This year’s BWGC Grants Committee was co-chaired by Neerja Jain and Amee Shah. As in prior years, the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia assisted in conducting thorough due diligence to ensure each grantee meets eligibility requirements and aligns with BWGC’s purpose. The selected organizations exemplify BWGC’s commitment to investing in innovative programs that empower girls and young women across Northern Virginia.
The Business Women’s Giving Circle launched in 2014 and was the first group in the region composed of women looking to empower girls and women through philanthropy in the Northern Virginia region.
“Since its launch, we have awarded more than $650,000 to programs that provide transformative experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), leadership, and entrepreneurship – impacting thousands of girls and women across the region,” said Sue Fajer, Chair of BWGC. “Our members pool resources to amplify community impact and we are thrilled to support organizations that are making a tangible difference.”The Business Women’s Giving Circle will celebrate the following 2025 grantees at their Annual Grantee Celebration:
- Latinas Leading Tomorrow – $20,000 (serving Northern Virginia)
- Sustainability Matters – $20,000 (serving Fairfax County)
- Talent for Tomorrow Alliance (Year Up) – $10,000 (serving Northern Virginia)
- Technology Youth Empowerment – $5,000 (serving Northern Virginia)
- Wesley Housing & Development Corporation of Northern Virginia – $15,000 (serving Fairfax County)
"This grant will allow Technology Youth Empowerment to expand hands-on, curiosity-driven STEM programs for students who often lack access to early technical learning. Through interactive workshops and mentorship, we help students build confidence by asking questions, exploring ideas, and learning through experience." - Rida Karim, Founder and CEO of Technology Youth Empowerment
The following organizations received 2025 grants for the 2026 calendar year:
Latinas Leading Tomorrow (LLT): CORE ($20,000) LLT will expand their proven CORE after-school leadership program to include a year-round, STEM-focused curriculum. This initiative will introduce middle and high school girls in Northern Virginia to fields such as engineering, technology, biology, robotics, mathematics, environmental science, and emerging technologies through hands-on labs, fieldwork, project-based learning, and interactive activities. The program combines technical learning with mentorship from Latina STEM professionals and leadership workshops emphasizing resilience, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
Sustainability Matters: EcologiGALs ($20,000) The EcologiGALs programs immerse 70 middle and high school girls from historically underserved communities in hands-on environmental STEM experiences that foster curiosity, confidence, and leadership. By blending outdoor fieldwork, project-based learning, and exposure to women leaders in conservation and environmental science, the program empowers girls to see themselves as future environmental leaders while developing practical STEM skills. EcologiGALs will expand both summer and school-year programming at Fairfax Neighborhood and Community Services’ community centers, growing to two additional sites.
Technology Youth Empowerment (TYE): Girls in STEM ($5,000) The Girls in STEM program is designed to address the critical stage in middle school when many girls begin to lose confidence and interest in science and technology. TYE will serve 150 middle school girls (ages 11-14) across Fairfax County. Targeted outreach will focus on Glasgow, Holmes, Poe, and Key middle schools, and Robinson Secondary school, along with community centers and libraries that serve highly diverse populations. This is a new and dedicated track for girls and it builds on TYE’s proven successful teaching model using the Curiosity First inquiry-based framework.
Wesley Housing: Mini Yappers ($15,000) Through a structured curriculum by Wesley Housing’s Youth Programs Specialist and Urban Smart Studios, participants will gain hands-on exposure to the technical and creative processes behind producing a television show. Sessions will teach girls how to plan and write scripts, operate production technology, edit video and audio footage, design branding and promotional materials, develop entrepreneurship skills, and pitch their work as a “mini business.” The program focuses on real-world application of STEM skills and practices teamwork, leadership, and adaptability while building technical confidence.
Year Up United: Talent for Tomorrow Alliance ($10,000) The Talent for Tomorrow Alliance (TTA) addresses racial, income, and opportunity disparities through a collaborative model that invests in the long-term success of a diverse, skilled talent pipeline. TTA partners represent five organizations providing young adults from high school through career entry with technical and essential skills training, internships, mentorships, and academic advising. Collectively, they provide training, certifications, and placements in fields like finance, IT, cybersecurity, and software development. Each partnering organization plays a distinct role in the student journey.
Visit Business Women's Giving Circle to learn more.
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