She Runs It Surpasses $1 Million in Education Loan Relief Payments

She Runs It today announced that 17 women will receive education loan relief checks as part of an annual distribution orchestrated by the organisation’s Foundation Board. The 2021 payments will push the total historical grant amount beyond the $1 million mark.

Every year since 2012, She Runs It has written checks to qualifying women in marketing, media, and tech who are navigating the burden of education loan debt. The checks, in amounts up to $10,000, are awarded to She Runs It members who complete an application and are selected by a committee based on need, commitment to the organisation, and an expression of intentions to contribute to the industry.

“Loan Relief is one of the most valuable programs She Runs It offers to its membership and to the industry,” said Lynn Branigan, president & CEO of the 501c3 company. “Rising professionals have so much to focus on – building a network, developing leadership abilities, acquiring new skills, often while managing homes and starting families. Previous recipients have told us that the gifts have been life changing, giving them more time to focus on the pursuit of their professional goals and easing personal pressures.”

Since the inception of the program, She Runs It has written checks to 113 recipients using funds that are provided by Corporate Alliance Partners and the philanthropic efforts of the Foundation Board, which has been chaired by Jacki Kelley, CEO of dentsu Americas, for the past two years.

“It’s fitting to distribute these funds at the onset of International Women’s Month which brings global focus to women’s equality,” said Jacki. “She Runs It has many programs designed to lift and propel women into leadership roles. Loan Relief is one that can help financially liberate women to pursue their personal and professional aspirations.”

“At the ripe age of 16, my dad encouraged me to get a job. I had no idea the impact it would have on my work ethic when I grew older though. Thanks to my dad, I understand the value of a dollar and appreciate the hard work that goes into being financially independent,” said Dominique Galipo from Paramount. “On my journey to financial comfort and confidence, paying off these loans is at the top of the list. Simply put, my loans are weighing me down. I have new projects I want to start, goals I want to accomplish, and I feel that my loans are delaying any progress I can make towards them. For the past few years, I have been paying as much down as I comfortably can, and this financial relief would provide that – some relief.”

Over the course of 2022, the 17 recipients will create a network and work together on a project as a class to help enrich She Runs It.

The 2021 Loan Relief recipients will be honoured during a dedicated event on March 8th, coinciding with International Women’s Day. Guests are welcome to register for the event here.