Covid-19 Pandemic Accelerates Charitable Fund Grant Award

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (April 22, 2020) – Women’s professional association Professional Dimensions expedited a $50,000 grant from its Charitable Fund to the YWCA of Southeastern Wisconsin (SEW) to support its response to the local challenges of COVID-19. The organization made the decision to award these funds, knowing that the pandemic has devastated women and communities of color here and across the nation.

Professional Dimensions Charitable Fund Board Chair Janet Slater said, “We deliberately make this grant to address racial and gender inequity at a time when women of color face unprecedented challenges. YWCA Southeast Wisconsin has demonstrated its resiliency through innovation during the pandemic. Professional Dimensions members understand that our financial support will advance the cause of equity in Milwaukee now.”

In June 2019, Professional Dimensions selected YWCA SEW’s The Ripple Effect as its signature Charitable Fund project, pledging to raise $100,000 over two years. The Ripple Effect tackles economic disparities where racism and sexism intersect. The project leverages the networks and financial contributions of Professional Dimensions members for YWCA SEW’s economic empowerment programs and social justice advocacy work. 

The project takes on new relevance in the era of COVID-19. Social determinants of health, including racism, segregation, poverty and economic disadvantage, place women and people of color in Milwaukee at a much higher risk to contract, and perish from, the virus. As YWCA SEW strives to address this injustice through their services and large-scale systemic change, Professional Dimensions leaders felt it was critically important to act now.

Ginny Finn, President and CEO of YWCA of Southeastern Wisconsin said, “YWCA SEW has pivoted over the past month to maintain essential service continuity for our program participants and partners. We deeply appreciate the generosity and flexibility of Professional Dimensions to help us navigate this health emergency. Their confidence empowers us to continue to address community challenges, while striving toward the just and inclusive Milwaukee we envision.”