March 26: Join the Celebration of Women in Civil Rights History

The Women’s Foundation of Mississippi is proud to partner with The Mississippi Humanities Council (MHC), Southern Poverty Law Center, and Mississippi Department of Archives & History to present “Women That Sustained Freedom Summer” in celebration of the 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer and of the game-changing women who powered the Civil Rights movement.

The event will take place on March 26, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Old Capitol Museum. There will be a reception from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. with food and drinks preceding the panel discussion.

AP Historic Photo
Victoria Gray, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Annie Devine stand in front of the U.S. Capitol Building after being denied entry on Jan. 4, 1965.
Credit: Associated Press

Panelists Dr. Daphne Chandler, Dr. Emlye Crosby, and civil rights veteran Euvester Simpson will join Pamela Junior, former Director of the Two Mississippi Museums, for an exciting dialogue on the women who shaped, led, and sustained Freedom Summer during the harrowing Civil Rights era.

Dive deep into this crucial period of Mississippi’s history and learn more about the courageous women who fought for civil rights and justice. You’re sure to walk away feeling inspired and maybe even a little motivated to plug into women’s rights advocacy in your community. What better way is there to celebrate Women’s History Month?

Click here to learn more and be sure to follow us on social for event updates!

She’s On Board 2.0 is a Must for Women Leaders Everywhere

Serving on a nonprofit board can act as the catalyst for real change for women and girls in Mississippi. With more women at the table, boards are better positioned to accurately address the issues affecting their communities.

Here’s where She’s on Board 2.0 comes in–and why it should be your top priority in April.

Sharpen Your Skills

She’s on Board 2.0 takes nonprofit board leadership skills to the next level. Where She’s on Board aims to demystify the procedures involved in board service, 2.0 goes into depth about how to navigate situations, make decisions, and take the lead on how to move objectives forward.

Attending 2.0 not only connects you to the program itself, but also a welcoming environment, surrounded by other game-changing women, where learning and discussion are expected and encouraged. You’re safe to ask questions, talk to the speakers, and grow as a leader!

Fun fact: Giving Circle members can attend for FREE. The only thing that could make the experience better would be bringing a friend to share it with!

Representation, Representation, Representation

Diversity and representation are becoming increasingly valued in the nonprofit space. Findings from a 2021 BoardSource survey, which evaluated data from nearly 2,000 individual responses, found that only 38 percent of executives felt that their boards represented the communities they served, and 66 percent expressed dissatisfaction with their board’s racial and ethnic diversity.

Most of the boards surveyed had majority white membership–with 87 percent of chief executives and 83 percent of board chairs identifying as such. In places like Hinds County, where 44 percent of residents are non-white, diversifying nonprofit boards would create a great opportunity for women of color to share their voice, experiences, and direct decisions that would improve conditions for communities of color.

Expand Your Network (and Have Fun)

After the training, there will be a wine and cheese reception in the courtyard at the Junior League of Jackson headquarters. Perfect time to unwind, meet the speakers, mingle with fellow attendees, and ask questions about board service to continue your journey! You can also share feedback with us on what you enjoyed and what skills really helped you gain confidence. We’re always looking for ways to improve our training programs.

Inspire Continued Women Leadership

Inspired women, inspire women! Not only does 2.0 help you continue your journey into nonprofit board service, but it may also inspire another person to start theirs. Leadership has a ripple effect. Every woman added to nonprofit boards reinforces the power of women’s leadership and supports future progress made for Mississippi’s women and girls.

Get on Board

She’s on Board 2.0 will take place on April 5, 2024 at the Junior League of Jackson Headquarters. Click here to reserve your spot! Tickets available for purchase until April 3rd.

Stay Engaged: Easy Impacts You Can Make on the 2024 Mississippi Legislative Session

Every year, representatives from districts across the state of Mississippi convene in the capital city to write and debate the laws and policies that govern our everyday lives. The results of this year’s legislative session can drive significant changes for Mississippi’s women and girls. With needs like addressing the health care crisis, education funding, and the ballot initiative, there is no shortage of important issues that affect the daily lives of families in Mississippi. 

You can make legislators aware of what challenges are affecting your local community and monitor how legislators vote. 

