Finding Energy and Connection at the Philanos PowerUP! Conference

Today's blog entry is provided by Alexa Bedwell, the Giving Circle's current Program Chair. She reflects on her experience at the Philanos Power-UP! conference in Austin, TX in early February.

Attending the Philanos PowerUP conference this year gave me the chance to learn from and connect with women leading giving circles across the country.

Philanos is a national network of women’s giving circles and collective giving organizations, and the Women’s Giving Circle is proud to be part of this larger community. Philanos conferences bring members together to share ideas, learn from one another, and explore new approaches to philanthropy.

It was my first time attending this conference and my first time participating in a gathering dedicated to collective giving. I came curious to see how other groups are building community, creating impact, and thinking about the future of philanthropy.

What I found was welcoming, energizing, and inspiring.

One of the highlights was a session featuring Secretary Julián Castro, CEO of the Latino Community Foundation, alongside Sara Lomelin of Philanthropy Together. They spoke of the roots of Latino giving, describing it as deeply rooted in family and community. Giving was framed as relational rather than transactional and built from the ground up. One idea that really stayed with me was that small gifts do not mean small impact. When people come together around a shared purpose, even modest contributions can lead to meaningful change.

They also emphasized the importance of listening and the idea that communities know what their communities need. That felt especially relevant as we consider our work here in Frederick and the importance of listening closely to our Hispanic community to guide how we support local needs.

Beyond the sessions, one of the most meaningful parts of the conference was connecting with women from other giving circles. Hearing their stories, how their groups started, how they grew, and what they have learned along the way, was both affirming and motivating.

I was grateful to attend alongside Harriet Langlois, Peg McGreevy, and Angela Chase. Some of the best moments were the conversations between sessions, when we had time to reflect together and talk about how what we were learning might shape the future of our Women’s Giving Circle.

The experience reinforced that WGC is part of a larger movement. Across the country, women are coming together to reimagine philanthropy, prioritizing connection, shared learning, and meaningful community impact.

I returned energized, inspired by the stories we heard, and excited about what we can continue to build together. If you’re feeling inspired to make a difference right here in Frederick, I’d love for you to join us. You can learn more about how to get involved with the Women’s Giving Circle by attending an event.  I’d love to hear from you.  Email me at alexa.bedwell@FrederickWGC.org and let’s get coffee.

left to right: Harriet Langlois, (WGC), Angela Chase (WGC), Sara Lomelin (Philanthropy Together), Secretary Julián Castro (Latino Community Foundation), Alexa Bedwell (WGC), Peg McGreevy (WGC)