funding.

The Collective Call to Action

As the event drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of urgency and optimism in the room. Each speaker had not only inspired us but had also laid out clear, actionable steps for moving forward. The day had been about more than just words; it was about setting a course for real, sustainable change.

I left the New York Historical Society that day with a renewed sense of purpose. Surrounded by women who are not only imagining a better world but building it, I felt empowered to continue the work of uplifting and supporting other women. The stories shared during Give to Women and Girls Day were not just inspiring; they were a reminder that when women lead, entire communities prosper.

In the end, the message was clear: if we want a future that is truly inclusive, diverse, and equitable, we must invest in women and girls. Together, we can take the small steps—and the great leaps—needed to make that future a reality.

The themes and messages from Give to Women and Girls Day align deeply with the mission of Miss Immigrant USA. Like the powerful women who spoke at this event—Marie Torres-Springer, Valerie Jarrett, Seema Hingorani, and Giselle Burgess—Miss Immigrant USA is committed to empowering women, particularly immigrants, to reach their full potential.

Both the event and the organization share a common goal: to create a world where every woman, regardless of her background, has the opportunity to succeed and make a meaningful impact on her community.

Miss Immigrant USA, much like the initiatives highlighted during the event, is about breaking down barriers—whether they be economic, cultural, or social—so that immigrant women can flourish. Valerie Jarrett’s emphasis on mentorship and lifting others as you rise resonates strongly with the organization’s efforts to provide a platform for immigrant women to share their stories, support one another, and inspire the next generation of leaders. Whether it’s through advocacy, community building, or highlighting the achievements of immigrant women, Miss Immigrant USA works to create the kind of lasting change for women and girls that the speakers at Give to Women and Girls Day so passionately advocated for.

Join Miss Immigrant USA Activity Pageant Program

Miss Immigrant USA believes in the power of unity and the strength of diverse voices coming together. We encourage more people to join our organization to explore the richness of immigrant communities and contribute to our collective goal of growth and unity. By participating in Miss Immigrant USA, members gain access to educational workshops, cultural events, and leadership opportunities that enhance their skills and expand their horizons. This involvement not only fosters personal development but also strengthens the fabric of our communities, making them more vibrant and resilient. Join us in our journey to make a significant impact, one story, and one celebration at a time, fostering a more inclusive and understanding world. Check our recent Press Release.