The Community Foundation of Howard County (CFHC) was proud to join the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County (WGC) at last night’s Leadership & Legacy Happy Hour, where CFHC staff were all present to celebrate the Circle’s ongoing impact and upcoming leadership transition. “The WGC is one of our most dynamic and community-driven funds, and we are grateful for its long-standing partnership with the Foundation,” said CFHC President & CEO Melissa Curtin. “We are excited to support this next chapter as the Circle continues to strengthen philanthropy for women and girls in Howard County.”
Honoring Leadership and a Year of Strengthening the Circle
The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County (WGC) celebrated its commitment to collective leadership and community impact during its Leadership & Legacy Happy Hour on Wednesday evening at the Kahlert Foundation Complex at Howard Community College. The event brought together donors, partners, Advisory Board members, elected officials, and candidates to honor WGC’s leadership history and to look ahead to the next chapter.
Outgoing WGC Chair Jennifer Woods was recognized for her years of dedicated service and steady leadership. “This year has been about deepening our alignment, strengthening our Advisory Board, and preparing the WGC for the future,” Woods said.
“I’m proud of the clarity, stability, and shared commitment we’ve built together.” Jennifer has led the WGC with focus and a deep commitment to building strong relationships across the Advisory Board and committees, ensuring the organization is poised for long-term success.
Incoming Chair Candace Dodson-Reed was introduced as the next leader to guide the WGC. Dodson-Reed brings more than 25 years of cross-sector leadership experience across government, corporate, nonprofit, and higher education sectors. She is a strategic thinker known for driving effective outcomes, fostering inclusive leadership, shaping organizational strategy, and building strong community partnerships.
“I am honored to step into this role,” Dodson-Reed said. “The Women’s Giving Circle is powered by collaborative leadership and a shared commitment to community. Together, we are well positioned for this next chapter.”
The WGC also announced that Kashonna Marrow will assume the role of Vice Chair. Marrow is an inspiring speaker, leadership coach, author, and corporate trainer whose work centers on personal and professional transformation. She brings a dynamic perspective to organizational leadership and a strong commitment to elevating women and girls in the community.
A Strong Partnership with the Community Foundation
New CFHC President & CEO Melissa Curtin highlighted the deep and ongoing partnership between the WGC and the Foundation. As a fund of the Community Foundation, the WGC is a central part of CFHC’s philanthropic work.
“The Women’s Giving Circle is our most active fund, and we are so proud of all that has been accomplished and the impact it has made over the years,” Curtin said. “Our partnership is rooted in shared values and a shared commitment to strengthening philanthropy in Howard County. We look forward to continuing this collaboration as the WGC enters its next phase of leadership.”
Leadership Transition Strengthens Both Organizations
The WGC announced that Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz will retire at the end of 2025 from her role as Executive Director. She will transition into a newly created shared role as Senior Advisor for Philanthropy & Communications for both CFHC and the WGC, supporting strategic communications, philanthropic storytelling, and coordinated initiatives across the county’s philanthropic ecosystem.
“I am deeply proud of this circle and the women who lead it,” Beaudoin-Schwartz said. “This new role allows me to continue supporting both organizations with a shared approach to communication, collective giving, and community impact.”
Ensuring a Strong Foundation for the Future
Governance Committee Co-Chairs Jessica Moreno and Lynne Schaefer, who led the transition work throughout the year, emphasized the importance of thoughtful planning and collaborative leadership.
“Our focus this year was ensuring a smooth, transparent, and well-supported transition,” Moreno and Schaefer shared. “We worked closely with the Advisory Board to strengthen roles, align responsibilities, and position the WGC for long-term success. It has been an honor to help guide this process and support the leadership that will carry the WGC into its next chapter.”
Collective Leadership: 2026 WGC Advisory Board
2026 Executive Committee:
- Candace Dodson-Reed, Chair
- Kashonna Marrow, Vice Chair
- Lee Draminski, Secretary
- Lynne Schaefer, Treasurer & Operations Committee Co-Chair
- Laura Bacon, Grants Committee Co-Chair
- Cheryl Gray, Donor Engagement Committee Co-Chair
- Jade McClary, Donor Engagement Committee Co-Chair
- Jessica Moreno, Operations Committee Co-Chair
- Paula Seabright, Grants Committee Co-Chair
- Jennifer Woods, Immediate Past Chair
2026 Advisory Board Members: Alison Canning, Maxine Clark, Shaundra Turner Jones, Mary Jordan, Kim Lightfoot, Yolanda F. Sonnier, Robin Stimson, Nette’ Stokes, Barb Van Winkle, and CFHC President & CEO Melissa Curtin.
Celebrating Legacy and Recognizing Leadership
The WGC also announced the creation of the Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz Women’s Philanthropy Award, an annual award recognizing women leaders who advance the lives of women and girls in Howard County. The award includes a $5,000 grant directed to a local nonprofit selected by the honoree.
Looking Ahead
The WGC previewed its 2026 Annual Celebration & Pink Party, themed “The Power of WE: Courageous Philanthropy for Complex Times,” scheduled for March 4, 2026, at the Kahlert Foundation Complex with keynote speaker Hali Lee. Tickets and Sponsorships are now available.
As the Women’s Giving Circle enters this new era of leadership, the Community Foundation of Howard County remains committed to supporting the Circle’s vision, expanding its impact, and strengthening the philanthropic ecosystem we share. CFHC looks forward to deepening this partnership in the years ahead, as together we continue to invest in the well-being, leadership, and opportunity of women and girls across Howard County.