Category: Gender Justice

If you ever wonder who you are in this moment, consider these words from Smith College Associate Professor and MacArthur Fellow Loretta J. Ross: 

“I used to regret not being old enough to sit-in at lunch counters or march in the 60s for freedom, justice, and democratic values. This is our lunch counter moment. Are you standing up or sitting-in for justice or spitting on those who do?”

Professor Ross is one of the activists who coined the term “women of color” in 1977 and co-developed the theory of Reproductive Justice. She moderated a panel celebrating 40 years of Women’s Funding Network at Feminist Funded 2025.

“What I wish I had known as an activist or a donor.”

  1. Bold ideas come from civil society. 
  2. Data only matters when it moves. People need to know information exists and what it means. 
  3. Our language must invite people (outside of philanthropy, academia, policy) into the conversation. 

Jessica Stern is Co-Founder and Principal, The Alliance for Diplomacy and Justice. Stern spoke at Women’s Funding Network’s, Feminist Funded 2025, the largest gathering of global leaders in feminist philanthropy.