Celebrating 20 Years of Investing in Economic Empowerment for Women and Families
It’s been 20 years since Women’s Empowerment International (WE) gave its first grant to help women start on stronger economic paths and break cycles of poverty.
It’s been 20 years since Women’s Empowerment International (WE) gave its first grant to help women start on stronger economic paths and break cycles of poverty.
While progress has been made in promoting women’s economic empowerment in society, significant challenges and disparities persist globally. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive strategies that tackle structural barriers, promote gender equality in education and employment, and enact supportive policies and legal frameworks. That’s where WE comes in, helping to fund programs for women locally and internationally that work to break barriers and open opportunities for financial stability and self-sufficiency.
“Advancing gender equality is key to addressing and reducing poverty. But, despite all of the statistics that point toward this, less than 2% of charitable giving in the U.S. goes to women’s and girls’ organizations,” said Sarah Adams, WE Executive Director. “WE works to fill this gap.”
Back in 2003, when Co-founders Win Cox and Leigh Fenly decided to start Women’s Empower International, it was a calling that they imagined locally and abroad uniting women with the larger vision of creating stronger economies. Together they built a local network of support and got directly involved with the populations affected.
In 2004, WE sent its first grant payment of $4,025 to Grameen de la Frontera, which was the perfect start because the organization directly focused on the economic growth of women. With this first grantee, WE formed a close relationship and founders and board members traveled to Sonora, Mexico to see WE’s funding in action. This involvement then became one of the distinguishing qualities about WE that put it in a category of its own.
Over the years, WE has partnered with organizations in nine countries, getting to know the nonprofits and women in the regions, understanding their way of life and how WE can help.
As of 2024, WE has provided over 2.6 million dollars. WE funds microloans, small business development, job and skill training, and other economic empowerment programs for women experiencing poverty, locally and around the world and has made its impact by:
Assisting women in launching businesses that help sustain families through microloan programs and business development support and training
Helping young women locally purchase cars, so that they can attend school, maintain steady employment, and take care of their children and families
Providing microloans to grandmothers in Uganda to fund their ability to create sustainable businesses to help take care of and educate orphaned grandchildren
Contributing to increasing women’s income in Haiti through their operation of community health stores
Providing financial literacy training for girls through an innovative mobile-based app
Supporting loan support groups for women in Mexico who have experienced human trafficking, immigration challenges, and other traumas
Helping to provide new sources of income for Indigenous Maya women in Guatemala, along with leadership training and growth opportunities
On September 22nd, join Women’s Empowerment International for a very special afternoon celebrating 20 years of grantmaking at the Farmer & The Seahorse, at The Alexandria at Torrey Pines from 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm. The event will include 200 attendees—of all genders.
Guests will enjoy food, drinks, live music, a beautiful venue, inspirational programming featuring messages from the founders and funding partners, and a keynote address from Nancy Maldonado, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Rady Children’s Hospital and the former President & CEO of the Chicano Federation of San Diego County. In addition, we will hear a special message from Linda L. Katz the recipient of WE’s 2024 Woman of Empowerment Award, who is the Founding President of The San Diego Women’s Foundation and Co-Founder of Women Give San Diego. Linda also currently sits on advisory councils for Salaam Youth and Community Center and the San Diego Center for Children.
Linda L. Katz-WE’s 2024 Woman of Empowerment Award
To raise funds people will have the opportunity to participate in silent and live auctions and browse through a Maker Fair with women entrepreneurs from local WE grant-funded programs. All net proceeds of the event will benefit WE grants distributed to vetted, high-impact nonprofits in San Diego County and around the world implementing women’s economic empowerment programs. Proceeds will be raised through sponsorships, ticket sales, auctions, and a paddle raise, and general donations. Register Now at: https://womenempowerment.org/fall-fundraiser/ and contribute to the economic empowerment of women and families.
.
Studio S
OCTOBER 22, 2026
Milan Design + Build Helps San Diegans Remodel Their Homes
The San Diego home remodeling company works on full homes, kitchens, bathrooms, home additions, ADUs, garages, landscapes, and hardscapes.
