This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #ChooseToChallenge. We live in an undeniably challenging world, especially during COVID. Many of our female role models and leaders have shown resilience in continuing to make an impact despite these unprecedented times.  

Pictured: The #ChooseToChallenge pose is a hand held high to show commitment to choose to challenge inequality, call out bias, question stereotypes, and help forge an inclusive world.

At rTraction, we are proud to be able to continuously support organizations who choose to challenge inequality and work to change the world. Here are a few of the female owned and/or led organizations that we have had the opportunity to work with, and how they #ChooseToChallenge and impact communities: 

Pillar NonProfit Network

Nicole Spriet, Board Chair of Pillar Nonprofit Network, has helped Pillar chart a path for change for individuals by creating a network where people can find volunteer opportunities, events, and employment. Pillar also provides support to more than 610 nonprofits and social enterprises, assisting social innovators in making a positive and strong community impact. In light of the inequities amplified during COVID, Pillar has taken a stance in their 2021-2023 strategic plan to choose to challenge; moving forward as an organization to recognize and fight inequality, confront systems of oppression, and prioritize transformational changes that improve outcomes for all equity-seeking groups. Learn more about Pillar NonProfit and their efforts on their website.

Growth & Co.

Growth & Co. is led by Principal Larissa Stodart, an organization that provides expert guidance to charities who need assistance raising funds to fulfill their missions and help change the world. Her company nurtures and provides strategic counsel to businesses and communities through education, training, audits, case for support materials, and other services that lend to fundraising success. Larissa’s leadership journey is inspiring; translating her personal story into the core values that push for change and philanthropy. Visit the Growth & Co. website to read more.

Humana 

Humana is a recently unified agency with a combined 100+ years of history developing and delivering support solutions that are right for people with specialized needs. Equipped with an all-female leadership team led by CEO Kathryn Eggert, Humana’s mission is to build a vibrant community which continuously supports the lifetime growth of individuals and their families. The organization provides programs and services that are safe and educational; assisting those that are at-risk find crisis support, personalized mental health assistance, transition to independent living, and opportunities to grow and thrive. Read about Humana and their mission here.

Las Chicas Del Cafe 

Las Chicas del Cafe is a direct trade micro-roastery run by sisters Maria Fiallos and Valeria Fiallos-Soliman out of St. Thomas. Their love for coffee is reflected in their methods, honouring the traditions of their grandfather and the coffee farmers of  Las Sabanas, Nicaragua. Their coffee is produced and processed in small batches to ensure the highest quality; from the time coffee cherries are picked to when the freshly roasted beans are packaged, each step mindful of ecological impact. Their small family business prioritizes the need for fair market prices, challenging unfair production practices and advocating for fair wages and equality. Check out the Las Chicas Del Cafe website to read their story and view their coffee collection.

Want to read the 2020 International Women’s Day blog post? Find it here.

We have a collection of impact stories on our website, many of which are organizations that strive to do good and support communities. Visit our Case Study page to read more.