Away In: Scottsdale with WIP

In mid-July the founding board of Women in Philanthropy AZ gathered in Phoenix for our very first retreat, and it was the kind of day that turns a big, ambitious idea into an actual plan.

For those just meeting us, WIP is a community of women who put real time, resources, and networks behind the causes they care about, specifically the children of Phoenix. As VP of Membership, I get a front-row seat to how it all comes together, and this was the first time the whole founding board sat in one room to build it.

The day itself was equal parts work and heart. We celebrated our president Maddie's birthday, filmed content, and watched ideas evolve in real time as we mapped out the year ahead: the events, the membership structure, the committees, the rhythm of how we want this season to feel. We also had plenty of emotional support from Nash, Maddie's golden retriever, who is apparently a natural at board retreats. As a golden mom myself, I approved.

This is the part of the work I care about most. There's something clarifying about getting everyone off their screens and into one room, no distractions, just the people building this thing together and genuinely invested in getting it right. Watching our cofounders lead with that kind of dedication makes you want to match their energy.

We're just days away from our first general meeting, where all 12 founding members will be in the room together. Follow along as this community takes shape!