Shecky’s

Today, we’re honoring the Best Girlfriend Making a Difference (VOTE NOW!) and we’ve found quite a few charities founded by amazing chicks. Coincidentally (or not!), today is also Be an Angel Day and these women are certainly earth angels. Read on to find out what a few fierce females did and are doing to make a difference in our world.

Rebecca Kousky started Nest fresh out of grad school with a Masters in Social Work (she was only 24!) to benefit women who hope to create crafts-based businesses but don’t have the means to do so. By providing loans and managing their money as well as selling their goods online, Kousky and Nest are helping women who may never have had the chance to explore and relish in their artistic talents, and they’re reducing poverty while they’re at it.

V-Day raises awareness and funds to end violence against girls and women, using the renowned play The Vagina Monologues and other mediums. Profits go to anti-violence groups and future efforts to put a stop to violent acts in the US and worldwide. Founder Eve Ensler (also writer and creator of The Vagina Monologues) bravely leads the initiative for a world where women can live without fear.

Built upon Gloria Steinem’s Ms. Foundation, The Women’s Funding Network was formed  25 years ago to educate and tackle a variety of women’s issues. From basic human rights to economic equality, their hope is to continue changing the face of women’s rights while reaching higher and higher goals of collective working assets of women in America.

Started with the aim of creating more opportunities for women in the workforce, Catalyst has expanded above and beyond since its 1962 founding by the late Felice N. Schwartz. They are credited with employing millions of women across the United States, Canada and Europe. Catalyst also relentlessly researches employment and work trends to help women overcome obstacles in the workplace.

Targeting one of the most prevalent women’s health issues, Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the global leader of the breast cancer movement. The organization was founded in honor of Susan G. Komen by her sister Nancy G. Brinker as a fulfillment to her Susan’s battle with, and eventual loss to, breast cancer. Today, the organization supports events like the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure to educate and fund breast cancer research, as well as support those affected and breast cancer survivors.

-Lynden Halpern

GIRL TALK TIME: What women’s issues are important to you? What charities do you support? Do you have a favorite woman founder? Who is she? Do you have a girlfriend who is your definition of an angel?