Keep these tips and resources in mind as our state navigates the legislative process this year:

Learn who your elected officials are

Use a website like My Reps to learn who all of your elected officials are at city, county, state, and federal levels. During the legislative session, you’ll want to pay the most attention to your state senator and state representative, as they are your most direct representation within state government. Write down their contact information and follow them on social media.

Get & Stay Engaged

Keep tabs with local news sources and advocacy groups on issues that matter to you and see which bills to watch during the legislative process. Contact your representative, introduce yourself as a constituent, and let them know how you feel about bills that are important to you. Legislative office reception staff are friendly and will take your message. 

Once you know a bill’s number, you can search for them on the Mississippi Legislature’s website and learn about what they do and how they will impact the state. This website also offers livestream access to hearings and committee meetings as they occur. 

Keep Tabs on Voting

Get a play-by-play of how your representative is voting using this database. Stay in contact with him or her throughout the session and let them know what you think of their votes, and which bills matter to you. When elections happen, consider how your representative voted and if it was in accordance with your interests.  

Go Deeper

If you feel like you may want to run for elected office in Mississippi, subscribe to our email list for updates on opportunities to get involved! We offer workshops and programs like the Women’s Policy Institute that inspire and equip the next generation of leaders in our state. 

Resources

How Your Support Makes This the Season to Thrive

This year has seen great progress for Mississippi’s women and girls. From new in-person events to change-making grantees, your support has helped us pave the way for better opportunities for women and their families across the state. Learn more about how your support has helped us improve outcomes for Mississippi women—and why now is the perfect time to give.

What Your Support Does

Your contributions help power our grantmaking, signature programming, and so much more! 2023 included some big “firsts” for the Women’s Foundation, including the launch of our new signature gala, Visionaries. Our corporate event, Thrive @ Work, made its in-person return, connecting business leaders with industry experts.

Likewise, our grantees have really helped create new opportunities for Mississippi women and their families, some by utilizing two-generational support, like the programs provided at Meridian Community College. 

What Grantee Support Looks Like

In Mississippi, many students are forced to choose between work and pursuing their education careers. This choice only adds to the obstacles students face, such as the reported 39% food insecurity experienced by college students. 

Powered by grants from the Women’s Foundation, Meridian Community College offered a suite of programs this year to help students complete their degree programs. This support included:

This programming ensured that students could continue to focus on their educational goals while easing financial burden. Graduates, in turn, create generational hope and change for their families, that pours into our greater community and lifts up the entire state. As we like to say, when women thrive, Mississippi thrives!

Ways You Can Give

There are many ways you can participate in end-of-year giving and help us go further in 2024! 

One way is by joining our Giving Circle. Not only does being a Giving Circle member connect you to a community of game-changing women, it also gives you the opportunity to expand the power of your investment and get insider information on how your support is helping Mississippi women. 

If you’re already a Giving Circle member (thank you for your support!), then consider stretching your contribution to the next level. You can also invite a friend to join the Giving Circle with you! 

Reserve a spot for one of our upcoming events, and level up your networking and industry knowledge with a full slate of unique programming in 2024. 

We’ll have a lineup of Consider This discussions and new opportunities to attend our signature programs like Thrive@Work and She’s on Board.

We’ve also got merch options you can browse, purchase, and gift to a game-changing woman in your life (it’s a win-win!). 

Another option is through donating. Here are a few amounts to consider: 

The best part of donating to the Women’s Foundation is that our time-tested approaches to grantmaking ensure that your support is directed where it will have the greatest impact for Mississippi’s women and girls. 

Learn More

Click here to learn more about how your support is helping us continue to create new opportunities for Mississippi women. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates on our work and events!

Here’s How We’re Celebrating Gratitude Month

For friends, families, and communities, Thanksgiving holidays are full of light, giving, and gratitude. The same is true for the Women’s Foundation. We’re taking time this month to lift up all of the things we’re grateful for and offer thanks to our partners, Giving Circle members, and everyone else who has supported our work! Read on to learn what we’re grateful for. 

