Ask Judy: Confessions of a First-Time Monthly Donor
She’s spent nearly 40 years as a lawyer and arbitrator, arguing cases and advising nonprofits. This time, we turned the questions on her.
Judy has supported Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis for years, inspired by our mission to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Recently, she took that support a step further by becoming our very first Bold All Year monthly donor.
We sat down with her to talk about what first connected her to Girls Inc. Indy, what has kept her involved, and why she decided to make the switch to monthly giving.
Q: How did you first get connected to Girls Inc. Indy?
I was invited to a networking event by a business colleague about 25 years ago. I was very impressed and attended several events. Each time I have attended, I have been impressed with the enthusiasm, energy, and drive of the girls. These are girls who want to succeed.
Q: You’ve had quite a career — cultural anthropologist, corporate consultant, now a lawyer and arbitrator of almost 40 years. What is it about these girls that stays with you?
As someone who grew up in a home that did not support my ambitions to become a lawyer, I had to make my own way — and having worked in male-dominated professions most of my life — I am impressed when I see girls who are determined to forge their own paths to career success.
Q: You’ve given to Girls Inc. Indy before, but this year you became a monthly donor. What made you switch?
I usually make my gifts on an annual basis and never really understood how helpful and sustaining monthly giving can be. It is easy to do, and I am happy to do it if it helps the organization.
Q: What do you hope your monthly gift makes possible for a girl this year?
I hope my gift can help young girls believe in themselves and in what they can do and become — no matter their present circumstances. If I can help even one girl stay in school and get into college, I will feel like my gift has made a difference.
Through Bold All Year, monthly donors provide Girls Inc. Indy with consistent support throughout the year, helping us continue to provide programs, mentorship, and opportunities that empower girls across Central Indiana to reach their full potential.
Ready to make your own case for monthly giving? Join Judy as a Bold All Year donor.