As Women See What Women Can Do

By Victoria Costa, Marketing & Communications Manager, GreenLight Fund

I see so many powerful women across the GreenLight Fund network in that quote. Not only in the bold community leaders, my fierce colleagues, or partners I’ve had the honor of collaborating with, but also in the countless women and girls who have connected with a GreenLight portfolio organization over the years. 

GreenLight’s portfolio includes some of the most effective, evidence-based organizations in the country, and our model is rooted in a simple truth: the power has always been within the communities themselves. Each portfolio organization investment was selected with community voice at the forefront, grounded in the belief that lasting change comes from those who know the challenges best. Individuals don’t lack strength; they lack opportunity, too often limited by barriers to equity, and historically that has been particularly true for women. 

Achieving power starts with access to opportunity, to resources, and to networks that open doors. Below, you’ll find a handful of real impact stories from participants of our incredible portfolio that have stayed with me, and truly embody “as women see what women can do.”

Akirah, Compass Working Capital: Philadelphia

Akirah a mother and Special Education Assistant in Philadelphia, joined Compass Working Capital’s Family Self-Sufficiency program. Throughout the program, she increased her income, built savings, and learned valuable skills like budgeting and credit management. While working with the School District of Philadelphia, her passion for supporting children grew, leading her to become a foster parent. A few years later, Akirah graduated from the FSS program and bought her first home, achieving her goal of becoming a homeowner and giving her son the stability she’s always dreamed of. “I want him to have a place that he can point to and say, ‘this is where I grew up.’”

Angie, Working on Womanhood (WOW): Boston 

When she started high school, Angie struggled with depression, regulating her emotions, and speaking openly about her challenges. Before joining WOW, she described herself as quiet and shy, often putting others’ needs before her own. Through WOW, she found a supportive community where she feels safe expressing her emotions and learning how to set boundaries. Angie gained the confidence and skills to advocate for herself and prioritize her wellbeing. Today, she is preparing to attend Massachusetts College of Art and Design and is working on a children’s book, crediting WOW with helping her imagine new possibilities for her future.

Jalisa, Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO): Charlotte

As a single parent, Jalisa faced daily challenges, from securing stable employment and housing to navigating mental health challenges and the impact on her family. After joining CEO Charlotte’s reentry transitional jobs program, her dedication and work ethic quickly stood out. Within three months, she was promoted to Crew Coach, becoming CEO Charlotte’s first Black woman site supervisor and, at the time, the only woman leading a CEO crew in the Southern Region. Jalisa draws strength from her own journey and from powerful women like Maya and Tiffany, who also rose to leadership at CEO Charlotte and are dedicated to empowering other women to succeed, too.

Lorena, Genesys Works: Bay Area

Lorena, a first-generation college student born in Mexico City and raised in Oakland, faced uncertainty about her future due to financial and systemic barriers. In her senior year of high school, she joined Genesys Works Bay Area and interned at PG&E, gaining hands-on experience in compliance processes and building confidence in her abilities. With guidance from Genesys Works mentors, Lorena navigated college applications and scholarships successfully, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in information systems from UC Riverside in just two years at age 20. “Genesys Works isn’t just an organization—it’s a bridge of empowerment, resilience, and boundless opportunity.”

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A few weeks ago, I reached four years at GreenLight Fund, and I’ve seen GreenLight’s impact extend far beyond zip codes, counties, and state lines. In my role in Marketing & Communications, I’ve had the privilege of amplifying these stories, centered on real people who are redefining what’s possible when doors open.