In celebration of WGA’s 25th anniversary, we’re launching a special series featuring conversations with our past presidents, reflecting on their leadership and the legacy they helped build.
Ellen Wiss was the eighth Member of WGA to serve as president, and she led the organization into its second targeted focus area, Breaking the Cycle of Female Poverty.
Read more about Ellen’s time as president below.
You were president from 2017–2018. Tell us what led to your presidency.
I had been volunteering on committees and loved everything about the organization: the sophistication and thoughtfulness of the grants process, the development of us all as philanthropists, the power of the collective, and especially the women involved. I was asked to serve as Education Co-Chair and from there, I was elected as President Elect, then President. It was a transformational and joyous time for me.
What happening or accomplishment was most memorable to you during your presidency?
Due to significant research that we had commissioned and shared with the public on the status of women, we had just shifted our focus to breaking the cycle of female poverty, a focus near and dear to my heart. We saw an opportunity to catalyze a multi-sector effort to join us — originally known as the #NoPovertyJax coalition, now LIFT JAX — to attract more awareness and support throughout the larger community. I had also contacted the UN, which had poverty as part of its Sustainable Development Goals and 2030 Agenda, to connect global efforts to what we were doing. This is an example of the synergy that can come from WGA support. The organization seeds efforts and lets them go, and they often can have transformational impacts. Another exciting time was hosting the National Women’s Collective Giving Grantmakers Network Conference (now called Philanos) in March of 2017 at One Ocean Resort in Atlantic Beach. Approximately, 250 women from across the country came for this multi-day event.
What are your favorite reflections from your time as president?
Not long after I became president, my daughter received a terrifying health diagnosis that diverted my attention temporarily until I knew she was out of the woods. I discussed stepping away with my leadership team, but my talented VPs and the leadership of The Community Foundation said, “We’ve got you” for as much or as little as you need if you decide to stay. And I did. There was not one blip in operations or impact. That’s the strength of this incredible organization and the talented and compassionate women involved. My husband and I chose this place to live for its beauty, but these women made it “home” for me.
What would you want to say to new or prospective Members about WGA?
The true beauty of this organization is that we are all focused on the impact of what we do. Every Member has an equal vote and voice, and everyone can feel an important part of it. The organization really sells itself. I have so much gratitude for the women, the community, and the good mother that is The Community Foundation. WGA is magical. We’re so much better together!