New partnership launches $200,000 initiative to support women and girls
Courtesy photo
The Rockstar Woman Movement and Grow are launching Build With Us, a $200,000 philanthropic initiative to expand leadership development, paid internships, expanded access to programming, and research focused on women leaders. The organizations officially kicked off the initiative on October 20 at the Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation in Grand Rapids, bringing together business leaders, community supporters, and prospective philanthropic partners.
The initiative comes as new research from Indiana University’s Women’s Philanthropy Institute highlights a significant funding gap for organizations supporting women and girls. According to the Women & Girls Index 2026, organizations focused on women and girls received just over 2% of total U.S. charitable giving in 2024, equivalent to approximately $2 for every $100 donated nationwide.
“Supporting women’s success means investing in both their opportunities and the support around them,” said Milinda Ysasi, CEO of Grow. “The Rockstar Woman Movement brings leadership development, connection, and whole-person care together. Through this partnership, we can help expand access to those experiences while strengthening the foundation that makes them possible.”
Founded in 2019 by Shannon Cohen, the Rockstar Woman Movement has impacted more than 7,000 lives through its leadership development and community programming. Through a new fiscal sponsorship partnership, Grow will provide a pathway for eligible tax-deductible charitable contributions to support the movement’s work.
“At 42 North Partners we have a long history of investing in entrepreneurs, and we’re proud to support Shannon Cohen and the Rockstar Woman Movement,” said Steve Jandernoa of 42 North Partners, a supporter of the Build With Us initiative. “Shannon has built a community that invests in the women who carry so much for their families, workplaces, and neighborhoods. When those leaders are well, our whole community is stronger.”
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