Anniversary

October 29, 2023

by Maria Guerrero, Founder, Women in the Arts, Inc.

That particular October morning, a long-awaited letter arrived. I held it in my hand with nervous anticipation. I knew it was the IRS decision about our board’s application to become an official charity. I paused for a moment to catch my breath and then opened the envelope. I pulled the letter out slowly and excitement rushed over me as I read the opening line: “We are pleased to inform you…”

This year, we celebrate the 15th anniversary of our commitment to making the arts accessible for the entire family and bringing forward the work of women artists to a global audience and the arts industry.

For over a decade, we’ve seen incremental progress in advancing this cause, but the change is very slow. There is still a significant pay gap keeping women artists from a sustainable career in all stages of life.

This new chapter at Women in the Arts, Inc. provides us with the opportunity to not only evaluate the continuing impact of our programs, but also evolve them forward to meet the changing needs of women artists, families, and society as a whole. We celebrate the milestones we've accomplished in the great company of our partners, sponsors, and creative community.

I am immensely grateful for all these years which have truly flown by, for my family’s support, for everyone I’ve met along the way, those who are with us now, and those whom we've yet to meet.