San Diego Women’s Foundation honors its founders
Berit Durler isn’t just a strong, passionate woman. She’s a downright pioneer.
Right after college Berit became the first woman in the country to serve as an IRS Alcohol and Tobacco tax inspector. She went on to become the first female real estate loan officer for Union Bank, and was one of the first female members of the downtown Rotary 33 club.
It’s no surprise, then, to learn that Berit proudly joined other passionate women to create the San Diego Women’s Foundation (SDWF) back in 2000. She did it because she was struck by the concept of pooling resources with other women to make a difference in the community.
Berit Durler is one of founding members of the San Diego Women’s Foundation.
The other thing that keeps Berit coming back is seeing for herself how the foundation touches lives. “I love attending the grants celebrations and hearing about the difference our funding makes to the grantees. It fills me with pride,” she says. “I also feel confident that the money will be spent well because the foundation does such a thorough job researching our focus areas and grantee organizations.”
Berit also appreciates the democratic process involved in choosing the grantees. She says it’s important to her that, unlike other organizations, every member gets a vote no matter their level of involvement. “At our foundation,” Berit says, “every member gets a say.”
In the end, Berit’s passion for the foundation goes back to her very beginning. “My parents instilled in each one of their five children how important it is to give back to the community. It’s framed my entire life.”
Founded in 2000, the SDSDW has grown to an organization of more than 200 members dedicated to pooling their resources and enhancing the community through grant making. As of June 1, 2011, more than $2 million had been awarded to 58 nonprofit programs. For more information visit: www.sdwomensfoundation.org.
Category: Local News
