Women open their wallets more than men when it comes to charitable giving, according to the third study in a series conducted by the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at the University of Oklahoma. In some demographics, women gave twice as much as men at the same income level. The most recent report compared the charitable giving of “Baby Boomers” and older American men and women.
“Women’s economic power has been steadily increasing,” said Cassie Gilman, executive director of the Women’s Philanthropy Network. “They are now leveraging that power to make changes in the nonprofit sector.”
The Women’s Philanthropy Network will hold a one-day symposium Wednesday, April 10, on the OU Norman campus to explore this trend and educate women about their role in philanthropy, Gilman said. The symposium is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Molly Shi Boren Ballroom of Oklahoma Memorial Union, 900 Asp Ave.
Sharen Jester Turney, an Ardmore native who is president and CEO of Victoria’s Secret, will deliver the luncheon address at the symposium, which also will feature panel discussions on how women business leaders can tie business strategies to philanthropic efforts and gain career skills through volunteerism.
Turney, an OU alumna and donor, is the recipient of the 2009 Hug Award, an industry honor given to individuals in the fashion industry “with a heart.” In 2005, she received the Dr. Catherine White Achievement Award from HeartShare Human Services, which promotes self-sufficiency for more than 16,000 children, adults and families throughout New York. That same year, Turney also was inducted into the Hall of Fame Business of Education at OU.
“Often, women have a cause they want to support, but aren’t confident in their philanthropic giving,” said Gilman. “Women like Ms. Turney and our other accomplished panelists can provide women attending the symposium with ideas and information to take steps to make meaningful changes.”
Other symposium speakers include:
- • Danielle Keogh, owner of Liberté women’s boutique
- • Melissa Scaramucci, owner of Local, a Norman restaurant
- • Morgan Harris, owner of Green Bambino
- • Julia Chew, Norman insurance agent and president of Sooner Stilettos, a support group for the OU women’s basketball team
- • Beverly Woodrome, director of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence David and Molly Boren Mentoring Initiative
Tickets are $25 and include a fashion show and lunch. OU student tickets are complimentary with a completed registration form and valid student ID. Other student groups may contact Cassie Gilman at (405) 325-5676 for discounted ticket information. To register, visit www.ou.edu/women by April 5.