For Grantees from all Over the State

This year’s cohort of grantees really helped change the game for Mississippi women all over the state. From graduating a new class of nurses and healthcare workers, to helping new moms grow in a supportive environment, to connecting teens to evidence-based and age-appropriate curriculum, our grantees have truly helped move the needle forward for women and girls in our state. 

Since 2003, we have invested more than $4 million toward economic security for all women across the state. Our time-tested approach to grantmaking ensures that each dollar is shared where it’s needed most, and that our grantees share our core values of supporting inclusiveness and promoting accountability and sustainability in all of our work. 

We are so grateful to all of our grantees for the work they’ve done this year and look forward to seeing what great things are in store for 2024! 

For Inspiring Events

2023 started with an enchanting evening with two of Mississippi’s brightest stars–Angie Thomas and Rita Brent! With hundreds of women in attendance charting out their goals and aspirations for 2023, it was the perfect start to a year full of exciting opportunities and programming for Mississippi women and girls. 

In February, we brought back our signature program, She’s on Board, to help get more women into nonprofit leadership and board service. At the time, the 2023 Mississippi Legislative Session was beginning to unfold, creating an opportunity to raise awareness around the value women bring to their communities as leaders and voices for change. 

She’s on Board helped shine a light on how many women were interested in making their voice heard at the table, engaging participants from all backgrounds in the essentials of nonprofit board service. 

Throughout the month of August, we opened applications to the Mississippi Women’s Policy Institute–a leadership and training program focused on bringing more women into public policy in order to drive systems change. Last year’s cohort included 9 women, from all over the state, participating in experiential learning and first-hand engagement at the State Capitol with the Mississippi Legislative Session. We look forward to seeing what this year’s cohort will bring! 

In October, we launched our signature Thrive @ Work event with business experts speaking on a wide range of topics that impact our state. From emerging AI to the impact of women’s economic success, to the link between employee retention and accessible childcare, attendees were able to connect with impactful issues and craft new possibilities with their team while enjoying award-winning catering from Chef Nick Wallace and growing their network. Above all, Thrive @ Work helped employers across the state build workplaces everyone can thrive in. 

We can’t be more thrilled about this year’s events and programming. Thank you to all of our event speakers, sponsors, attendees, participants, and supporters! 

For Those Who Keep on Giving

Our Giving Circle members make it possible for us to continue to build new opportunities for Mississippi women across the state. We’re beyond grateful for their continued support and for the inviting community they’ve helped us cultivate in the Giving Circle. 

If you’re looking to support the great work going on at WFM, consider joining. You’ll connect to a community of game-changing women, while also getting the opportunity to expand the power of your investment, get tickets to future signature events, and get insider information on how your support is helping Mississippi women. 

For Everything 

We’re grateful for our partnerships with the Junior League of Jackson, the Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable, and the continued support of our donors, for helping us continue our signature programming. We look forward to joining the season of giving in our own way and continuing to build new opportunities for Mississippi women and girls to thrive. 

Click here to learn more about how your support is helping us continue to create new opportunities for Mississippi women. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates on our work and events!

A Sneak Peek into this Year’s Thrive @ Work! 

With experts speaking on emerging AI, the impact of women’s economic success, and the link between retention and accessible childcare, this year’s Thrive @ Work is shaping up to be a great event! Get a sneak peek of the afternoon’s discussion in this Q&A. 

Whitney Jackson bio

Should Mississippi businesses be concerned about the rise of AI?

Jackson: Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly common part of the hiring process. But many businesses are unaware that this technology comes with biases that may put them at legal risk. 

What are some things participants can take away from your presentation?

Jackson: Companies looking to add AI programs to their hiring process, can expect to learn what to look out for to ensure their process is fair, equitable, and contributes to a diverse workplace. They’ll also learn the different ways AI is being used, beyond the algorithm,  to attract new talent!

Natella Boulton bio

It’s a fact that economic security for women is a good thing. How can businesses help?

Boulton: Ensuring that women are thriving in their respective fields ensures that our state as a whole continues to grow and prosper. Businesses are in the unique position to make sure their employees have the tools they need to go for advanced careers or get the education they need to step into a higher earning position. They can create an environment where being a self-starter is rewarded.   

What are some things participants can take away from your presentation?

Boulton: The progression toward economic security and positive results from businesses when they help their employees through that process. It’s empowering for everyone! 

