The Special Education Foundation’s Women Leaders is a dynamic women's group deeply dedicated to helping children with disabilities, particularly by raising funds to financially support unique projects that benefit students served by the Special School District. This empowering group formed in 2009, was inspired by the heartfelt interests of a friend-raiser event looking for ways to make a positive impact.

Throughout its existence, the Women Leaders have orchestrated events, including fashion shows, with the sole purpose of generating funds to support the Principals at the five SSD schools, including the Juvenile Detention Center and Bridges program. These events serve as a testament to their unwavering commitment to making a difference. This year, the Women Leaders raised $11,255 in funds during the Give STL Day campaign in May.

Each September, the Women Leaders and SEF staff meet with the SSD principals, who then share insights into their schools’ populations and present their proposed special projects. As a result, up to $2,000 in funding was approved for each of the following projects:

• $1,950 to Ackerman School for the Gentlemen of Distinction and Diamond Divas’ restaurant dining experience and practice
• $2,000 to Northview High School for Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports celebrations with ice cream and video game trucks and helps students to purchase yearbooks
• $1,700 to Litzsinger School for Afriky Lolo’s drum and dance troupe, as well as student T-shirts for Spring state testing sessions
• $1,205 to Neuwoehner High School for a weatherproof garden bench spring and production from the Black Rep Theater (funded through the Arts in the Classroom program)
• $1,500 to Southview School for T-shirts to promote school spirit, a cooking kit, and everyday essentials (funded through the Critical Needs progam)
• $1,500 to the Juvenile Detention Center for graduation supplies, weekly Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports incentives, and for staff recognition 
• $2,000 to the Bridges Program for a 2024 Field Day obstacle course, quarterly student incentives and staff appreciation, as well as graduation supplies

If you or someone you know is passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and youth with disabilities, we invite you to join our dynamic group of Women Leaders. Please contact us at info@sef-stl.org or (314) 394-7030 for more information. Together, we can continue to positively impact the lives of those we serve.