News Summary
Melanie Bridgeforth will step down as President and CEO of the Women’s Foundation of Alabama in February 2025, after leading substantial growth since 2018. Under her leadership, the foundation significantly increased revenue and supported women’s empowerment initiatives, including landmark legislative achievements. As the search for her successor begins, the WFA remains committed to its mission of advocating for women’s rights and economic empowerment across Alabama.
Alabama
Melanie Bridgeforth will resign as the President and CEO of the Women’s Foundation of Alabama (WFA) in February 2025, after leading the organization since 2018. Under her stewardship, the WFA has grown significantly, transforming from the Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham into a prominent philanthropic entity advocating for women’s rights and economic empowerment in Alabama.
Since taking over, Bridgeforth has overseen a remarkable 174% increase in revenue, with the foundation raising $9.4 million in just over a year. This financial growth has enabled the WFA to double its annual grantmaking capacity to $1 million, supporting non-profit organizations across 40 counties in Alabama.
Bridgeforth’s tenure has been marked by significant legislative victories for women’s rights, including the passage of Alabama’s first Equal Pay Statute, a $2.25 million state budget appropriation aimed at women’s career preparation, and the establishment of a $67.5 million Child Care Tax Credit. These legislative achievements reflect her commitment to advocating for systemic improvements to empower women in the state.
Lajuana Bradford, the Board Chair of the WFA, recognized Bridgeforth as one of Alabama’s most transformative leaders. Bradford highlighted Bridgeforth’s capability to inspire various stakeholders to support the cause of women’s economic power, an essential aspect of the WFA’s mission.
In her future endeavors, Bridgeforth plans to launch a strategy consulting firm aimed at broadening her reach and impact on women’s issues on a national scale. She has expressed her intent to continue serving as a catalyst for change and to forge powerful coalitions dedicated to advancing women’s issues across the country.
The WFA Board has announced that it will initiate a national search for Bridgeforth’s successor to ensure continuity in leadership. Bridgeforth will remain in her position until February 28, 2025, to facilitate a smooth transition for the organization as it looks to the future without her leadership.
To honor Bridgeforth’s significant contributions to the organization and its mission, the board has established the Melanie R. Bridgeforth Power and Possibility Fund. This fund will support continued efforts toward women’s empowerment within the state. An anonymous donor has pledged to match contributions made to this fund, up to $250,000, further amplifying the impact of this initiative.
Since its inception, the Women’s Foundation of Alabama has been instrumental in addressing issues that affect women in various domains such as healthcare, education, and economic security. The organization’s recent successes and initiatives under Bridgeforth’s guidance have positioned it as a key player in advocating for critical changes needed to improve the lives of women in Alabama.
With Bridgeforth’s resignation approaching, the foundation prepares to navigate this transition while striving to sustain the momentum built during her leadership. As the search for a new leader begins, the WFA remains focused on its mission to create lasting change and promote women’s rights throughout Alabama.
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