Most homeowners want two things before they commit to a remodel: a realistic sense of cost and a clear picture of what the finished space will look like. Milan Design + Build helps deliver both through its online remodeling estimator and personalized design consultations, supported by a showroom experience and 3D renderings.
“The online estimate gives homeowners a starting number in about a minute, and the showroom and 3D renderings let them see materials and layouts before anything is built,” says David Noriani, CEO of Milan Design + Build. “Keeping design, permits, and construction with one team helps us manage expectations and keep everyone working toward the same vision.”
Courtesy of Milan Design
Modern design is a particular focus for Milan, with an emphasis on clean lines, natural light, functional layouts, and carefully selected materials. The team adapts each design to the homeowner’s lifestyle and the character of the property. Milan Design + Build combines thoughtful design with construction expertise, creating spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful.
The online estimator covers kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, full-home remodels, and ADU construction. At Milan’s showroom on Carroll Road, visitors can review real materials, finishes, and design options, meet the design-build team, and discuss project scope, budget, and timing. Consultations can also be held virtually for homeowners who prefer to start remotely.
At Milan Design + Build, one integrated team works on the entire project. Design and construction aren’t divided between separate firms. The process begins with a consultation and feasibility review, followed by design, space planning, and 3D renderings developed from detailed measurements and digital scans. The team also coordinates architectural plans, structural engineering, city approvals, and material selection, with construction overseen by a dedicated project manager.
Homeowners can explore their remodeling options, get an initial estimate, or request a design consultation at MilanBuild.com.
Association of Fundraising Professionals San Diego To Recognize 11 Honorees at 54th Annual National Philanthropy Day in November
This year’s theme, 'Impact Through Philanthropy,’ spotlights the impact of individuals, businesses and community organizations throughout San Diego County.
“Impact through Philanthropy isn’t just a theme; it’s what we see every day in San Diego’s diverse communities,” said Ingrid de Llamas, CFRE, IAP, AFP San Diego chapter president. “The honorees show what’s possible when intention meets generosity, leadership and dedication come together. We’re honored to celebrate the honorees alongside our presenting sponsor, PNC Bank.”
“Philanthropy is one of San Diego’s great strengths—not just because of this community’s generosity, but because of what happens when people unite around the belief that our region can be better,” said Mark Stuart, President & CEO of the San Diego Foundation and Honorary Committee Chair for National Philanthropy Day. “National Philanthropy Day lets us recognize the donors, volunteers, fundraisers, and organizations who turn that belief into action, strengthening lives throughout our community. Celebrating them reminds us all of the extraordinary power we have when we work together.”
Eleven honorees, including eight individuals and three organizations, were selected from scores of nominees submitted from throughout San Diego County. Honorees were selected through a rigorous vetting process by AFP San Diego’s Honorary Committee.
2026 National Philanthropy Day Honorees:
Outstanding Development Professional, Emerging Leader – Miguel Lopez, CFRE (San Diego Foundation)
Outstanding Development Professional, Mid-Career – Amie Brown, CFRM (Meals on Wheels San Diego County)
Outstanding Development Professional, Career Achievement – David Hanses (Scripps Institution of Oceanography)
Outstanding Organization, IDEA – The San Diego LGBT Community Center
Outstanding Grantmaking Organization – David C. Copley Foundation
Outstanding Philanthropic Business or Corporation – Maya’s Cookies
Outstanding Student Volunteer – Chris Zheng (Casa de Amistad)
Outstanding Volunteer – Dr. Suzanne Afflalo (A Healthier Me)
Outstanding Volunteer – Fred Davis (Serving Seniors)
Outstanding Philanthropists – Mel & Linda Katz
Special Lifetime Achievement Award – Ingrid de Llamas, CFRE, IAP
National Philanthropy Day Supports AFP San Diego’s Empower Fund
Beyond recognizing local philanthropic leadership, National Philanthropy Day supports the Empower Fund, powered by U.S. Bank, which provides scholarships, educational opportunities and professional development for nonprofit leaders.
In its inaugural year, AFP San Diego raised $28,000 for the Empower Fund through National Philanthropy Day, with a goal of $50,000 in 2026. Contributions directly support educational initiatives for nonprofit professionals throughout the region. Donations are accepted year-round.
