Dear Colleagues,
In the days ahead, a few members of the Women’s Funding Network team will join me in Melbourne for the Women Deliver 2026 Conference. We will be part of a global gathering of more than 5,000 feminist leaders—among them, nearly one-third of our own network—bringing the strength, insight, and urgency of our shared work into conversation with the world. There is something powerful about being in community at that scale, about seeing so clearly that none of us is doing this work alone.
It’s that sense of connection—of showing up for one another with purpose and care—that allows us to move boldly, and to lead with love. I find myself thinking about that as we honor the life of Sarah Ghiorse. As the longtime President and CEO of NewMexicoWomen.Org, Sarah was deeply committed to advancing research, education, and philanthropy in support of women, girls, and LGBTQ+ communities.
She was also one of the first people I met when I joined this network as a member. I still remember how quickly she made me feel that I belonged—how naturally she extended warmth, generosity, and joy. Sarah embodied the very best of WFN: she was welcoming, fearless, brilliant.
Her loss is felt across our entire community. And yet, even in that loss, she leaves us with a clear path forward: to nurture relationships that endure, to lead with openness, and to invest in one another with intention. As we gather in Melbourne and beyond, may we carry her spirit with us—strengthening the trust that makes bold action possible.
Elizabeth Barajas-Román
Women’s Funding Network
President & CEO