Growing up, going to school and accepting my first job in Atlanta, this city has defined my personhood more than any other place in the world. And within so many of these crucial moments in Atlanta, I have been immensely privileged to stand alongside incredible, inspiring and innovative women. 

As I've grown, I've come to realize the great amount of work these women and others have put forth to get where they are, and support me as I do the same. Every person - and particularly women and girls - deserves access to the boundless support and the unique resources Atlanta has to offer. Organizations like Atlanta Women's Foundation make this possible. Every day. For thousands of women. 

Due to COVID-19, the Atlanta Women's Foundation (AWF) is unable to host their annual fundraising luncheon for the first time in 24 years. A luncheon that typically raises $1M to support economically vulnerable women and girls in our community. Prior to COVID, disparities existed for women and girls in Atlanta. 17% of women lived below the poverty line in metro Atlanta, and the majority of workers paid poverty wages were women, 79%. The need to serve Atlantas women and girls in poverty is growing. We know that through the pandemic, women have experienced higher rates of unemployment. Women can't wait for next year. That is why AWF is hosting a campaign to raise funds for The Women's Pathway to Success Program. And that's why I am fundraising to support their work. 

Will you join me in support of workforce development, rental assistance, and counseling for women in need? Together, we can help women in poverty in our community, the population most affected by COVID-19 and racial injustice. Together, we can break barriers and build women.