African American Women's Giving & Empowerment Circle

03/04/2026

When women come together with purpose, the impact extends far beyond the room.

Members of the African American Women’s Giving and Empowerment Circle recently gathered for an inspiring evening at the Tempe Center for the Arts to experience the vibrant performance of Ain’t Misbehavin’.

The evening was also an opportunity to celebrate and support Kay Oliver, a dedicated board member of the Arizona Theatre Company and a proud member of our Circle.

At AAWGEC, philanthropy is about more than giving. It is about showing up, uplifting culture, supporting the arts, and investing in leaders who strengthen our community.

Together, we continue to celebrate the power of Black women’s philanthropy and the collective impact we can make. ✨

12/15/2025

What a beautiful way to close out the year!
Our African American Women’s Giving & Empowerment Circle gathered for our annual holiday soirée to celebrate the season and an incredible year of collective giving. We awarded over $42,000 in grants to the following 9 nonprofits:

• Black and Brown Girl Wellness, Inc.
• Black Birth Equity NOW
• Harriet’s House
• Lights Camera Discover
• Positively Powerful Development Corp.
• Social Roots
• The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Arizona West Valley Alumnae Chapter
• The Desert Pearls Foundation
• The Micaiah E Thomas Foundation

The evening was filled with good food, deep laughter, joyful singing, and even a little painting—reminding us that community, creativity, and generosity are at the heart of everything we do.

Heartfelt thanks to our amazing Chair, Lisa Cagnolatti-Daniels, for graciously hosting such a fun and meaningful night. Together, we continue to uplift, empower, and make a lasting impact—proving once again that when we give collectively, we go further.

Cheers to sisterhood, service, and all that’s ahead in the new year.

08/03/2025

08/03/2025

A heartfelt thank you to our Chair, Lisa Cagnolatti, for hosting a beautiful African American Women’s Giving and Empowerment Circle Summer Soirée and New Member Orientation!

It was an inspiring evening filled with laughter, love, and purpose as we reconnected, uplifted one another, and welcomed the newest voices into our circle of collective giving.

Please join us in celebrating and warmly welcoming our newest members:
Briona May
Chris Clerkley
Myriah Moon
Linda Fulmore
Anita Works
Andrea Breaux
Michelle Marshall

Together, we are building a legacy of generosity, empowerment and impact.

08/03/2025

The State of Black Arizona officially invites you to apply for the 2025 African American Leadership Institute! AALI is a transformational leadership experience for Black professionals ready to grow, connect, and lead with purpose. This fall, we’re excited to host two cohorts — one in Phoenix and one in Southern Arizona. Learn more and apply here: https://stateofblackarizona.org/aali

04/13/2025

The ladies of AAWGEC showed up to support the Maricopa County Branch of the NAACP Awards Dinner. Congratulations to the honorees!

04/10/2025

Get ready for a rootin'-tootin’ celebration of Black excellence, entrepreneurship, and sisterhood at the 2025 Boss Baby Youth Empowerment & Financial Literacy Showcase, hosted by the Pretty Precise Step Team and The American Legion in South Phoenix on Saturday, April 19.

This year’s theme, Black Rodeo, brings Western flair with rodeo-themed décor, performances, and activities that honor the rich history and contributions of Black cowboys and cowgirls.

Click here for more details: https://www.phxsoul.com/saddle-up-for-the-2025-boss-baby-youth-empowerment-financial-literacy-showcase-rodeo-style-in-phoenix-on-april-19/

03/19/2025

On March 13th, AAWGEC held its Spring Grants Awards Reception celebrating $50,000 in total grant awards to seven organizations serving African-American women and girls across Maricopa County.

$10,000
✨ Coalition of Blacks Against Cancer
✨ Hope's Crossing
✨ National Coalition of 100 Black Women
✨ Social Roots

$5,000
✨ Jonathan Brown Mental Health Foundation

$2,500
✨ Arizona West Valley Arizona Chapter Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.
✨ RISE Community Alchemy

02/25/2025

This morning, AAWGEC members joined community leaders at Bridging Progress: Governor Hobbs' 2025 State Report.

The event featured a fireside chat with Governor Hobbs, the debut of the State of Black Arizona Dashboard, and a panel discussion with state agency leaders.

01/23/2025

Celebrate Black History Month with the Girl Scouts, with this year’s theme: Mind, Body, & Soul!

Open to all girls K-12th grade (membership not required). Financial assistance available.

🔗 Link to register: bit.ly/3DPCBOl

01/17/2025

Join us for an evening centered on women's health!

💖 Rhythm of Life: Protecting Black Women’s Hearts
📅 Thursday, February 13th
⏰ 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
📍 Parsons Leadership Center
1611 E. Dobbins Road, Phoenix, AZ 85042

Learn valuable ways to prevent heart disease and stroke while connecting with your community.

RSVP today: https://tinyurl.com/5ycpy2v9