Honoring the Impact of Women in the Queen City
By: Aimee Greeter
You do not have to look far to see the impact that women have on our community here in Charlotte. As we celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month both in March, we want to highlight several of these women who are also Women’s Impact Fund members. See below for their thoughts on what they do and why their work matters!
Savannah Keith Gress
Describe the work you do that positively impacts the Charlotte community. I work with my collaborators at Liberation Collective to support schools, nonprofits, and churches across the US addressing the roots of oppression and creating freer paths forward. We do that by building the capacity of educators, parents, and community members to diagnose the specific drivers of oppression as a deep starting point for creating responses that target its roots. This is important because we often find communities applying remedies without first specifically understanding what we must solve for, leaving them stuck in a loop of trying but never making progress. It is also deeply human, relational work. We support communities in restoring authentic relationships as they build the collective skill and will to make concrete change. We believe students’ identities don’t have to be the biggest predictor of their access to educational opportunity, that parents can raise the next generation without absorbing the oppressive ideas that we did, and that communities can face and redress the injustice in our systems. We get to work with people choosing to bring that world into reality.
Considering the above, what about that work are you most proud? Often when we start working with a group, they relate to one another in ways that stymy justice. They might be stuck in unproductive conflict, committed to superficial niceness over courageous discomfort, or jaded after having “tried everything”. The work often feels slow and hard due to resistance. But I feel a surge of pride and gratitude when we break through that. Usually, someone takes an emotional risk and others respond with care and courage. Once a group experiences even a small taste of the freedom that comes from walking away from oppressive ways of being in a relationship, we access a whole new source of energy for bigger change, which excites and energizes me.
In your opinion, why is the work women do at all levels and in all capacities across this city worth honoring? So many women I know have both a deep love and care for others and also a deep knowing about what needs to change for all people to be materially cared for and loved. On International Women’s Day, I hosted an event with Monique Douglas and Dequonna Wise that was just bursting with women’s love! We honored women who use traditional Indian dance to build cultural understanding, create career opportunities for people with disabilities, and support women business owners with a special heart for Latina entrepreneurs, to name just a few. Everywhere I look, I see women bringing the fullness of our many identities to lifting each other and our communities up. What could be more powerful to honor?
Michele Juliana
Describe yourself in three words. Curious. Calm. Caring.
Describe the work you do that positively impacts the Charlotte community. As I have returned to my hometown of Charlotte, I’ve looked for ways to better engage my company (RSM) in the local community. We’ve increased our board participation, volunteering, and financial contributions to take advantage of the many skills and passions our employees have. Our team includes accountants, technology consultants, and risk management consultants looking to use their experiences to help solve Charlotte’s most complex issues. Professionally, my team works with nonprofits to help them improve their technology and operations so they can better achieve their missions.
Considering the above, what about that work are you most proud? I’m proud that our donations and volunteer time have increased significantly in the past 3 years as we have taken the time to better understand the issues facing this city, and how each of us can personally contribute.
In your opinion, why is the work women do at all levels and in all capacities across this city worth honoring? Charlotte is a city of women leaders – women who are dedicated and compassionate high achievers. When the women of Charlotte put their minds together to solve challenges, things happen! When women come together from neighborhoods across the city, they learn from each other and collaboratively develop the best solutions with the most resources. We have much to be proud of and much more work to do!
Shakieta Maloye
Describe yourself in three words. Loving. Passionate. Redeemed.
Describe the work you do that positively impacts the Charlotte community. As the founder and CEO of Another Chance: House of Refuge, I meet individuals where they are without judgment, but with much understanding; to assist them to move beyond fear and embrace the life that they all dream and desire to have. I do this by providing affordable housing with wrap-around case management and supportive services, which assist them in reaching self-sufficiency and sustainability.
Considering the above, what about that work are you most proud? I love my neighbor as My Creator loves me. I am proud of the lives that I get to impact and assist with changing, whether that is providing housing, sharing wisdom, or simply sharing a laugh. I am most proud of the growth I get to experience through each person I encounter.
In your opinion, why is the work women do at all levels and in all capacities across this city worth honoring? As women, we understand our role in the ecosystem of life. We are natural nurturers and natural problem solvers. We understand the lens and landscape of this city which allows us to provide equality and fairness, with many diverse perspectives, while making economic contributions that can assist and sustain us all. The most important factor as women, we are natural role models to many. We are mothers, before becoming actual mothers. We are breaking barriers and stereotypes and making progress while doing it. We as women respect human rights and dignity which allows us to empower wherever we go and in whatever room we stand in. Women in this city stand in Excellence and Honor.
Stephanie Stenglein
Introduce yourself and describe yourself in three words. I am Stephanie Stenglein and my three words would be … Motivated. Compassionate. Direct.
Describe the work you do that positively impacts the Charlotte community. My entire career has been in the nonprofit sector. I have been at Arts+ for the past 12 years, so I am committed to ensuring that youth, families, and adults have access to a high-quality arts education and all the benefits that go along with it. Outside of work, I’m very dedicated to my neighborhood and have been President of the Historic Camp Greene Neighborhood Association for many years. I advocate for my community, planning events like our successful National Night Out or clean-ups. Additionally, I believe it is necessary to be involved in politics and get to know your local representation so you can have your voice heard.
Considering the above, what about that work are you most proud? This is tough—I’m very proud of my career and how much impact I have had at Arts+ over my 12+ year tenure, but I’m also very proud of what I have been able to accomplish in my neighborhood. I didn’t just buy a house in 2017, I joined a community. Great things have been happening in Camp Greene.
In your opinion, why is the work women do at all levels and in all capacities across this city worth honoring? Women are worth celebrating every day. Women do it all and then some, and then some extra! They are providers, doers, caretakers, nurturers, and so much more.
