The new Women’s Impact Network was developed by a group of VCU women who want to bolster women’s impact on the university community. (Office of Development and Alumni Relations)

By Kit Tindall

Hosted through the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, WIN was initially envisioned by VCU alumnae in 2022. Its creation and shape were then developed by a wider group of VCU women who want to propel women’s impact on the university community.

“WIN emerged because VCU alumnae wanted a program to highlight and strengthen women’s engagement and philanthropy at VCU,” said Amy Gray Beck, Ph.D., executive director of affinity programs at DAR. “Both VCU alumni and student populations are majority-women. For these women, developing relationships with each other and giving together is important, which is why this group, led by volunteers, is so exciting.”

Beck noted that WIN is an acknowledgement of the influence women can create when they band together. The network was shaped by women who participated in focus groups and served on a steering committee that refined WIN’s vision, mission and goals through multiple meetings. The result led to an initiative that will serve all VCU women.

“There is a special kind of engagement you see from women who are passionate about their support of the VCU community,” said Sharon Darby, D.N.P., who earned undergraduate and master’s degrees at VCU and is inaugural chair of the WIN executive committee.

“WIN is a powerful community of women who are passionate about making a difference at VCU and the community,” Darby said. “Through our collective giving, we support initiatives that celebrate and connect VCU women in meaningful ways while strengthening their ties to the university. We are all about inspiring, empowering and advancing. We are igniting change together.”

WIN membership is open to anyone, and levels begin at a $1,000 annual commitment. (Recent graduates can access membership with a commitment of $500.) A portion of gifts made through WIN will support the Women’s Impact Network Fund, which supports WIN’s strategic priorities and programming. Members can also choose to direct up to 80% of their gift to the VCU fund(s) of their choice.

WIN’s programming aims for wide-ranging impact, regardless of financial support or membership. The goal is for the entire VCU community to benefit from high-quality and expert-led programming.

“I am proud that VCU is investing in this opportunity to deepen engagement and celebrate the remarkable generosity of women to VCU,” Beck said. “Over the past 18 months, a dedicated group of VCU women has worked to shape a unique and meaningful program with a focus on advancing women’s engagement, leadership and philanthropy. Their efforts have laid the foundation for WIN to make a lasting impact.”

For more information about the Women’s Impact Network, visit go.vcu.edu/WIN.