Dear Friends and Supporters,

This year has reaffirmed what we know to be true: our incredible community is at the heart of everything we do. In the wake of a challenging presidential election that has left many of us scared and angry, we stand more committed than ever to our mission. We face this moment with resolve, understanding that our work remains essential. We are unwavering in our dedication to building a multigenerational, cross-cultural movement that fosters hope, resilience, and justice. Together, we must continue to advance racial, economic, environmental, and gender justice and envision a feminist future where grassroots communities are healthy, safe, and prosperous, and systems are guided by love and justice.

At Women’s Foundation California (WFC), we are inspired by and grounded in the strength of our powerful community—young women, women of color, and gender-expansive grassroots organizers and leaders who refuse to yield in the face of adversity. In our 2024 annual report, you will see not only the impact of our collective work but also the hope and determination that define us. Together, we are instruments of liberation, forging ahead to create a gender-just future.

As we look ahead, I am proud to introduce our new strategic framework: our Theory of the Future. This vision is rooted in the belief that, even amidst setbacks, we are capable of building a multiracial, feminist democracy where grassroots communities can thrive. Our core values are our guiding light through turbulent times. We embrace alegría, a profound joy born of gratitude and resilience. We harness power through collaboration and advocacy, driving change and confronting systems of oppression. We cultivate belonging through interconnectedness, nurturing radical feminism and a resilient community in which we support one another.

Our approach remains straightforward yet deeply impactful: amplifying community voices, mobilizing resources for grassroots movements, and redistributing power to challenge oppressive systems. We invite you to join us in this transformative journey, particularly in times like these when solidarity and collective action are vital.

This year, despite the challenges, we celebrated moments of unity and progress. We hosted our first book event at The Commonwealth Club of California, “The Risk it Takes to Bloom: A Discussion with Author Raquel Willis & Bia Vieira.” This powerful dialogue centered on the resilience of collective liberation as I joined Raquel Willis, an award-winning author and activist, in exploring her debut memoir and dedication to Black transgender liberation.

In Sonoma, our 2nd in-person Summer Leadership Institute (SLI) gathered the next generation of changemakers in a space that underscored the importance of safe and unapologetic environments for girls and nonbinary young folks. One young participant captured the spirit of the program, saying, “Thank you for the best experience of my life.” They deepened their understanding of advocacy, storytelling, and leadership, embodying hope for a brighter future.

We also expanded our commitment to grassroots, collaborative systems change. Our Housing Opportunities Mean Everything (HOME) Cohort exemplifies the power of collective action and shared partnership, helping to ensure that survivors of gender-based violence are no longer invisible within homelessness systems and resources, while maintaining their safety. Together, these 11 groups from across the state are advancing policy to support unhoused survivors, collecting data to increase funding and ultimately housing for survivors, and shifting culture to highlight gender-based violence as the leading driver of homelessness for women, children, and gender-expansive people. This year, we also welcomed 80 participants at our convening on Advancing Policy at the Intersection of Gender-based Violence and Housing, with the goal of removing barriers and paving the way to a future where safe and stable housing is a right for all.

WFC’s legacy of nurturing leaders continues to inspire me. I am deeply honored to carry this tradition forward as we pursue a more equitable future for all Californians. Our leadership transition model, anchored in intersectional principles, encourages collaboration and ensures sustainable growth for years to come. This approach is vital not just for succession planning, but also for the long-term success of our mission.

Thank you for standing with us, even in times of uncertainty. Your steadfast support is a testament to the power of community. Together, we are building a feminist legacy that will uplift and inspire generations to come.

With deep gratitude and resilience,

Bia Vieira, she/her/elle
CEO, Women’s Foundation California