With your support, together we can continue our work of:

Generating a movement of women supporting women through SHE Leads!™.

Over 150 program participants, alumni and mentors are contributing their talent, time and passion by stepping into community leadership roles to personally impact the lives of the SHE Leads!™ fellowship, their families, and the clients of our women-serving nonprofit partners across the state.

Establishing partnerships for impact with women-centered nonprofits through SHE Gives!

AFW has funded over 75 women-serving nonprofits since 1997.  Our partnership provides support, builds connections, engages their participants and staff, shares learnings and champions their work.

Thank You to our Invest in Her Donors

Your tax-deductible investment today will support over 200 diverse women in career development, leadership opportunities, issue briefings, mentorship, and community projects through SHE Leads!™. Your gift fuels the goal of providing $500,000 in partnership and technical support for women-focused services, outreach and monitoring of key quality of life indicators for women and women-led households through SHE Gives!

2023 AFW Stories of Impact

Julie Heineking, 2023 SHE Leads! Graduate

When Julie Heineking applied for SHE Leads!™, she was looking to learn and grow in a general sense. By the time she graduated, she developed a truer sense of self, increased confidence, a stronger connection to our community and a readiness to embark on new career paths.

Julie’s belief in herself has led to her viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than fearful situations. Her courage in expressing this self-growth has shown up in exciting new career opportunities, participation on multiple boards and more.

“I don't have to stay where I don't feel valued, wanted or being looked over. I know that I am capable of learning and doing anything that I set my mind to and if I don't feel like I am getting the coaching, promotions, help I need that it is ok to move on and move up somewhere else.”

Julie now works at the Department of Economic Security as an eligibility interviewer. After SHE Leads!, she was inspired to apply for two boards and was approved to serve on both, something she says “I wouldn’t have considered doing” prior to the program.

Dennisse Ley de Balderrama, AFW Grant Recipient

“Through our partnership with Arizona Foundation for Women our team feels seen. Showing up and doing this work every day is hard. We meet people when they are at their darkest place. Having the support from AFW has been HUGE for us.

When our team gets the opportunity to witness Survivors’ needs being met by resources that have been covered by AFW. It feels like you are part of something bigger and changes the trajectory of people's lives. The work is encouraging and helps bring light to the darkness we see. It also has given many of our Survivors a space for their voices to be heard with the opportunity to attend events such as the women's health retreat.

For many of the Survivors that have had the opportunity to attend an AFW event, it was the first time in their lives they got to focus on themselves and learn about nutrition, self-care, and the importance of taking care of mind, body, and spirit. For many Survivors that is unheard of. One Survivor shared that " it was truly a gift and a life changing experience" We heard great feedback and are so grateful for opportunities such as these.

We value the constant clear communication on AFW’s mission. AFW prioritizes the wellbeing of women in all aspects and creates spaces for growth and future planning. AFW gives women voices and recognizes that highlighting women's stories is important.

The women and supporters of AFW's model show up wholeheartedly - without judgment or expectation - for the women in our lives, families, and our community. Connection is at the core. Women need to know and feel that they are not alone. Just showing up for someone may be the medicine they need to propel them moving forward.” 

Stephanie Spearman, 2023 AFW Volunteer

Just over a year ago, Stephanie Spearman was introduced to AFW by board member Rachel Frazier Johnson. From day one, Stephanie’s passion, heart and commitment for the AFW mission was apparent. In her first year volunteering with us, Stephanie served as SHE Leads!™ mentor, board community member, awards event volunteer manager, SHE Talks!™ volunteer manager, and SHE Leads!™ committee member.

“Being a volunteer with AFW is one of the best decisions I have made in a long time. I’ve met great new people, established new friendships and watched women grow within themselves; find and understand their worth, their "calling.”

As a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother of girls, Stephanie believes it is very important for them to know how important, strong, and special they are. She extends the same wisdom and care to the lives she touches through AFW’s various activities.

“I believe being a mentor is a gift, and a blessing that a person can knowingly and freely encourage, empower and elevate another woman. Knowing that I can help a woman become stronger, wiser, know her worth, her importance not only to others but more importantly to herself.”

Stephanie’s leadership has been a true game changer for AFW. We’re immensely grateful for the time and support she shares with those in our community.