Our New Mission and Vision
The Beautiful Journey to Equity, Truth, and Transformation
Dear Friends,
Today, I am both delighted and honored to share with you the significant changes that the Women’s Foundation of Genesee Valley has undergone in our mission and vision. These transformative shifts are driven by a deep commitment to honoring women and girls, amplifying their voices, and ensuring they have the space and representation they deserve.
For three decades, our foundation has been a beacon of advocacy in the community, and that core commitment will never waver. We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone connected to our mission, both in the past and the present, because it's your unwavering support that has propelled us to where we stand today. As we embark on our 30th anniversary, it's essential to reflect upon the visionaries who paved the way for our mission back in 1994.
Our founders felt a calling to advocate for women and girls through fundraising, education, research, and high-impact grant-making while promoting greater social change to support low-income women. Their decision was revolutionary, and its impact has been so profound that it's almost impossible to comprehend fully. Their legacy is one of empowerment and change that will forever inspire us.
Looking ahead we see a community where all women and girls are not just surviving but thriving—where they are basking in good health, wealth, and wholeness. We see women and girls navigating life's pathways freely, unburdened by fear, and unapologetically expressing themselves in any way they wish. Our foundation celebrates intersectionality, recognizing that our backgrounds are as diverse as the colors of the rainbow. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are the guiding stars on our compass, ensuring that we acknowledge and address these intersections. We believe that every woman, regardless of her unique background, deserves the same support and opportunities, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Moreover, our commitment extends to nurturing diverse leadership that reflects the communities we serve. When women from different walks of life are involved in leadership roles, it empowers others to see themselves as potential leaders, thus planting the seeds of inspiration and change. We stand together, shoulder to shoulder, ready to uplift one another, fostering a sense of empowerment that knows no bounds. We are dedicated to supporting other organizations through grant funding, understanding that serving the community takes time, effort, and financial resources. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world, where women and girls can shine brightly, guided by the principles of DEI and the strength of our collective efforts.
Lastly, we promise to be a foundation charged by joy. In a world where pain often surrounds us, we will prioritize human connection, love, humility, and honor. It's our belief that by embodying these principles, we can uplift our community and spread positivity.We want to emphasize that we didn't undertake these changes just for the sake of novelty. We did it because we understood that the community needed more. We did it to ensure that every woman and girl, regardless of their background, can thrive and find their place in our society.
As we take these bold steps, we humbly ask for your continued support and encouragement. Together, we can build a more inclusive, equitable, and brighter future for all women and girls in our community.
With heartfelt gratitude and a vision for a better tomorrow,
Krystle Ellis, Interim Executive Director
The Women’s Foundation of Genesee Valley
The Mighty Nine are a group of extraordinary leaders and visionaries, united by a deep and unwavering commitment to carrying a new mission and vision in their hearts. These bold women are driven by a profound desire to see women and girls become whole, seen, and heard. They possess a unique ability to recognize the beauty in every woman and girl and are determined to do everything within their power to uplift their sisters.
With 100% board participation, they embarked on a journey of healing and learning. They understood that addressing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) requires more than mere words – it requires a fundamental shift in mindset and the commitment to do the real work in their hearts. This is a group that values dissenting ideas, as they recognize the importance of diverse perspectives in creating meaningful change. However, they are also a group united in their dedication to doing what is right for the betterment of their community and they stand with all people no matter their beliefs, appearance, who they love, language, zip code, religion, education, birthplace, or circumstance.
A TIME FOR RECONCILIATION AND RESTORATION:
In doing this work, they recognized that for their organization to be genuine, the values of every member on the board must align with the organization's mission. They fully embraced the idea that advocating for others necessitates a genuine commitment to internal transformation before addressing external community issues. Their words and actions must align with community needs, not just externally but also within the walls of their organization.
During their year of internal reflection, they listened closely to their community's needs and committed to implementing the feedback received. Their goal was authenticity, aspiring to be an organization known for providing a safe space where individuals can be their true selves. In their journey of reconciliation, they made several profound discoveries and lifted the following convictions:
We Must Always Honor Trailblazers Past: Throughout the entire transformative process leading to this profound shift, they stood firmly on the principle of honor. They recognized and paid tribute to the passion, intent, and unwavering dedication that had been poured into the mission by those who came before them. They acknowledged the countless hours of hard work, determination, and even tears that had been invested in the cause. Every individual involved in this journey from the year 1994 was united by a singular motive: to bring about meaningful change in the lives of women and girls, with a core focus on promoting economic self-sufficiency through grant making, education, and advocacy. This commitment is the unshakable foundation upon which the WFGV mission was built, and it is a foundation that will remain steadfast. They are deeply grateful to those who nurtured this vision, whether through leadership, volunteering, donations, or simply by spreading the word, for they understand that it is through the collective efforts of these passionate individuals that our community is better and stronger.
Recognizing the Power of an Apology and Requiring Accountability: They found that apologizing for the harms caused by unintentional actions was liberating. This acknowledgment of past missteps and inequities allowed them to move forward with a stronger commitment to their mission.
Equity Comes at a Cost: They realized that achieving equity requires a willingness to let go of false narratives deeply ingrained in their hearts. These narratives may have been accepted as doctrine, but they were ready to release them to uplift others.
Leading with Truth: They understood that leading with truth may not always be popular, but it is the most necessary path to genuine change. Reimagining the health and wellness of women and girls through new lenses has been transformative. Their internal climate has evolved into a dreamlike space, characterized by safety, camaraderie, reflection, and meaningful work. Their doors are wide open to all who want to (re)join them authentically.
The Mighty Nine have transitioned from aspiring to be community leaders to embracing the role of community servants and collaborators. Their collective mission is to make Rochester the best place to live, work, serve, and thrive, and they welcome all who share this vision to join them.
Their north star is set on equitable philanthropy, as they firmly believe that it is the only kind of philanthropy that truly matters. They extend an open invitation to all who are willing to do the hard work required to achieve this vision.
Their message is clear: come one, come all, their doors are open, and they need you.
Pictured Above, Row One:
Krystle Ellis - Board Member and Interim Executive Director
Audrey Wackerman - Board Chair
Sydney Bell - Vice Chair, Equitable Grant Transformation Chair
Row Two:
Mary Moore - Board Secretary
Kimberly Mitchell - Governance Chair
Collene Burns - Board Member, Investment Chair
Row Three:
Brianna Stephenson-Vallot - Treasurer
Sharon Hancock - Board Member, Audit Chair
Jennifer Boutte - Past Board Member
