We can't believe that it
was just ten short years ago when a group of like minded and committed
women came together to create what is now the hottest Women's Week
in the country.
At Aqua Girl there is something for everyone, from dance parties,
to comedy shows, to live music, to pool parties, to dive-in movies,
a jazz brunch, dine-out event, vip reception, an art show to celebrity
meet and greets and so much more. Having so much fun, never did so
much good.
As the largest charity women's week in the country, your participation
in Aqua Girl contributes to a very good cause. In fact, 100% of the
proceeds from Aqua Girl weekend benefit the Aqua Foundation for Women,
a not-for-profit-foundation whose primary mission is to promote the
equality, strength, health, and visibility of gay, lesbian, bisexual
and transgender women.
Monies raised during the Foundation's signature week Aqua Girl™ Week,
as well as through individual and corporate donations go directly
to educate, empower and foster the women's communities.
Over the past five years the AFW has giving out over $260,000 in
grants and scholarships to empower and foster our community.
How we educate, empower and foster the LBT Women’s Community
Identifying Our Community Needs
Each year, the Foundation indentifies one annual community initiative. One of the Foundation’s main focuses is improving lesbian health and access to care through its Lesbian Health Outreach, Awareness and Sensitivity Initiative.
Offering Annual Grant Programs
In addition to our annual community initiative, the Foundation offers grant opportunities to community-based organizations and project sponsors that address identified needs and interests.
New Scholarship and Mentoring Program
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AFW Board members
Veronica Olivera and
Laura Steckler with 2007 Scholarship
Recipients. |
Building tomorrows leaders today is a key role of this, first
of its kind, South Florida scholarship. The AFW will provide scholarships
to benefit high school, college or graduate students who are active
in South Florida’s lesbian, bi-sexual & transgender community.
We will also join local business leaders with our scholarship recipients to mentor them in their career and community goals. This year the Aqua Foundation for Women had a variety of wonderful applicants for our AFW Family of Scholarships Program.
The scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $3,000 and are given to encourage
present and future leadership for the benefit of LBT communities. Each scholarship recipient is paired with a mentor for guidance and support as part of our new AFW Mentoring Program.
In addition to the Suzanne Gallagher Scholarship which began awarding in the 2007 cycle, the AFW has also been blessed by the generous establishment this year of the Anita Priest Memorial Scholarship. We deeply thank all those who have contributed to this promising endeavor.
Providing Community Service
The Foundation identifies opportunities for women to contribute to the community at large through organized group volunteer activities with community based agencies and programs. The Foundation creates a presence, responds to a need and participates positively toward the community s growth.
Fostering Philanthropy in the Women’s Community
The Foundation exists in large part due to various fundraising activities.
By establishing a strong donor base, holding its annual signature
fundraising event week, Aqua Girl™, and by organizing other
alternative social and cultural gatherings such as theatre nights,
dinearounds, golf and sporting events, and brunches, the Foundation
not only grows, but becomes an integral part of the women s community.
Building Strategic Alliances
The Foundation recognizes the benefits of alliances and symbiotic
relationships. By educating established women s foundations, mainstream
foundations and service organizations on LBT women’s needs, the Foundation
capitalizes on opportunities to leverage additional support for the
Foundation s initiatives, and introduces mainstream funders to our GLBT
organizations and project sponsors.
Aqua Foundation Program Director
Vivian Lamadrid
Vivian@aquafoundation.org
Aqua Girl Event Consultant
Yesenia Leon
Yesi@aquafoundation.org
2009 Host Committee
Alison Burgos, Founder
Jennifer Blunier
Lynn Bové
Meril Camel
Rosey Cadet
Jennifer Maria Cordoba
Sigrid De Guzman
Maria Dominquez
Kristie Escoto
Jennifer Kritz
Maria Pino
Ingrid Quallo
Natasha Shore
Martha Sternberg
Soroya Swigen
LisetteVazquez
Vivian Villagra
Nicole Waters
Sommer Winn
Elise Withers
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