About us

In the fall of 2019, Iola Young visited a friend in Homer who said, "Let me tell you about this incredible group that I just joined!"  That spark quickly became 100 Women Who Care, Juneau, a powerful giving circle in the community Iola has loved for over thirty years. Iola first recruited Jane Lindsey to the cause, and they each chose one other woman with special skills to join the organizing team: Marla Berg, a master connector and donation collector, and Cristine Crooks, with critical administrative skills to keep track of membership and insight to keep the new group on track for success. 

By January 2020, the goal of 80 members was achieved, and the first meeting was held at The Hangar.  It was thrilling (but a bit chaotic)  when over 120 women showed up! That's when Tonja Moser stepped forward and said, "Can I help?" and has been helping ever since as the fifth vital organizing team member. 

The carefully thought-out plans for the second meeting were completely upended when the Pandemic hit, but this magical, enthusiastic, skilled group of five women quickly pivoted to Zoom. And in just four years later, 100+ Women Who Care Juneau grew to over 300 women and given more than $475,000 to local nonprofits that support children, families, neighbors in need of shelter, food, and mental health services, seniors, pets, the environment, diversity, music, sports and more.

The secret to this incredible success? Our guiding principle is simple: 100+ women x $100 x four times per year. By being straightforward and affordable, without committees or fund-raising, the group has introduced the concept of "planned giving" to young women starting a career or raising a family and is growing the next generation of Juneau philanthropists! 

The original team leaders are incredibly proud and grateful to pass the leadership duties on to the next generation, with these women now leading 100+ Women Who Care Juneau: Julie Nielson, Tonja Moser, Karen Blejwas, and Michelle Hebert. Under their guidance, this amazing giving circle will continue to grow and be a dynamic part of what makes Juneau a special place to live!