Biz Harris bio

How does childcare access impact business? 

Harris: There is a growing awareness of the links among access to childcare, parental employment, and overall economic growth. Businesses rely on employees, and employees rely on childcare. When problems with childcare arise, parents must scramble to find alternative options—or miss work to care for their children.

What are some things participants can take away from your presentation?

Harris: Businesses will learn practical ways to support their employees with children and see the measurable impact–like increased employee retention and recruitment–family-friendly policies can have.

Join the Discussion

Don’t wait to reserve your spot. Click here to purchase tickets and learn more about the event. We can’t wait to see you there! 

Responses edited for clarity and brevity.

WFM Board Member Publishes Op-Ed in the Mississippi Business Journal
MBJ Logo

Margaret Oertling Cupples, a board member of the Women’s Foundation of Mississippi (WFM), published an op-ed in the Mississippi Business Journal that shows the value of investing in women. Her article shares a fresh perspective on how offering family-friendly workplace policies is not only altruistic, but also better for profits.

Interest in how businesses can support women in the workplace has increased since the recent Nobel Prize in Economics, which was awarded to Claudia Goldin for her work outlining the gaps in career earnings by gender.

Cupples’ op-ed, as well as the Women’s Foundation’s signature Thrive @ Work event, provide businesses in Mississippi the tools they need to support better conditions in the workplace, advance gender wage equality, and help their employees thrive.

Click the button below to read the article! For more information on this year’s Thrive @ Work, click here.

Read article

Executive Director Announcement

A Letter from Tracy DeVries

After nearly seven years as Executive Director of the Women’s Foundation of Mississippi, I am announcing my departure from the organization. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve in this role and I look forward to working with the Board of Directors and staff team during this transition. This is a difficult decision to make, but due to out of state family obligations this is the right time for me to make this change. I am proud that during my time here we have launched new programs like the Mississippi Women’s Policy Institute, invested a new high of nearly one million dollars in grants last year, provided relief through rapid response grants during the pandemic, and created a six-month operating reserve.

I will stay on through a targeted departure date of December 31, 2023, pending the successful hiring and onboarding of the organization’s next leader. Board member Felicia Brown-Williams has agreed to chair the search committee comprised of current and past board members. I am committed to the success of the organization and have therefore also offered to stay on in a consulting capacity as needed and requested by the next leader and will stay on board until they are in place.

I will miss working with this team, with our grantees and community partners, our funders, and the many friends of the organization. But I look forward to working with our Board over this period of time to ensure a smooth transition so that together we can all continue to help women and girls in Mississippi thrive.

Interested applicants should review the job description and submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to hr@womensfoundationms.org. We hope to begin interviews in early November.

Thank you for your support of the organization.

Tracy DeVries, Executive Director

Women’s Foundation of Mississippi

Job Description: Executive Director, Women’s Foundation Mississippi

About the Women’s Foundation of Mississippi

The mission of the Women’s Foundation of Mississippi (WFM) is to ensure economic security for women. We are committed to helping Mississippi’s women and girls transcend our state’s dire social and economic barriers. By cultivating social change, we create long-term opportunity for personal stability and stronger families. We work to serve all women and girls throughout the state of Mississippi, particularly those who are most vulnerable. We use grant-making, advocacy, training programs, and research to support three main focus areas: women’s health, access to education and career opportunities, and two-generation work. We do this because women have a greater opportunity for upward mobility and economic sustainability when they can plan for pregnancy, earn a degree or receive relevant job training, access quality childcare, and pursue a viable career with a livable income.

In 2022 we made nearly $1 million in grants to nearly 30 grantee partners. WFM also leads several programs including the Mississippi Women’s Policy Institute, a 9-month fellowship program focused on advocacy; Mississippi Women in the Lead, an annual training program for women interested in seeking elected office; She’s on Board, a one-day seminar for women interested in pursuing board leadership; and annual fundraising events such as Thrive@Work and Visionaries.

Our Guiding Principles

We are ADVOCATES, catalysts for transformation in the lives of women and girls, monitoring public discourse, educating, sharing information, and supporting policies to achieve meaningful change.

