March gives us a moment to pause and celebrate Women’s History Month. March reminds us to honor women like Marie Curie, Wangari Maathai, and Gladys West —women whose bold steps changed the world. These courageous were compelled to improve the lives of others. And they did so, despite others’ doubt and cynicism.
My mother was like that. She never made the history books, but she was quietly courageous and willing to cross the grain of culture. In an era when unmarried pregnant women were shamed and shunned, especially in our conservative faith community, my mother took a bold step.
When a young woman’s parents sent their daughter away to a “home for the pregnant and unmarried,” Mom showed up. She regularly visited this mother-to-be. She was the compassion and love that others denied. In that woman’s dark season, my mother was a bright star.
Graduates of the NYOTA Leadership Program are bright stars in their communities. They take bold steps in a context that often denies women opportunities to shine as the leaders they are.
NYOTA graduates have—
- Initiated public-private partnerships to build a modern health center.
- Launched businesses and created jobs where others were afraid to try.
- Advocated to authorities for fair treatment of domestic workers.
- Risked their own safety to teach care for survivors of gender-based violence.
These women are gifted, determined, and called to lead.
It is a privilege for Impact Now to walk alongside them as they grow in confidence and skill and step boldly into the change their communities need.
You can walk alongside them too.
This Women’s History Month, we’re launching the Bold Steps and Bright Stars Campaign with a goal of $1,000. That is the cost of two retreat days where NYOTA graduates gather to share challenges, celebrate victories, and encourage each other.
Donate now so women leaders in DRC continue to shine light and take bold steps to
DONATE TO
BOLD STEPS, BRIGHT STARS.
CAPTION FOR FEATRUED IMAGE AT TOP: The first cohort of NYOTA Leadership Program.
2025 YEAR END REPORT
The 2025 Impact Now Year-End Report is available here and on the website. The report—
- Outlines key aspects of the NYOTA Leadership Program.
- Presents facts about the 2025 Cohort.
- Identifies ways that the program has made an impact on participants.
- Summarizes the 2025 Women of Hope retreat.
- Provides a financial overview of Impact Now.
- Lists four strategic opportunities for 2026.
If you only read ONE page of the report, please read page 4. That’s where you will read about the effect of your participation with Impact Now. You have made an impact on NYOTA participants who in turn have made an impact on the lives of more than 9000 children, women, and men.