#GivingTuesdayNow: We Are BA

May 5, 2020

I Am BA.

The pre-interview jitters were setting in… while working full-time as a family law attorney serving low-income immigrants, I fit in time before and after work to prep for a phone interview... digging further into all the ways to explain my experience, my passion, and why... Why they should choose me for this job. But, I have to admit I was nervous.

Then, it hit me...

I AM BA.

This photo is straight from my interview prep notes. I shared it with Mary as the interview time approached. In writing it, a sense of ease and strength swept over me after realizing I already had the tools, the experience, the BA(dassery) I needed for this interview, for this job, for life.

As an alumna from EmpowHER '17, I was confident I was equipped for what was ahead.

Now, more than ever, we need to be reminded of this:

I Am BA.
You Are BA.
We must stand together with our #BA sisterhood.

Women are more likely than men to report mental health effects from worrying about the virus: nearly half of women claimed that the stress related to the virus has had an impact on their mental health. More so for women of color. (Women, however, have also been more proactive in response to the outbreak as compared to men!)

Moreover, recent college grads are among the most depressed of the population (and this was before COVID-19). They are finishing up a stressful semester, missing graduation, searching for employment, worried about the health and safety of themselves and their loved ones, and uncertain of what is ahead. These are my #BA sisters we’re talking about. The incoming cohort of EmpowHER’d women.

In this time, we need more BA Women to share their voice... to lift as they climb. This is not just about you, or me. It is about us showing up for each other and moving forward hand-in-hand. We are the BA(dass) Women’s Alliance afterall.

For the BA Women’s Alliance, this means showing up to give an additional $75,000 scholarships in response to COVID-19 over the last 8 weeks. That is BA(dass).

Now, we need to make up that deficit. To do so, we’re asking our community to join us in shared BA(dassery) by donating $39 (one dollar for each woman in the 2020 cohort!) on #GivingTuesdayNow—which is tomorrow!

While each of us has fought hard to open doors, we’ve also had doors held open by generous advocates. Think back to your first big break. Who helped pave your way? Who made sure you knew that you are BA? Today, you can help pave the way for women to shatter glass ceilings and expectations. Please consider doing so here.

And remember, #WeAreBA.

In #BASolidarity,

EmpowHER Alumna ‘17, BA Woman, Board of Directors

PS: Will you be one of the first to join us on #GivingTuesdayNow by donating here?

On this global day of giving, we are raising $10,000 to directly fund BA Women.

Ways to gear up for #GivingTuesdayNow:

• Donate today to lock in your gift!
• Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter for uplifting updates!
• Share this message with friends and family and encourage them to join our movement!

Every bit helps, including the following types of contributions:

• $20: Provides access to an online sexual harassment prevention training, made just for student interns, some of the most vulnerable populations in the workplace.
• $50: A one-on-one career coaching session.
• $100: One-hour learning from a panel of experts to expose them to different pathways in public service (i.e. careers in law, careers on the Hill, etc.).
• $300: Offers online platform for participants that will allow them to connect with and learn from each other, BA alumna, and the BA Women community.
• $500: An interview prep package for an EmpowHER’d woman.
• $1200: Virtual professional development seminars and courage-building workshops by a Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator (trained by Brené Brown).

COVID-19 SUPPORT

The BA Women’s Alliance has stepped up to provide 24/7 service, helping to ensure young women’s careers stay on track during the turbulent times caused by this global pandemic.

The BA Women’s Alliance COVID-19 emergency response fund support directly includes:

• Designing a virtual summer experience for 39 collegiate women.
• Creating specialized content to keep their careers on track during uncertain times.
• Providing personalized support to our incoming 2020 cohort, including 24/7 connectivity to our community and resources.

GIVING

Donations from individuals, businesses or other entities can be made on our website or by sending a check to PO Box 21251 Washington, D.C. 20009. Please contact Lindsey Loyd, partnerships manager, with questions or for more information.

The BA Women’s Alliance has opened up multiple avenues for giving to the COVID-19 Emergency Fund Initiative. There’s an option to make this donation a recurring gift on a monthly basis or to kindly consider making a one-time contribution.

DONATE TODAY

Did you know Congress passed a new law that makes it much easier for you to help great programs like EmpowHER’d:

• Now, all tax filers—even those who take the standard deduction—can deduct up to $300 in annual charitable gifts. A gift of just $25/month ($300/year) offers an online platform for participants that will allow them to connect with and learn from each other, BA alumna, and the BA Women community, while helping you at tax time. Interested? Please click here to give now.
• In 2020 only, there is no limit on the amount of charitable contributions that can be deducted from your income. The usual limit of 60% of Adjusted Gross Income is waived—but only for donations made this year! So if you had plans to make a large donation someday, now may be your best time! Interested? Reply and we’ll connect with you personally to discuss your support.

WHAT'S NEXT

The success of continuing to provide supports to young women and filling this budget gap is a collective effort and one that is incumbent on everyone in the BA Women’s Alliance family, particularly our valued and cherished community of ardent supporters. We cannot stress enough the need for collaborative support and generosity to further the reach and impact of our response fund.