Women in Philanthropy Workshop will focus on passionate engagement
Marnie Spears (pictured), president and CEO of KCI Philanthropy and a McMaster alumna, will deliver the opening presentation at Friday's Women in Philanthropy Workshop. Sandra Stephenson, a partner with Evans Sweeny Bordin LLP and a dedicated local volunteer and fellow alumna, is also billed as a featured speaker.
Recent studies have shown that women are living longer, hold greater positions of corporate responsibility and have a growing interest in giving back to their community.
As as result, women also want to be more involved when it comes to philanthropic endeavours — whether they’re making a donation, or helping to solicit one.
But what is the real key to making a difference in philanthropy? Acting with passion.
On Friday, members of the McMaster and Hamilton communities will gather to discuss these topics and more at the Hamilton Convention Centre for a unique day of learning and professional networking.
The Women in Philanthropy Workshop will feature two keynote speakers offering valuable insights on all things philanthropic: Marnie Spears, president and CEO of KCI Philanthropy; and Sandra Stephenson, a partner with Evans Sweeny Bordin LLP and a dedicated local volunteer and philanthropist. Both women are McMaster graduates.
“Donors are so often driven by their individual passions and interests, and women are certainly no exception,” said Mary Williams, vice-president, University Advancement at McMaster. “The key is tapping into that passion, and using it to further great philanthropic work in all aspects of the giving process.”
Billed as a “philanthropy guru” by event organizers, Spears will focus largely on big-picture concepts and trends during her opening presentation. A leading expert in Canadian philanthropy, she is also a well-respected speaker and presenter at home and abroad.
Stephenson will draw on her professional expertise in working with families, estates, and administrative planning to prompt workshop participants in their personal planning. Her presentation will outline the many ways a person can give back in the present, short-term and long-term future.
As part of Friday’s proceedings, Lorna Somers, director of Development at McMaster, will lead an afternoon panel discussion titled “Learning From Others,” with an overall focus on succeeding in personal and professional philanthropy.
Louise Barber, Lily Fong, Karen Dolyniuk and Simone Robbins will also participate in the panel discussion. Attendees will learn how these women charted unique paths to impact their communities to reflect their personal passions and lifestyles. All four women are McMaster alumni with strong histories of giving through various philanthropic endeavours.
Ultimately, event organizers want to drive home the fact that all gifts — both large and small — have the potential to make a real difference. The key to success in philanthropy is being involved in the planning process from day one, and encouraging women to get involved in a cause they believe in.
The Women in Philanthropy Workshop will take place Friday, Nov. 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Webster Rooms (A & B) of the Hamilton Convention Centre.
Registration can be done online. The cost to attend is $25, which includes breakfast and lunch.
