Our partnership with the Jolley Foundation has been transformative for WREN’s long-term goals. Their consistent support has allowed us to think bigger and plan for the future with confidence. Grant funds from the Jolley Foundation enabled us to hire an executive search firm to conduct an exhaustive national search for a leader who would ensure our organization continues to evolve and thrive. This funding was critical in our leadership transition, allowing us to bring on Dr. Amalia Luxardo (she/her/ella) as WREN’s new CEO in January 2024 and invest in leadership development for our senior staff.

Thanks to their funding, we’ve also been able to invest in research, technology, and operations, exponentially increasing our capacity to advocate for women and girls in the Upstate and throughout South Carolina. During the 2023-2024 legislative session, this enhanced capacity helped us pass several policy priorities into law, including paid parental leave for educators, the removal of sales tax on menstrual products, and the creation of a data reporting process for new family leave insurance programs. We integrated a relational organizing strategy, combining grassroots lobbying with large-scale mobilizations to support WREN’s proactive legislative agenda.

Through initiatives like our bi-weekly “Meet Me at the Statehouse” events — which provided hands-on advocacy training to numerous community advocates and facilitated successful in-person connections with lawmakers — the ripple effects of the Jolley Foundation’s support are felt throughout our communities. Their partnership empowers us to continue building a more equitable South Carolina for all women and girls.