For more than two decades, the Women’s Giving Circle at the University of Arkansas has united women as changemakers, pooling their philanthropy to direct over $2 million in grants supporting more than 170 campus and community initiatives.

With a mission to advance scholarship and research, strengthen the well-being of women and children, and foster outreach across Arkansas, the Circle has become a force for impact, even earning induction into the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame in 2023.

Now in its 23rd year of funding, the Women’s Giving Circle has awarded $125,000 through its 2025 Voting Day on Sept. 12, supporting nine innovative projects and further investing in its Women’s Giving Circle Land of Opportunity Scholarship Endowment.

“It is an honor and a privilege to serve with a circle of women who are deeply committed to the advancement of U of A programs, research and student experience,” said Charlotte Downs, president of the Women’s Giving Circle.

“To be able to celebrate the surpassing of $2 million in grant funding awarded is not only a momentous milestone, but it also exemplifies the magnitude of what this group of philanthropic women can achieve en masse,” Downs said. “The generosity, passion and vision of the WGC membership is truly inspirational.”

Established in 2002, the Women’s Giving Circle unites women as philanthropic leaders and changemakers, pooling their resources to invest in innovative programs and scholarships that strengthen the university community. This year’s awards highlight projects that advance student success, health and wellness, the arts, civic engagement and educational equity across Arkansas.

2025 AWARDED PROJECTS

Investigating Estrogen as a Hormonal Regulator of Cold-Induced Secretory Activity in Beige Adipose Tissue — $20,000

Award recipient Megan Rexius with WGC President Charlotte Downs and Chancellor Charles Robinson.

College of Engineering researcher Megan Rexius will study how estrogen influences energy-burning “beige fat” cells in women. The project could uncover new insights for addressing obesity and improving metabolic health.

Developing a heart-on-a-chip to study cardiovascular disease, biological sex differences, and aging in adults — $20,000

Aram Parhizkar from the College of Education and Health Professions will use funding to develop a more accurate lab model of adult male and female heart tissue, advancing drug development and improving understanding of heart disease across age and sex.

Women’s Health and Wellbeing in Arkansas: A multi-platform reporting initiative — $19,800

KUAF Public Radio, led by Clint Schaff, will expand women’s health coverage into a year-long dedicated series featuring maternal healthcare, economic challenges and educational opportunities-reaching audiences statewide, particularly in underserved communities.

Civic Education Weeks Programming — $15,000

Nakell Baker and student leader Addie Jones will spearhead Democracy Fellows programming during Civic Learning Week and National Voter Education Week, helping peers understand their rights, media literacy and local government.

Tools for Teaching: Equipping Future Educators with Hands-on Skills — $14,089

Chris Estepp from Bumpers College and the Abernathy Lab teachers will provide hands-on mechanics training and tools for preservice agriculture teachers, boosting skills and confidence in a field where 70% of graduates are women.

AAC Camp: Adventures in Communication — $12,004

Elizabeth Lorah and Sheida Raley will launch a camp for children with developmental disabilities who use communication devices, while also training university students and advancing research in inclusive education.

Garvan’s Outdoor Adventure Academy — $ 12,000

Becca Ohman and Rush Fentress of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design will expand outdoor learning programs at Garvan Woodland Gardens, creating new spaces for children to explore, learn and connect with nature year-round.

U of A Student Chamber Music Tour — $6,050

Fulbright College’s Katey Jahnke will lead students in bringing live classical music to communities with limited access to the arts, while providing student musicians with valuable real-world performance experience and professional development.

Honoring Arkansas Women Authors — $5,175

University Libraries, led by Mary Gilbertson, Joshua Youngblood and Kirsten Dees will acquire 270 books by Arkansas women authors, preserving and celebrating women voices from the south for students, researchers and the public.

The Women's Giving Circle is comprised of University of Arkansas alumnae and supporters who believe in the influential role women can play as philanthropic leaders. To learn about membership and how you can join, visit the Women's Giving Circle website here.

About The Women’s Giving Circle: The Women’s Giving Circle was established in 2002, and its founding members include Sylvia Boyer (B.S.E.’63), Pat Cooper, Johnelle Hunt, Debbie King, Mary Trimble Maier (B.A.’49), Julia Peck Mobley (B.S.E.’65), Harriett Phillips (B.A.’72), Lynne Walton (B.A.’70), Margaret Whillock (B.S.E.’57), Mary Lib White and Donna Axum Whitworth (B.A.’66, M.A.’69). 

Life members of the circle include Carol S. Adams, Nancy Bittle, Cece Box, Beth Carter, Kelly Chaney, Christine Cook, Charlotte Downs, Sandra K. Edwards, Margie Pomfret Farber, Denise Garner, Martha Cornwell Haguewood, Melissa McIlroy Hawkins, Denise Henderson, Trish Brown Joyner, Ranu Jung, Debbie King, Kellie Knight, Lee Lane, Jacqui Lefler, Marybeth Mayfield, , Julia Peck Mobley, Janet Parsch, Connie Pate, Harriett Phillips, Karen Pope, Cindy Pugh, Terry Quinn, Leslie Smith Reeves, Catherine Ross, Susan Scott Ross, Jane Shipley, Sandy Steinmetz,  Marion Stevens, Mary Belden Ward, Melissa Lee Werner, Mary Lib White, Jeannie Whayne, Dina Wood, Kristen Collier Wright, and Ann Marie Ziegler.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas’ economy  through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.