By Melissa Curtin, CFHC President & CEO
It was an honor to participate in the Association of Fundraising Professionals Maryland Chapter’s EmpowerHER 2026 last week alongside an inspiring group of women leaders. I was proud to join fellow panelists Jana Sharp (Sharp Insight, LLC), Elise Krikau (Maryland Food Bank), and Chelsea Brown (The Black Mill), with thoughtful moderation by Cate Paris (Accelerent – Baltimore). Together, we brought a range of perspectives to a conversation rooted in leadership, impact, and the future of our sector.
The conversation highlighted the power of women leading in philanthropy and the importance of creating space for new ideas, collaboration, and bold thinking as we navigate an evolving social sector. What stood out most to me was the shared commitment to advancing impact – both within our organizations and across our communities. From innovative approaches to fundraising to deeper conversations about equity and access, the panel reflected the many ways leaders are working to strengthen the philanthropic landscape. It was energizing to connect with peers who are equally focused on how we can better serve our communities and expand the reach of our work.
Conversations like these also underscore why it is so important to show up, to be visible, and to actively participate in broader dialogues shaping our field. When we represent our communities in these spaces, we bring forward local perspectives, elevate the work happening on the ground, and ensure that our communities are part of shaping larger conversations about philanthropy and impact. Being at the table matters – and being present in these moments helps strengthen both our organizations and the communities we serve.
At the Community Foundation of Howard County, we see this every day – when donors, nonprofits, and community leaders come together, we can make meaningful progress on the issues that matter most. I was proud to represent Howard County in this conversation and to share how collective philanthropy can help drive lasting, local impact.
As I shared during the panel, “When we bring more voices to the table – especially women’s voices – we strengthen not only our organizations, but the communities we serve.”
During this season of reflection and recognition, and as Women’s History Month comes to an end, conversations like these are especially meaningful – reminding us of the leadership, vision, and collective power of women to shape a stronger future for our communities. www.cfhoco.org