The Aqua Foundation for Women (formerly known as the Women's Community Fund), is a not-for-profit corporation which grew from the Women’s Fund of the Gay and Lesbian Foundation of South Florida. In April of 2004 the Women’s Fund with the blessing of the GLFSF created their own non-profit organization, The Aqua Foundation for Women, whose primary mission is to promote the equality, strength, health and visibility of South Florida lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (LBT) women. Monies raised during the Fund’s signature event, Aqua Girl® Week, as well as through individual and group donations go directly to educate, empower and foster the women’s communities.

How we educate, empower and foster the LBT Women's Community
Identifying Our Community Needs
Each year, the Fund indentifies one annual community initiative. One of the fund’s main focuses is improving lesbian health and access to care through its Lesbian Health Outreach, Awareness and Sensitivity Initiative.

Offering Annual Grant Programs
In addition to our annual community initiative, the Fund offers grant opportunities to community-based organizations and project sponsors that address identified needs and interests.

New Scholarship and Mentoring Program
Building tomorrows leaders today is a key role of this, first of it's kind, South Floirda scholarship. The AFW will provide scholarships to benefit high school, college or graduate students who are active in South Florida's lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. We will also join local business leaders with our scholarship recipients to mentor them in their career and community goals.

Providing Community Service
The Foundation identifies opportunities for women to contribute to the community at large through organized group volunteer activities with community based agencies and programs. The Foundation creates a presence, responds to a need and participates positively toward the community s growth.

Fostering Philanthropy in the Women’s Community
The Foundation exists in large part due to various fundraising activities. By establishing a strong donor base, holding its annual signature fundraising event week, Aqua Girl, and by organizing other alternative social and cultural gatherings such as theatre nights, dinearounds, golf and sporting events, and brunches, the Fund not only grows, but becomes an integral part of the women s community.

Building Strategic Alliances
The Foundation recognizes the benefits of alliances and symbiotic relationships. By educating established women s funds, mainstream foundations and service organizations on LBT women's needs, the Fund capitalizes on opportunities to leverage additional support for the Fund s initiatives, and introduces mainstream funders to our GLBT organizations and project sponsors.

Aqua Foundation for Women
1521 Alton Road, Suite 117
Miami Beach, Fl 33139
phone: 305.576.AQUA (2782)

Aqua Foundation for Women is lead by a group of committed women from around South
Florida.

Staff
Vivian Lamadrid - Program Director
vivian@aquafoundation.org

Board of Directors
Chair
Alison Burgos
alisonburgos@mac.com
phone: 954-288-8691

Chair Emeritus
Alicia Apfel Hancock, Esq
ahapple@bellsouth.net

Treasurer
Mary Prados, CPA
mepcpa@aol.com

Secretary
Theresa Verges
tverges@bellsouth.net

Operations Chair
Robin Schwartz
robin@aquafoundation.org

Scholarship Chair
Veronica Olivera-Leon
veronica@aquafoundation.org

Grants & Mentor Chair
Laura Steckler
laura@aquafoundation.org

Youth Outreach Chair
Rachel Robinson
Rachel@aquafoundation.org

Aqua Girl 08 Coordinators
Yesi Olivera-Leon
yesi@aquafoundation.org

Lyn Bove
lyn@aquafoundation.org