The Pavilion in Riverfront Park will shine purple from March 8 to Wednesday, March 10, in honor of International Women’s Day and Women Helping Women Week.
The color purple has historical ties to the women's rights movement. It was one of the colors worn during the women's suffrage movement and it is the official color of International Women's Day.
Executive Director of Women Helping Women Fund Heather Hamlin said some women juggle work and kids at home, with very little time to themselves. In a week dedicated to honoring women, It’s important to make women in and around your life feel special.
“You can send a letter, you can recognize women owned businesses, donate to women's organizations, non profits doing amazing things,” said Hamlin.
Hamlin's organization offers grants to nonprofits and scholarships to mothers juggling the cost of tuition and childcare. It is voted on by members of the organization.
One Spokane woman contributing to the organization is an entrepreneur herself. Sarah Carlson opened Fulcrum Financial Group 24 years ago by herself.
“It started from when I was a young child, always being interested in businesses and money,” said Carlson.
Carlson originally went to school to be a doctor, but eventually decided it was not for her. Her journey to success as a sole owner was not easy in a male dominated field.
While pursuing her dream of owning her own business, Carlson said it was not an easy journey.
“I’m a mother of two sets of twins, and I had them within 4 years, and I worked throughout that whole time, it was challenging,” said Carlson.
But Carlson’s business flourished, and she pushed through.
Carlson now works with a mostly women clientele, and gives her time and resources to the Women Helping Women Fund organization.
For more information on the Women Helping Women Fund and how you can get involved, just visit their Facebook page.