We strive for SOCIAL JUSTICE, promoting equal access to opportunity and to equity in all aspects of life.

We believe in INCLUSIVENESS, embracing diversity reflective of Mississippi’s population, welcoming and valuing different perspectives and opinions.

We believe in ACCOUNTABILITY, through transparency and informed, responsive use of our resources in achieving our mission.

We believe in SUSTAINABILITY for The Women’s Foundation, through fiscal responsibility and organizational strength, stewarding resources to meet the unique needs of women and girls.

For more information, please visit the website: www.womensfoundationms.org.

About the Position

The Women’s Foundation of Mississippi seeks a strategic, visionary, and empathetic leader who brings a variety of skills and experiences to the role. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative and passionate leader who brings, or quickly gains, an understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Mississippi’s women and girls. They are an accessible and adaptable leader who is a strong manager and decisionmaker.

The Executive Director will report to a 14-24 member Board of Directors, oversee a collaborative team of 4, and lead for the overall strategy and operations of the foundation.

The role is based in Jackson, Mississippi, with opportunities for remote work.

Responsibilities

Strategic Vision and Leadership

· Lead WFM’s strategic direction, collaborating with the Board, staff, and key stakeholders.

· Identify, assess, and inform the Board of internal and external issues that affect the organization.

· Promote the foundation as a thought leader, convener, and funder.

· Elevate the foundation’s visibility in the state through speaking opportunities, attendance at community events, and external communications. Serve as a brand ambassador.

· Build and maintain authentic relationships and collaborative arrangements with community groups, funders, elected officials, and other key stakeholders in support of the foundation’s priorities.

Organizational Leadership

· Oversee all organizational operations, including programs, finance, administration, and human resources; ensure strategic priorities and objectives are met.

· Develop and maintain strong, transparent working relationships with the Board and ensure open communication regarding financial, programmatic, and operational performance against the strategic direction.

· Develop an operational plan that incorporates goals and objectives aligned with the strategic direction of the foundation.

· Identify and evaluate risks to the foundation and implement measures to mitigate risk.

· Lead, partner with, inspire and support staff, including providing professional development opportunities and rewarding success.

· Facilitate collaboration across the organization.

· Create and maintain a positive and healthy work environment that values flexibility, work-life balance, and collaboration to attract, retain and motivate staff.

Fundraising and Fiscal Accountability

· Serve as the foundation’s lead fundraiser, in collaboration with the Board and staff.

· Oversee fundraising efforts, including both the stewardship of current funders as well as the expansion and diversification of individual, foundation, and corporate donors.

· Oversee the development of annual budgets and ensure sound financial management practices and policies are adhered to.

· Steward finances in collaboration with staff and the Board to ensure the tracking of income, expenses and clear financial reporting.

Program Planning and Management

· Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the foundation’s programs and special projects, including research and advocacy efforts.

· Ensure effective program delivery that maintains or improves the quality of those programs.

· Build and maintain relationships with organizations and key partners connected to the foundation’s programmatic work.

Desired Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree or commensurate professional experience.

· Passion and deep demonstrated commitment to gender equity.

· At least 7 years or more years of progressive leadership experience in a nonprofit organization.

· Demonstrated leadership and management acumen with experience overseeing essential executive functions, including strategy, finance, operations, and programs.

· Demonstrated track record of raising funds from individuals, corporations, and foundations.

· Strong public speaking, organizational, and verbal and written skills.

· A strategic thinker who is curious, creative, innovative and enjoys solving critical issues as well as developing new opportunities.

· Demonstrated ability in supervising multiple staff and fostering teamwork and collaboration.

· Experience in building and maintaining relationships with staff, Board, and other key stakeholders.

· Comfortable in an ever-changing environment that requires flexibility and versatility.

· Excellent time management and organizational skills.

· Ability to anticipate, understand and respond to the needs of people and organizations with whom WFM has relationships.

· Knowledge of current community challenges and opportunities relating to the mission of the foundation and an understanding of and commitment to equity.

Compensation and Benefits

The target salary range for this position is $110,000-$130,000.

The Women’s Foundation of Mississippi offers a comprehensive compensation package that includes:

· Paid time off, including two weeks of sick leave, and three personal days. The Executive Director starts with four weeks of vacation time.

