Since 1956 the Westport Young Woman’s League (WYWL) has been a pillar in Westport and Fairfield County. In pursuit of our mission of Building Community, we have a very exciting and transformative year ahead of us!  The 2020-2021 year quickly showed some unprecedented challenges, however like other great institutions that have stood the test of time, we are pairing transformation with tradition.    

The WYWL has been greatly impacted by COVID-19. Both our flagship 2020 fundraisers, CraftWestport and the Minute Man Race, were canceled. Historically, these two events have been the only sources of funds we pull from for our WYWL Grant Program. Many of our member driven community service projects have also been impacted as in person gatherings have been limited.  

Despite the setbacks, our membership has rallied together, supported each other, and is working to create new fundraisers throughout the year that we hope will uplift and unite our community in these uncertain times. We are partnering with the Westport Museum, the Westport Veterans of Foreign Wars, Homes with Hope, the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, and more throughout the year! 

The WYWL donated over $90,000 to nonprofit organizations throughout lower Fairfield County in the Spring of 2020. With the anticipated success of new fundraisers, and charitable donations, we look forward to awarding much deserved grants in the Spring of 2021 to our community. 

Personally, as a passionate advocate for human rights including: education, mental health, promoting positive racial relations, and ending hunger, I am proud to be a part of an organization and the greater community of Westport that uphold these same values. Please check our Grants section of our website to learn more about our giving. 

As a member funded nonprofit group, our members are the backbone of our organization. I take a lot of pride in our membership; who go above and beyond for each other and our community. This year, our internal mantra of PACT: passion, accountability, collaboration and transformation will first come from taking care of ourselves. In a challenging year for us all, they are committed to moving themselves up higher on their to do list. I am so proud of our members for that commitment! 

Members participate in virtual general meetings, meet and greets, beach walks and more! We have monthly socials, a mindfulness workshop, and book club as well. There are so many benefits to membership. Please view our membership page to learn more about WYWL membership and join!  We can be reached at info@wywl.com.

 

Monique R. Hodges

 

About Monique:

Originally from Wethersfield, CT, Monique currently resides in Westport. She graduated from the University of Connecticut’s Business school in 2009 where she also wa captain of the Women’s Track & Field team.

Today, Monique is a dermatological sales representative at Galderma Laborites, a founding member of the UConn Track Network, and holds a CT Realtors license. At Galderma, she is an active contributor to their Diversity & Inclusion Council and Women’s Leadership Network.

Monique joined WYWL in 2016 and has served on the Board of Directors for three years: two years as the Public Relations Co-Chair and then as Vice President. As Vice President, Monique created an internal mantra of PACT: passion, accountability, collaboration, and transformation – meant to be the driving force behind the League’s mission of building community.