As we mark our 15th year of collective philanthropy, we are taking the opportunity to highlight a few of our members as they describe what AAWGT means to them. We begin with Sharon Stewart whose inspiration launched the organization in 2006. We will feature other members throughout the year, thanks to the interviewing and writing skills of member Nancy Haiman.

We cordially invite anyone who is not currently a member to join AAWGT, an amazing group of talented women looking ahead to the next fifteen years of making a deep and lasting difference in Anne Arundel County.

AAWGT Founder Sharon Stewart

“I want to congratulate members on the 15th anniversary of AAWGT. You have proven, once again, that when smart women get together, powerful things happen.”

------- Sharon Stewart, February 2021

AAWGT Beginnings

When Sharon moved to Annapolis in late 2004, she was eager to establish a Giving Circle, having participated in one in the Baltimore area. By May of 2005, she received a hosting “go” from Les Salamon, Founder of the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County, and permission to work with the Foundation’s new Executive Director, Gail Sanders, on recruiting a small group of women who could get a Giving Circle off the ground.

Fifteen women (Founders) participated in a kick-off meeting in September 2005. “We had a specific game plan for what we wanted to accomplish during the first six months, including, among other things, determining organizational structure, focus of contributions, grant-giving criteria and process, educational activities, and impact evaluation,” says Sharon.

“We decided early on that we wanted our grants to support women and families, so we invited speakers from around the county to educate us about key needs of this population,” notes Sharon. The group identified six “big need buckets” and prioritized them via member voting by urgency of need. “Education, health and welfare needs, and violence and abuse emerged as the top issue areas where we thought we could actually do something to help.” 2007 was the first grant-giving year, with nearly $40,000 granted to four organizations.

Achieved primarily by word of mouth, AAWGT’s membership grew rapidly. By June 2006, there were 45 “Founding Members” and by year-end 2006, membership was 72. That doubled by 2008.

Hopes for the Future

“I’m really proud of what AAWGT has accomplished during the past 15 years and of all the amazing leaders who have stepped in and taken it to the next level. I’m especially proud of the group’s response to the Black Lives Matter movement and the fact that AAWGT set up the new Racial Equity Grant category,” comments Sharon.

“I hope AAWGT continues to be a thought leader in the community, taking on important issues. By continuing to partner with other organizations, AAWGT can be even more powerful, working with others to achieve positive change.” Sharon also notes that she hopes to see the AAWGT endowment grow, leaving “a continuing legacy for the community forever.”

February Education Program

THE PERFORMING ARTS DURING COVID

The first 2021 education session offered by AAWGT via Zoom highlighted three organizations: The Annapolis Shakespeare Company, The Maryland Hall Outreach Program and the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra Academy. Each has effectively reinvented how and where they deliver their arts offerings, thereby helping to ensure the continuance of a vibrant arts community in Maryland’s capital.

Our creative speakers presented ways the local arts community is using the power of the arts to positively impact youth in Anne Arundel County. Sally Boyett spoke about the Shakespeare Company and its online performances for AACPS classes. She also described extensive outreach partnerships and internships with local performing and visual arts programs. Laura Brino included videos of students, powerfully demonstrating Maryland Hall’s efforts to provide local youth with a safe environment for self-expression, confidence building and the motivation to stay in school. Netanel Draiblate described how ASO professionals teach and mentor music students regardless of income level, with full and partial scholarships offered on a financial needs basis. He also showed touching videos highlighting student performers and what this program means to them.

You can watch the entire program, including the video of Mary Spencer of the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County, HERE.

ANNUAL WOMEN AND LEADERSHIP EVENT

WOMEN LEADERS FOSTERING CHANGE

Join us for a stimulating panel discussion with three extraordinary women. Doors opened for them and they are intent on holding open even bigger doors for future leaders. Bring your thoughts and questions for a lively discussion on making positive change and supporting rising female leaders.

Linda Gooden
(Ret.) Executive Vice President, Lockheed Martin’s Information Systems & Global Solutions (IS&GS)
Linda Gooden Bio

Rear Admiral (Ret.) Margaret Kibben
Chaplain, U.S.House of Representatives
Margaret Kibben Bio

Monica Brown Jones, M.D.
Chair, Women’s and Children’s Services, Luminis Health
Monica Brown Jones, M.D. Bio

Moderated by Cardie Templeton
Real Estate Developer and Commercial Asset Manager (AAWGT Member)
Cardie Templeton Bio

Wednesday, March 10, 2021
6:00 PM - 7:15 PM
Via Zoom Webinar

REGISTRATION
This event is free and open to the public

Please register HERE. Follow the registration questions all the way to CONFIRM. Your confirmation should arrive within seconds. If you have any questions about registering, please contact events@givingtogether.org for assistance. The Zoom link to join the program will be sent one day prior to the event.

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SPRING OPEN HOUSE
MEETING NEW FRIENDS IN THE AGE OF COVID
April 14, 7-8 PM

EDUCATION PROGRAM
AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY
Wednesday, June 9, 2021

EDUCATION PROGRAM
RE-IMAGINING POLICING
Wednesday, October 13, 2021

These events are free and open to the public. Registration and information about accessing these programs will be posted when available.