The Women’s Collective Awards Grants to 3 Organizations Advancing Leadership and Economic Mobility

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
August 22, 2026
 
The Women’s Collective Awards Grants to Three Valley Organizations Advancing Women’s Leadership and Economic Mobility
 
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Women’s Collective (WC) has awarded grants to three Valley organizations whose programs are expanding opportunities, building skills and creating pathways for women to lead, thrive and achieve greater economic independence. With this year’s grants, The Women’s Collective has now awarded more than $100,000 in grants to organizations supporting women across the Valley.
 
The 2026 grant partners—Young & Empowered, Live & Learn, and Mujeres Latinas—were selected for programs that directly advance The Women’s Collective’s mission to accelerate women’s leadership, economic mobility and community impact.
 
“We are proud to invest in organizations that are creating meaningful, lasting opportunities for women throughout our community,” said Jillian Ladegard, President of The Women’s Collective. “These three organizations are helping women build confidence, strengthen their skills, grow their businesses and create greater economic stability. This is exactly the kind of impact The Women’s Collective was created to support.”
 
Young & Empowered
 
Young & Empowered will deliver two immersive career development workshops designed to give
women practical tools for professional advancement. The workshops will focus on salary negotiation, navigating career transitions and building leadership confidence, helping women step boldly into their next opportunity.
 
Live & Learn
 
Live & Learn will launch Community: Roots & Rising, an eight-week workforce readiness program
providing curriculum, facilitators, networking opportunities and participant support. The program is
designed to equip women with the skills and connections needed to pursue long-term financial
independence and stability.
 
Mujeres Latinas
 
Mujeres Latinas will expand digital and artificial intelligence literacy for women entrepreneurs through an eight-week hybrid program offering training, mentorship, technology tools and bilingual outreach. The program will help women modernize their businesses and unlock new economic pathways.
 
Together, the three 2026 grant partners reflect The Women’s Collective’s commitment to women
investing in women, creating real change and shaping a future where leadership and opportunity are accessible to all.
 
Since its founding, The Women’s Collective has continued to invest in organizations and initiatives that strengthen opportunities for women throughout the Valley. With more than $100,000 awarded to date, the organization is building on its commitment to support programs that create measurable community impact.
 
“We believe that when women have access to the right resources, connections and opportunities, they can transform not only their own lives but also their families, businesses and communities,” said Ladegard. “These grants are an investment in that potential, and we are excited to see what these organizations accomplish in the year ahead.”
 
To learn more about The Women’s Collective and its and community impact, visit the-wc.org.
 

The Women’s Collective President Jillian Ladegard with a representative from Live & Learn.
Photo Credit: Colleen Katz Pictures in Pixels, courtesy of The Women’s Collective
 
For more information, please contact:
Jona Davis, Board Member
jona@the-wc.org
 
About The Women’s Collective:
The Women’s Collective is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to empowering women
through mentorship, education, community, and fundraising. By hosting events, workshops, and
networking opportunities, the organization provides women with the tools, resources, and support
needed to thrive personally and professionally. It has awarded over $100,000 in grants to organizations that support its mission.