AFP San Diego’s National Philanthropy Day is made possible through the generous support of Presenting Sponsor PNC Bank, Empower Sponsor U.S. Bank, Focus Sponsor Sanford Institute of Philanthropy at NU and dozens of partners. View the full list of 2026 sponsors.
Event Details
Friday, Nov. 13, 2026 | 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Manchester Grand Hyatt, 1 Market Place, San Diego, CA 92101
Tickets and partnership opportunities are available at AFPSD.org – NPD 2026! For more information, contact Fiona King at 619-538-6605 or [email protected].
About AFP San Diego
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) San Diego Chapter has supported fundraising professionals and nonprofit leaders throughout San Diego County since 1974. Through professional education, mentorship, networking and leadership opportunities, AFP San Diego connects people at every stage of their careers while advancing ethical and effective fundraising practices. With more than 350 local members and connections to a global network of fundraising professionals, AFP San Diego invests in the people behind philanthropy to strengthen nonprofits and the communities they serve. Learn more at AFPSD.org & follow AFPSD on LinkedIn
In the last several years, there’s been a surge in FDA approvals for what’s known as oral oncolytics. Oral oncolytics are targeted cancer therapies that come in tablet, capsule or liquid form that patients can take at home, rather than in an infusion clinic. Scripps physicians have seen exponential growth using this approach, with patients citing convenience as a major quality-of-life enhancement in their cancer treatment. This approach also allows treatments to be customized based on specific genetic mutations and a patient’s unique disease biology. Find out more about oral oncolytics here.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
Unio Specialty Care is a multi-specialty practice specializing in urology, gastroenterology, and radiation oncology.
Unio’s Radiation Oncology team—Dr. Donald B. Fuller, Dr. Tahir Ijaz, Dr. Reza Shirazi, and Dr. Siavosh Vakilian—combines extensive clinical experience with a commitment to personalized cancer care. The RO team treats cancerous and non-cancerous conditions using precision therapies including SBRT, IGRT, and the CyberKnife® S7 System, the only system of its kind in Southern California. Their expertise spans prostate, breast, lung, gastrointestinal, pancreatic, and central nervous system cancers, as well as low-dose radiotherapy for osteoarthritis.
In 2026, Dr. Shirazi and Dr. Vakilian were recognized as San Diego Top Doctors, joining Dr. Fuller and Dr. Ijaz, who have previously received this distinction.
Faces of Healthcare 2026: San Diego Fertility Center
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
Susanna Park, MD; Sandy Chuan, MD; Brooke Friedman, MD; Said Daneshmand, MD; Valerie Flores, MD; Bryn Willson, MD
At San Diego Fertility Center, parenthood starts with personalized, cutting-edge care. Nationally recognized physicians offer individualized plans spanning IVF, PGT, egg donation, surrogacy, Gentle IVF, fertility preservation, and LGBTQ+ family building. Newsweek ranked them among America’s Best Fertility Clinics in 2026: top 6% of 450+ clinics nationwide, and best in San Diego.
“Remind yourself you are not alone! You don’t have to have all the answers before you walk through the door,” says Dr. Friedman. “Our job is to listen, explain your options, and guide you toward what makes sense for you. Because fertility care isn’t one-size-fits-all — and building your family should feel like your journey, supported every step of the way.”
Faces of Healthcare 2026: North County Cardiovascular Specialists
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
At NCCS, both doctors take a personal, traditional approach to cardiovascular care. Patients speak directly with their physicians and build lasting relationships with doctors who know them.
“We became doctors to care for patients, not to run a business,” says Dr. Kabra, who trained in England and the United States and leads the practice’s office-based cardiac care. Dr. Rajamanickam, an interventional cardiologist trained under renowned Dr. Samin Sharma, shares the same philosophy.
Guided by evidence-based medicine, they tailor care to each patient’s unique history, physiology, lifestyle and goals. Both are respected, well-reviewed physicians and four-time Top Doctors.
Visit
3142 Vista Way, Suite 206, Oceanside, CA 92056 760-224-7776
