January 24th, 2025 – Today, The Forum of Executive Women and Why Not Prosper proudly celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with an exclusive event at the Why Not Prosper Museum in Germantown. This meaningful gathering provided all attendees with a unique opportunity to reflect on the transformative power of justice, empowerment, and community healing.
Why Not Prosper is the 2024-2026 Forum Ally, a distinction that reflects The Forum of Executive Women’s strategic commitment to building meaningful partnerships with nonprofit organizations that support women in the Philadelphia region. The Forum Ally program aligns The Forum with one nonprofit entity during the course of two years to build a mutually beneficial relationship providing a source of talent and support for The Forum Ally.
As part of this partnership, The Forum of Executive Women also committed $5,000 to Why Not Prosper in each year of the partnership to further its mission and expand its impact.
President and CEO of The Forum of Executive Women, Meghan Pierce, stated, “This partnership underscores our commitment to leveraging the power of our network to make a meaningful contribution to women in our region. The mission of Why Not Prosper, particularly their focus on formerly incarcerated women’s economic opportunity, is strongly in line with the values of The Forum.”
Forum members received a private tour of The F.I.R.M. (Formerly Incarcerated Renaissance Museum), a pioneering space located on the grounds of Why Not Prosper. This groundbreaking museum showcases the creative talents of formerly incarcerated individuals, with a particular focus on women. Through its compelling exhibits and carefully curated artifacts, The F.I.R.M. highlights the intersection of incarceration, resilience, and reintegration into society.
Following the tour, Forum members engaged in an intimate coffee and conversation session with Rev. Michelle Simmons, the visionary founder of Why Not Prosper. Rev. Simmons shared insights into the organization’s work supporting women reentering society after incarceration and emphasized the importance of collective action in creating pathways for success.
“Today’s event underscores the profound impact of partnership and storytelling in driving change,” said Rev. Simmons. “The F.I.R.M. not only celebrates the contributions of formerly incarcerated individuals but also challenges us to reconsider how we view justice, opportunity, and resilience. We’re proud to be The Forum’s ally as they also strive to pursue equity for women who are formerly incarcerated.”
“Our partnership with Why Not Prosper reflects our dedication to uplifting voices that too often go unheard. This event is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of creating spaces where stories of resilience and transformation can inspire action,” stated Pierce.
The Forum of Executive Women is proud to support Why Not Prosper in its mission to empower women and advocate for systemic reform. Events like this exemplify the Forum’s commitment to advancing equity, fostering community partnerships, and honoring the enduring legacy of leaders like Dr. King.
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