Community Building in the Washington, DC area!!

SFP Editor: How are you leveraging Internet technology to make an impact for WOMANIFESTING? Tracy Chiles McGhee: We have a vibrant online community on our website, Facebook, and Twitter. We have used these mediums to introduce ourselves, raise awareness, provide information, form partnerships, seek support, and to foster interaction within our community. The potential of Internet Technology is endless and we are always looking for ways to keep up with innovations. Please join us on our website, on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/womanifesting), and Twitter (http://twitter.com/Womanifesting)

SFP Editor: How did you come up with the idea to start WOMANIFESTING?

Tracy Chiles McGhee: In late December 2009, I was updating my Facebook status. After a successful day of writing, I typed in "Tracy is manifesting" and at the last second I decided to add "wo" to the front of the word and came up with a new word 'womanifesting'. The word resonated with my friends instantly and even more so after I defined it. Initially I thought the definition could be used to inspire women to appreciate their gifts more and to share those gifts in the form of volunteering to support other women. However, I decided I wanted to do something that would make a stronger impact so in February 2010, I incorporated WOMANIFESTING (WOMA for short) as a non-profit that would focus on supporting women and girls by providing them direct services.

My desire to make a difference for this beloved group of which I am a part, converged with ten years experience as a non-profit lawyer who advocated on behalf of those in poverty and persons with disabilities before being laid off last September. In a way, I was both prepared for and propelled into making this move and faith took care of the rest. We officially launched on March 8th in honor of International Women's Day and since then we have been on an incredible womanifesting trajectory.

SFP Editor: What are the goals of the organization?

Tracy Chiles McGhee: With the definition of womanifesting as our springboard, we are working to improve the quality of life of women and girls through providing comprehensive life skills training, information, and resources. In addition, WOMA hopes to be a premiere source for other organizations that serve the same population by promoting their events and supporting them with volunteers from the diverse WOMA community. Last but not least, we encourage others, women and men, to serve and give back in a way that suits their interests, passions, and lifestyle. WOMA finds ways to connect volunteers to the organizations and causes that need them.

SFP Editor: What do you view as key critical life issues women are facing today - local to DC or even globally?

Tracy Chiles McGhee: Women often struggle to recognize and optimize their brilliance and unfortunately end up falling prey to a myriad of societal ills that work in concert to stifle their light. Learning to ignore destructive internal and external messages and striking a balance between loving and celebrating oneself and taking care of others is a constant challenge. In addition, women must make serious gains in health, education, and economic justice and self-sufficiency to see a better quality of life. That is why we've chosen to focus our womanifesting actions not only on empowering and supporting women but providing them with essential tools and information in four distinct areas: health and wellness, career development, financial literacy, and cultural and civic engagement.

SFP Editor: What role do you play for WOMANIFESTING?

Tracy Chiles McGhee: As Executive Director, I manage the day-to-day operations of the non-profit. So far, I have successfully launched the organization by laying its foundation, finding funding sources, introducing WOMA to the community, initiating collaborative relationships, recruiting the Board of Directors and staff volunteers, cultivating our online community, and overall providing the necessary leadership, vision, and passion for us to grow. Even though I certainly wear a lot of hats, I cannot do this important work alone so thank goodness we have a talented and enthusiastic team working together to accomplish our ambitious goals.

SFP Editor: What type of opportunities are there to get involved and support your organization?

Tracy Chiles McGhee: WOMA is comprised entirely of volunteers that share their varied skills, experience, and passion to fulfill our non-profit mission. If you visit our website and look under the sections 'Volunteer' and 'Build', we list several ways to volunteer and spread the womanifesting movement. If you are a business or organization, we would love to collaborate and share resources for the benefit of women and girls. You may also check our calendar for upcoming events and contact us at woma@womanifesting.org to add your event if it is in the spirit of womanifesting. Finally, donations are most welcome in any amount.

SFP Editor: Can both women and men participate?

Tracy Chiles McGhee: Absolutely! So far 5% men comprise our Facebook community and we would like to grow that number. WOMA welcomes anyone who supports our mission and core values. If you are dedicated to serving, uplifting, and inspiring women and girls, let's get to work - no particular I. D. is required.

SFP Editor: What types of partnerships is your organization making in the DC community?

Tracy Chiles McGhee: Since we are a start-up organization, we have more human capital than monetary capital so we have focused on supporting the work of like-minded organizations through promoting their events and providing volunteer support. In just two months, we have worked with CAAB (Capital Area Asset Builders), Prevention Works, Hugs Across America, and See Forever Foundation to name a few. We are especially proud to have recently hosted a Mother’s Day Luncheon to benefit the clients of WEAVE (Women Empowered Against Violence). At this event, recent survivors of relationship and domestic violence received gifts from their children provided through the efforts of WOMA volunteers. WOMA will also provide career counseling to the clients at an upcoming workshop. Finally, on June 25, 2010, WOMA will host an awards benefit reception where we will recognize women who exemplify the definition of womanifesting in the community and raise funds for our programming and initiatives. Hopefully we will get a chance to expand our network through activities such as these.

SFP Editor: Do you have any heroes/heroines who have inspired you to impact women's lives with womanifesting?

Tracy Chiles McGhee: First of all, I have a deep reverence for women in general and whether I hear a story of joy or sorrow, I am touched and moved. There are countless women in history and present times, from those in my immediate circle to those I have never met that inspire me almost daily and I am grateful for them all. Nevertheless, I will give a shout out to a few that exemplify womanifesting -- Sojourner Truth, Harriett Tubman, Rosa Parks, Zora Neale Hurston, Dorothy Height, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Princess Diana of Wales, Josephine Baker, Marian Wright Edelman, Nikki Giovanni, Oprah Winfrey, Isabel Allende, Michelle Obama, Malaak Compton-Rock, my grandmothers Lydia Johnson (RIP) and Louse Chiles, and the list goes on and on. I am in total awe of the legacy of strong action-minded women whose endless fruits are for our feasting but with that feasting comes the responsibility to sow more seeds. WOMANIFESTING is one way in which we hope to do just that.