Women ACT
Women ACT is a new initiative aimed at expanding engagement, creating greater leadership opportunities and bringing women together.
Focus groups and conversations over the past several months helped us learn from alums, families and friends that there is great enthusiasm for exploring, promoting and enhancing the collective impact of Davidson women and those who identify as women.
"ACT" stands for Aspire, Create, Transform. We aspire to make a difference for Davidson as we create new opportunities and pathways to transform student experiences and the way graduates lead and serve in the world.
The 50+ Years of Coeducation celebration, held on campus Nov. 3-5, 2023, has provided the perfect timeline for launching an effort that will allow women to make a lasting difference for Davidson, together.
Women ACT has the power to transform Davidson for years to come. I am excited and honored to be an accelerator of the Wildcat Women Fund, helping to move forward Davidson’s strategic priorities for the good of current and future Davidson students.
How can I get involved?
There are two paths to join, lead and transform through Women ACT:
All donors to the Women ACT initiative—ACTivators and donors to the Wildcat Women Fund— will receive communications throughout the year and an impact report at the end of the year. Additionally, there will be opportunities for Women ACT donors to get to know each other, building on existing events and gatherings.
While the Women ACT initiative is designed to engage women, anyone can get involved by becoming an ACTivator or by making an annual gift to the Wildcat Women Fund. Funds raised through this initiative are not limited in their application to women.
Martha Frye Baker ’81, a Women ACT ACTivator and supporter of the Wildcat Women Fund, believes in women-led philanthropy as it is inclusive and collaborative. Learn more.
In its 13 years, Davidson College’s Sustainability Scholars Summer Internship Program has connected students passionate about people and planet with community partners in the Charlotte area. Learn more about its next chapter thanks to Elizabeth Lusk ’85.
Sara Tatum Pottenger ’79, a Women ACT ACTivator, believes in the power of women when they come together with a shared passion and purpose.
Maia Harrell ’20 followed a strong line of women to Davidson. She is pleased about the opportunity to give through the Wildcat Women Fund and make a difference for those following in her Davidson footsteps.
This year, Morgan Bell Kee ’12 and Harvey Kee ’11 added the Wildcat Women Fund to their list of philanthropic priorities at alma mater. Read more to find out why these community-involved professionals and parents of two are supporting this new Fund.
Sallie Permar ’97, a Women ACT ACTivator, is a physician who specializes in the treatment and prevention of neonatal viral infections. Learn more about her service to the Davidson College Alumni Healthcare Professionals Group and her role as a job
Just as coeducation was a transformative event at Davidson, Women ACT will build a community of philanthropy that has the potential to transform Davidson for the future
What’s the latest?
Leadership contributions to the Women ACT initiative exceed $25 million as of November 2024, with donors representing women alums, family members, former faculty and staff members and current and former Trustees.
The Wildcat Women Fund, as a new Fund for Davidson designation, has commitments exceeding $1.1 million. We are excited about the collective impact of the Wildcat Women Fund on Student Health and Well-Being!
Do you have questions or want to learn more? Reach out to Marya Howell '91 at mahowell@davidson.edu or 704-894-2761.
Women ACT Advisory Committee
- Beth McCaw ’92 (co-chair)
- Mary Margaret Cochrane Porter ’98 (co-chair)
- Olivia Ware ’78 (co-chair)
- Martha Frye Baker ’81
- Ann Hayes Browning ’79
- Angelina Darrisaw ’09
- Sarah Duncan ’15
- Yvette Pita Frampton ’95
- Allison Sargent Franco P’20
- Meredith Lorenz Heimburger ’05
- Kim Taylor Hirschfeld ’01
- Ameesha Pandya Kansupada ’89
- Alison Hall Mauzé ’84
- Cintra Pollack ’99
- Whitney A. White ’08
- Janet Stovall ’85
The Davidson Women ACT initiative comes at the perfect time as we celebrate 50 years of coeducation at Davidson College. The hope is that this effort will make more visible and dynamic what is already true at Davidson—women lead with intelligence, heart and a commitment to make an impact at Davidson and beyond.