Archives

Past President Spotlight: Susan Schantz, 2011-2012

Susan Schantz was the fifth Member of WGA to serve as president, and she was at the helm of the organization from 2011–2012. From celebrating WGA’s 10th anniversary to updating its strategic plan, this was a rich time in WGA history. Read on to hear more about Susan’s reflections and to learn about her favorite “sweet” memory.

Past President Spotlight: Barbara Harrell, 2009-2010

The fourth president of WGA was Barbara Harrell, who served from 2009–2010. Despite taking the helm on the heels of the severe 2008 economic downturn, during Barbara’s tenure WGA continued to grow, Legacy Memberships were established, and WGA’s endowment, established at its inception, also grew. By the end of her term, the endowment had reached $1 million.

Past President Spotlight: Joan Van Vleck, 2007-2008

Joan Van Vleck, who passed away in 2021, was a Founding Member and the third President of WGA from 2007–2008, when the organization’s membership had just reached 200. At the beginning of Joan’s presidency, WGA initiated Neighborhood Connectors, which became a powerful tool to help Members build relationships and become more engaged through small-group gatherings.

Past President Spotlight: Sandy Cook, 2005-2006

As a WGA founding Member and the second president of the organization from 2005–2006, Sandy Cook was thrilled to find WGA when she and her husband moved to Ponte Vedra after retirement. She has particularly enjoyed broadening her reach and connecting with other similar organizations across the country.

Past President Spotlight: Courtenay Wilson, 2001–2004

As a WGA Founder and the first President of the organization from 2001–2004, Courtenay Wilson knows more about WGA and its history than nearly any other Member. Courtenay and four other women trustees of The Community Foundation — the late Ann Baker, the late Doris Carson, the late Helen Lane, and Delores Barr Weaver — became inspired by what communities around the country were accomplishing and began important conversations with Jacksonville-area women about philanthropy and community.

Volunteer Spotlight: Kristi Brandon & Jan Healy, Comms Co-Chairs

Last but not least, our final Volunteer Spotlight of the year features our two Communications Co-Chairs. Jan Healy is a Founding Member of WGA, and Kristi Brandon has been a Member for more than 12 years. Communications is an important task at WGA, and Kristi and Jan have done an amazing job over the last […]

Volunteer Spotlight: Jennifer Kowkabany, Governance Chair

Jennifer Kowkabany, Governance Chair, knows how to hold her own — having at one time been the only female Marine in a squadron of more than 200. Learn more about Jennifer’s vision for creating change through active service in this short Q&A.   How did you get involved with WGA? After attending a connector event […]

Human Trafficking in Northeast Florida: Disrupting Supply and Demand

Part of an ongoing series for WGA’s focus area: Addressing Violence Against Women and Girls

Florida ranks third in the nation for the number of human trafficking cases reported. According to the Polaris Project (2025), thousands of potential victims are identified across the state each year — from Miami to Jacksonville, and across rural and coastal counties. While exact numbers are difficult to determine (due to underreporting and secrecy), experts agree it is a significant and growing problem.

Apply for grants

Grant applications are now open for two opportunities for funding through the Women’s Giving Alliance.

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