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WASHINGTON, DC---During Women's History Month, Tambra Raye Stevenson, CEO of WANDA was announced as one of eight Black women leaders of Ward 7 and 8-based nonprofit organizations receiving funding and capacity building from JPMorgan Chase Bank in concert with the Center for Nonprofit Advancement at the Chase Bank at the Skyland Town Center in Southeast Washington, D.C.
The funded nonprofit organizations are part of an inaugural Chief Executive Leaders Ascend Program, Black Women Cohort, and were selected based on each organization’s commitment and proven track record within neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River. Including WANDA, the additional organizations are the Children’s Legacy Theatre, Congress Heights Arts and Cultural Center, Fihankra Akoma Ntoaso, Guns Down Friday, Momma’s Safe Haven, The Safe Sisters Circle, and Women Involved in Reentry Efforts.
Shae Harris, JPMorgan Chase Mid-Atlantic Region director of corporate responsibility, said the bank has a commitment to serving women of color.
“Since JPMorgan Chase began its significant philanthropic commitment to Washington, D.C., it found that women of color are the key drivers of household economic mobility in the region,” Harris said. “Through our support to the center, we can drill down and provide the necessary support to Black women-led organizations east of the river. It’s through these women that we can intentionally drive impact in Wards 7 and 8.”
Glen O’Gilvie, CEO of the Center for Nonprofit Advancement, said his organization has committed to closing the racial wealth gap and driving economic inclusion. O’Gilvie said his organization looks forward to partnering with the bank.
“The center has been addressing the most pressing community needs by strengthening nonprofit organizations for over 43 years,” he said. “Research confirms that corporations and foundations have historically underfunded, Black-led organizations. I am delighted by the opportunity to partner with JPMorgan Chase, engaging Black women leaders and demonstrating the equity in a trust-based philanthropic and capacity-building model, as well as the lasting community impact we can create.”
In a customized 12-month capacity-building program, the grantees will receive technical assistance, health and wellness support, leadership development, and executive coaching from the center’s staff. Classes and resources include social media and marketing training and business plan guidance to improve organizational resilience and financial management.
“The funding and support from JPMorgan Chase and the Center for Nonprofit Advancement came as a perfect time as WANDA is gearing to grow and scale our capacity to meet the critical needs in addressing food apartheid through education, advocacy, and partnerships," said Tambra Stevenson. "We are underway in planning our annual Sisterhood Supper Juneteenth Celebration and WANDA Week for Juneteenth. Currently, we are providing field experiences for university students gaining experience in advocating for food policies and providing community nutrition education, for instance."