· Flexible work options.

· Health insurance is 100% covered for the employee. Dependent health insurance, dental and vision are offered annually for employees to opt into and provide partial payment for coverage.

· The organization offers a 403b for all employees to opt into.

Expected Time Commitment and Travel

This position is full-time. While the Executive Director works a standard work week, she will often work evenings, weekends, and overtime hours to accommodate activities such as Board meetings and representing the organization at public events. Statewide travel and out of state travel is required.

Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and at least three references to: hr@womensfoundationms.org by Friday, November 3, 2023.

The Women’s Foundation of Mississippi Trains Women to Get Involved with Health Policy

The Women’s Foundation of Mississippi Trains Women to Get Involved with Health Policy

The signature training program gives all Mississippi women the chance to change the tide on poor health outcomes in the state.

Jackson, MS – On August 11, 2023, the Women’s Foundation of Mississippi launched its signature public policy training program Mississippi Women’s Policy Institute (WPI). Created in 2019, WPI equips Mississippi women with skills and training to influence the legislative and administrative bodies that govern public policy. This year, WPI is focused on improving healthcare policy so that more women can access the services they need to support their families and live long, healthier lives.

Mississippi remains one of the deadliest states for new moms and babies. Findings from the CDC’s National Vital Statistics Report, and the Mississippi Department of Health’s Maternal Mortality Report, showed that Mississippi has the highest infant mortality rate in the nation, and a rate of postpartum death that is 1.9 times higher than the national average. 

In most cases, these outcomes are due to underlying health conditions that go untreated or receive delayed treatment because of economic and systemic inequities like high healthcare costs, lack of coverage, or an inability to travel to get proper care. 

Over the course of the program, fellows will learn about the policy process by pairing up with mentor organizations and assisting in their advocacy efforts. Fellows can expect several virtual and in-person trainings, team activities, and retreats in the fall of 2023 to prepare for the 2024 legislative session. With such comprehensive programming, WPI is an essential resource for anyone looking to further their community impact and make positive changes in the state. 

The training program encourages women from marginalized communities to apply and prioritizes bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the policymaking process. Participation in the program is free and fellows receive stipends to cover costs for childcare, transportation, or other expenses related to the fellowship. 

“I was planning to move and find a job in another state, but my experience with the policy institute showed me that I had the ability to change things right here in Mississippi,” said one past participant.

For more information about the Women’s Policy Institute, or to apply to be a WPI fellow, visit womensfoundationms.org. The deadline to apply is August 29, 2023.

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About The Women’s Foundation: The mission of the Women’s Foundation of Mississippi (WFM) is to ensure economic security for women. WFM supports access to education and career opportunities, women’s health, and two-generation approaches through grant-making, advocacy, training programs, research, and community education and engagement. Since 1999, they have awarded millions of dollars, investing in nonprofits, programs, and educational institutions across Mississippi to help women thrive. Learn more about the Women’s Foundation of Mississippi by visiting our website: https://womensfoundationms.org/

What to Consider Before the Primary Election

As the primary election approaches, keep in mind that voting on issues that impact Mississippi’s women and girls moves our state in a more positive direction for everyone. As we say at the Women’s Foundation, when women thrive, Mississippi thrives. These issues listed below have to do with our state’s women and girls, but their impact matters to every Mississippian. 

Before showing up to the polls on August 8, get up to speed on what issues need your support and connect to helpful voting resources.

Why is voting in the primary election important? 

Primary elections will determine candidates for everything from state governors to potential presidents. The primary election on August 8 will list candidates for lieutenant governor, governor, secretary of state, attorney general, state treasurer, commissioner of agriculture and commerce, commissioner of insurance, and even candidates for state senator and state house representatives. With such a wide variety of offices up for election, your vote has the potential to change the game on multiple fronts for our state. 

What issues are currently impacting Mississippi women?

Maternal Mortality

According to research from the Mississippi State Department of Health, pregnancy-related death is 2 times higher in Mississippi than the national average. For Black women, this rate is 3 times higher. Every mother deserves a healthy pregnancy. 

