A Letter from Andrea Moreno, Chair
Phoenix Women's Commission

The Phoenix Women's Commission is celebrating 30 years of community involvement and accomplishments. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for women in our city. The commission is an 18-member advisory board created by City Ordinance in 1975 to advise the mayor and City Council on matters concerning women. The commission's mandate is to provide advocacy and consultation on economic, political and social issues facing women. We also organize various community events and special projects.

The commission's intent is to bring awareness to issues of significance to women and build and create partnerships among women's groups. We define the concerns of women and explore resolutions, as well as promote the contribution of women in civic and public affairs, building a vital link between government and community.

Our current focus includes:

• Partnering with other agencies/groups to bring about advocacy and education against domestic violence
• Continued development of minority- and women-owned businesses
• Financial literacy for women of all ages
• Education of women and girls

Since 1991, the International Women's Day Luncheon, our main annual event, has been in March to commemorate the plight of women as they struggle to improve their lives. The event proceeds go to an established scholarship program for re-entry women and, to date, has awarded approximately $830,000 to more than 700 local women to assist them meet their educational goals. Scholarship grants are given to local universities, colleges and technical schools and have improved the quality of life for women and their families.

We invite you to join us in improving the lives of Phoenix women.

Sincerely,

Andrea Moreno, Chair
Phoenix Women's Commission