Building the Foundation of the Circle of Sisterhood Started with Those Who Believed They Could Evoke Change
As we’ve spent the last three weeks looking back at the last ten years of the Circle of Sisterhood, three key points continue to rise to the top about CofS: 1) the passion of founder Ginny Carroll is strong, 2) it draws people in to become an advocate for girls and women and 3) the sorority members have a special power of influence. That last one resonates when thinking about all of the early adopters who put in the time to build something around this educational mission. This circle of influence began gaining even more traction after Ginny founded CofS when she started assembling the founding board members. She set out to find the best combination of women with diverse experience and knowledge about charitable work and fundraising who would guide CofS to continue making strides each year.
One of those founding board members was Tamara Morse, who was volunteering as the President of the Purdue Alumni Association when Ginny approached her about being part of the board in 2010. Tamara recalls that her friend, Nicki Reas (now Meneley and serving as a current Trustee), told her that Ginny’s idea about educating girls and women “could change the world”. However, before agreeing to come on board, Tamara shared some of her thoughts about creating a successful board and organization in hopes that these things would come together to implement Ginny’s vision.
Much to Tamara’s surprise, less several months later, Ginny reached back out letting Tamara know that she had taken her advice and put in the time and energy to lay the groundwork necessary to build the most effective board for CofS. Because of Ginny’s “enthusiasm and commitment to [the] concept”, Tamara couldn’t turn down the opportunity to make a difference, so she agreed to join the board as Treasurer and served a three-year term. She is proud of the work that all of the founding board members put in because they were part of building something together rather than joining an established board where people are typically just implementing what other people laid out before them.
“You have to identify your mission and constantly be working towards the goal even without direct past experience,” Tamara said. “Challenges lie ahead still, but I’m confident the Circle will continue to make a difference in the lives of those who are touched by the generosity of those who care.”
Tamara is also proud of the people who have volunteered their time, as well as shown their generosity by making donations to the foundation over the last ten years.
“They have helped guide this mission,” Tamara said. “And along the way, they have changed the world through education.”
Tamara is a true philanthropist and has devotedly supported the causes and organizations she cares about and expects much of them in return. She is one of those generous people who is making the world a better place and CofS is extremely grateful for her leadership during her time on the board and her continued support as a dedicated donor since the very beginning. We hope you will join Tamara, the board of trustees, staff, volunteers, and donors in donating on CofS’ Day of Giving September 30th. You can donate here. We also invite our entire Circle to be part of the 10th Anniversary virtual celebration featuring best-selling author Sheryl WuDunn, by clicking here to receive the official invite to this Zoom event on September 30th at 7pm ET.
As CofS shares more stories like Tamara’s leading up to its Day of Giving, be sure to join the conversation by telling us why you are looking forward to being part of this virtual celebration. Be sure to tag CofS on Facebook, Instagram and/or Twitter, as well as use #BeHerHero to come together as we work to open doors to opportunity through education.