And while some supportive laws have been passed from advocacy efforts, like the extension of Medicaid-ensured postpartum coverage resulting from the work of our partner the Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable, our state needs more politicians who are actively working to improve this issue at a systemic level and provide more ways for women to have safer, healthier pregnancies. 

Equal Pay

In Mississippi, women who work full-time, year round make almost $10,000 ($9,755) less a year than men. This income disparity makes it harder for women to provide for their families, save for emergencies, and maintain their economic security. 

Research from the National Women’s Law Center found that Mississippi women are the primary breadwinners in the majority (53.5%) of Mississippi families—meaning the less money women make, the more at risk their families are to experiencing economic hardship. 

Lack of Representation

Only 12.5% of members of the Mississippi House of Representatives and 17.6% of members of the Mississippi Senate are women, yet women make up 51.4% of the state’s population. Black and Hispanic representation is also scarce, with only 27.9% of the Mississippi State Legislature identifying as Black and less than one percent identifying as Hispanic. Meanwhile, Black and Hispanic residents account for over 40% of the state’s population

Improving representation not only improves the accuracy and precision of how laws address community needs, but also brings more experience and perspective to decision-making tables. This is true even at a national level, where only one in three state legislators are women, and one in four at the federal level. 

Access to Childcare

The lack of affordable, high-quality childcare is challenging for many moms in Mississippi– especially if they are in a single-parent household. According to Child Care Aware of America, single-parent households in Mississippi can pay upwards of 24% of their income on full-time summer childcare for just one child. For two children, that expense can be over half of their income. 

Parents who can’t afford childcare often miss work, switch jobs, or postpone certain educational or job-related obligations in order to look after their children. This has a direct effect on local businesses, and in turn, our state’s economy.  In a report published by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, absences and employee turnover related to childcare cost Mississippi employers an estimated $553 million per year. Similarly, childcare issues cost the state $675 million annually due to compounding employment costs and the barriers expensive childcare creates for parents looking to increase their earning potential, and by extension, their purchasing power.

Are there resources that make voting easier?

Yes! My Election Day, a new resource developed by The Office of the Secretary of State, includes personalized options for receiving voting information and tracking absentee or affidavit ballots. 
You can also check out Y’all Vote, another resource developed by The Office of the Secretary of State, for more voting information, or reach out to their Elections Division by calling (800) 829-6786 or emailing ElectionsAnswers@sos.ms.gov. We’ve got a detailed list of more voting resources available here if you want to learn more!

Thrive @ Work: Your Playbook to Attract & Retain Workforce Talent  

Staying ahead on ways to attract and retain talent matters now more than ever.

A report released by the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor found that only half of graduates from Mississippi’s public universities worked in the state three years after leaving college. Census data included in the report shows that Mississippi has lost nearly 10% of its Millennial population over the past decade, putting future economic stability at risk. 

Here’s where Thrive @ Work comes in. Staying in-the-know about innovative workplace policies is essential to engaging employees that will help support a thriving workforce. Read on to see why joining as a corporate sponsor is a win-win for your businesses.

Boost Productivity & Positivity

Employee turnover can cost companies anywhere between 16 to 213 percent of a single employee’s salary, according to a study conducted by the Center for American Progress.

By adding workplace policies that allow for better work-life balance, employees are less likely to experience burnout and businesses avoid the compounding costs of employee turnover while creating a more positive workplace culture. Thrive @ Work is where company leaders see where they can make policy adjustments, while also having the chance to engage with leading experts in the field.

Insights Catered to Mississippi

Thrive @ Work convenes some of the state’s brightest leaders in business to share innovative insights. And with each panelist being based in Mississippi, each talking point will respond to how current workplace trends are impacting local businesses in Mississippi, which isn’t something you can find in seminars from nationally-based organizations or online programming.

Walk the Talk

Joining as a corporate sponsor not only positions your business at the forefront of innovation, but also treats your team to a luncheon filled with opportunities to connect, learn, and build a better workplace environment. Being a sponsor helps you walk the talk, demonstrating your business’ commitment to positivity, growth, and the desire to build a work environment that everyone can thrive in. 

Don’t wait to reserve your spot! Purchase tickets and sponsorships by clicking here or contact Frances Patterson Croft at frances@womensfoundationms.org.

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