Dear Community Friend,

A couple weeks ago, I shared with you SVP’s new focus and commitment to women and gender justice in Greater Cleveland. In case you missed it, you can read it here. In that note, I mentioned that one of our first steps is to convene an Advisory Committee and to host a series of community conversations, surveys, and focus groups to help us shape SVP’s new vision and work ahead. 

Today, I’m excited to introduce the members of our newly formed Advisory Committee: 

• Alexandria Johnson Boone, Women of Color Foundation
• Ashley Evans, The Presidents Council
• Helen Forbes Fields, Esq., YWCA of Greater Cleveland
• Keisha M. González, The Cleveland Foundation
• Phyllis Seven Harris, LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland
• Leah D. Hudnall, The Legacy Perspective 
• Kate Ingersoll, Healthy Lakewood Foundation
• Jazmin Long, Birthing Beautiful Communities
• Nancy Mendez, Starting Point
• Shaina Munoz, State Infrastructure Project
• Bethany Studenic, Enlightened Solutions
• Renee Timberlake, United Way of Greater Cleveland
• Kate Warren, City of Cleveland
• Tessa Xuan, OPAWL - Building AAPI Feminist Leadership

Over the next several months, this incredible group of local women leaders will come together and collaborate with us to guide SVP through our transformation. They’ll help identify the opportunities, needs, gaps and possibilities to ultimately determine how SVP can be additive and supportive of community leaders and organizations already working on gender justice in the region. We deeply appreciate each member’s willingness to share their time, insights, and perspectives and can’t wait to see what they inspire together. 

Finally, I’m thrilled to introduce Diana Rosa from Rosa Consulting, LLC! Diana and her amazing team are facilitating our Advisory Committee conversations and our community engagement strategy. Speaking of which, please stay tuned! In an upcoming letter, I’ll share ways you, your neighbors, and fellow community members are invited to co-create SVP’s next chapter with us. Already have ideas? Email us! 

With hope and appreciation for our work together ahead, 

Abby Westbrook

P.S. Don’t forget to follow us on social media—a great way to keep in touch!