Joni Poitier, Grants Leadership Team Co-Chair, is guided in her WGA work by Maya Angelou who said, “When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” Learn more below about Joni (who adores her SIX godchildren) and how she became involved with WGA, as well as what she hopes to accomplish as GLT Chair.
How did you get involved with WGA? What made you step up as a leader?
I learned about the Women’s Giving Alliance through one of my Leadership Jacksonville, Class of 2016 (“The Best Class”) classmates, Emily Horner. Emily told me about the amazing work that WGA does for the North Florida community and encouraged me to join. I researched WGA and was fortunate to be selected as a Delores Barr Weaver Fellow. Collective giving has an important effect not only on the receiver but the giver, as well. As Maya Angelou said, “when we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” The work that WGA does is so impactful that I wanted to do everything I could to help the organization continue this integral work.
What do you hope to accomplish regarding grants this year?
The grants committee hopes to help steer the organization in its selection of grantees that will help address violence against women and girls. Violence is so pervasive, and there is much work being done in the field to address violence against women and girls. We know that through WGA funding, we can have an impact on the issues.
Fun facts about you that others may not know?
One of my favorite hobbies is flower arranging. I also have six godchildren, and I love spending time with all of them!