For International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the women who lift us up and help shape brighter futures. This year’s theme, “Give To Gain,” reminds us that when we give our support, we all gain stronger families and more equitable communities.

At the CDA—an organization founded and led by women—we see this impact every day as we provide high-quality early education to children from low-income families. Our goal is to honor 25 inspiring women and raise funds to help children gain the strong start they deserve. You can participate by making a $100 donation to honor a woman who inspires you.

Your donation could recognize a mother, grandmother, teacher, mentor, caregiver, or friend while directly supporting early learning for children who need it most. Gifts of $200, $300, or more can honor multiple women, and each honoree will be celebrated as part of our International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month campaign.

Donate today and help give to gain—for women, children, and our community.

• Marion Hicks: “Marion Hicks was instrumental in so very many ways in the early days of CDA.  Advocating fundraising, implementing aggressive and innovative teaching techniques, always a big cheerleader for the children.  If there is a CDA hall of fame, she should be on the list. She is one of my true heroines.”
• Janice Sillitto: “My mom was the best! In 1985, she went to work at our elementary school. She worked there 30 years! Her students and fellow teachers loved her very much. She would have loved the CDA and the kids!”
• Mary Wissman: “The best mother a child could hope for!  She gave me a foundation of trust and faith that lives on in me today.”
• Marilyn O’Neil: “I was so lucky to grow up with the most amazing mom who supported me 100% in everything I did. She was and is my biggest fan and makes me think I can do anything in the world. I am so grateful!”
• Jasmine Deroa: “Jasmine is a dedicated nurse who travels near and far to serve. Jasmine is willing to go where needed to ensure patients have a full complement of professionals on their medical team and consistency of care. Feel better with Jasmine on the team.”
• Mary Seagroves: Mary is not only a wonderful mother and grandmother (a.k.a., Mimi), she is also a retired educator. Mimi served as an elementary school teacher for decades. Mimi understands that providing a high-quality education for children before they turn five yields significant medium- and long-term benefits for students. Her long-term service in elementary education was the inspiration for a certain individual’s service on the CDA Board of Directors.
• Lauren Seagroves Loper: “This little sister of mine, Lauren Loper, is best represented by the Christian children’s song. Not only is Lauren “gonna let it shine,” but it is “Ev’ry where” she goes. Lauren’s commitment to helping others can always be seen – both personally and professionally (as an associate broker/Realtor). Lauren chooses to ‘serve and share in other people’s lives and journey’ and  is appreciated.”
• Darlene Herbert Rando: “Darlene Rando is a wonderful mother and sister. Her dedication as the sole daughter among the Herbert siblings has always made life better for her brothers and parents. Her sister-in-law (married to a Herbert brother) is always claiming, ‘Darlene is my favorite Herbert.’ Darlene’s significant impact on the lives of others is not limited to her lucky family, but proven to be life-changing for her students and their families. Darlene is a committed kindergarten teacher for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder who is seen as taking her role in her kindergarteners’ lives seriously. She is also always seen smiling.”