Pearls of Empowerment
THE POWER OF WOMEN WORKING TOGETHER
Improving the lives of women and children
Pearls of Empowerment is a dynamic giving circle of women that seeks to improve the lives of women and children in Davie County. We recognize that each woman gives in her own way, through time, talent, and treasure, and that individuality is what makes each of us a unique Pearl.
Inspired by the legacy of a cherished strand of pearls, passed from grandmother to daughter to granddaughter, our circle brings together women of all ages, backgrounds, and life experiences. We’re connected not just by our generosity, but by our commitment to growth, learning, and meaningful impact.
As Pearls, we come together to explore the challenges facing women and children in our community. Funding decisions are made by working together for our common goal. Joining Pearls of Empowerment means being part of something bigger than yourself. It’s about harnessing the collective power of women to create lasting change, one brilliant Pearl at a time.
Our Mission
Pearls of Empowerment is more than just a name — it’s a meaningful acronym that guides our work and vision:
rovide women with the skills and resources to be independent.
mpower and equip leaders in the community.
ward effective grants.
etain and attract an active giving circle.
ead women to live healthy lives along with their children.
upport women in their family role without regard to family structure and/or economic status.
Our Focus Areas
Nonprofit organizations applying for grants are encouraged to propose programs/projects centered around the following three key areas:
– Abuse of Women and Children
– Housing for Women and Children
– Mental Health of Women and Children
Our Grants
After sixteen years of giving, Pearls of Empowerment has made grants totaling $519,682.64 to Davie County Organizations!
Follow Pearls on our Socials!
How to Join Pearls of Empowerment
Become a Pearl Today!
Join a powerful network of women making a real impact in Davie County. As a Pearl, you commit just $1 a day, or $365 a year to fund grants that support programs for women and children in our community. You can join individually or as part of a group of like-minded women.
Here’s how your annual gift is used (July 1 – June 30):
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$300 goes directly to community grantmaking
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$35 supports the Pearls of Empowerment Endowment Fund for future impact
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$30 helps cover operating costs
Flexible payment options are available to fit your budget, and your contribution is fully tax-deductible.
Ready to make a difference?
There are two easy ways to become a Pearl:
Pay by check
Send a check made payable to Davie Community Foundation (with “Pearls” in the memo) to PO Box 546, Mocksville, NC 27028. You may wish to pay the full $365 at once or split it between a few payments throughout the year. Download our Information Card and include it with your payment.
Pay online
Click here to join and pay online.
2025 – 2026 Pearls of empowerment
Leadership Team
Jessica Allen, Chairperson
Donna Hinkle, EdD, Vice Chairperson
Paula Harrison, Secretary
Amy Backus, Treasurer
Phyllis McCulloh, Education Co-Chair
Courtney Carney, Education Co-Chair
Donna Powell, Grants Co-Chair
Paulette Agha, Grants Co-Chair
Pat Newman, Events Co-Chair
Leigh Ann Joyce, Events Co-Chair
Tiffany Lakey, Membership/Marketing Co-Chair
Larissa Rolland, Membership/Marketing Co-Chair
Teresa Johnson, Advisor
Bridgette Dillard, Pearls Liaison
Pearls Committees
Pearls have the option to share their talents and get to know other members by serving on one or more of the committees listed below. If you are a Pearl and wish to serve on a committee, contact us!
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Grants Committee
- Review requests and conduct site visits to determine which requests should be presented to membership
- Host grantees at annual meeting and introduce them to others
Co-Chair Responsibilities
- Contact & meet with committee members as needed to keep them informed
- Establish a timeline for the grant process to be approved by the Leadership Team Board Chair
- Create and maintain correspondence with agencies throughout the grant process
- Present a summary of grant requests to membership for vote
- Once award decisions are made, invite grantee representatives to the annual meeting, letting them know what to expect
- Present grant awards at the annual meeting
- Conduct follow up visits and/or calls in the spring to review progress of the project – both unannounced and planned. Take pictures if appropriate.
- Review grant reports when received to ensure project was completed as anticipated and all funds were spent as intended
Membership/Marketing Committee
- Co-chairs contact & meet with committee members as needed to keep them informed
- Work throughout the year on membership campaigns to solicit new members and encourage them to get involved
- Send updates to membership as needed
- Collaborate with all committees to provide marketing content to the Marketing and Communications Officer for distribution through Davie Community Foundation (gather information at Leadership Team Meetings for quarterly newsletters)
- Plan and host 1 event per year to encourage new members – handle all aspects of the event: theme/décor, location, entertainment/speaker, food, other logistics/setup/teardown
- Provide information concerning the event to Membership/Marketing Chairs at least 8 weeks in advance for invitation and publicity
Events Committee
- Co-chairs contact & meet with committee members as needed to keep them informed
- Plan the annual meeting and execute plan: theme/décor, location, entertainment/speaker, food, other logistics/setup/teardown
- Provide information concerning the event to Membership/Marketing Chairs at least 8 weeks in advance for invitation and publicity
Education Committee
- Co-chairs contact & meet with committee members as needed to keep them informed
- Plan and host one event per year – Lunch & Learn or Discover & Dine. Handle all aspects of the event: theme/décor, location, entertainment/speaker, food, other logistics/setup/teardown
- Find speakers who are informative and engaging; introduce them at the event
- Provide information concerning the event to Membership/Marketing Chairs at least 8 weeks in advance for invitation and publicity
Pearls of Empowerment
Davie County Resource Guide
The 2025 Davie County Resource Guide, provided by Pearls of Empowerment, is a comprehensive directory of services and programs available to residents throughout Davie County. This guide connects individuals and families with vital resources, including food assistance, housing, healthcare, counseling, education, and community programs. By compiling these essential resources, Pearls of Empowerment helps ensure that women, children, and families in our community can access the support they need to thrive.
Founding Members
Cultured Pearls
Pearls of Empowerment reached their goal of 100 members in July of 2011.
These founding women are known as Cultured Pearls.
Alice Brown
Alice Hanes/Ellen Drechsler
Amy Boardwine
Angie Slabach*
Ann Browder
Ann Dyson
Ann Pettorini
Belle Boger*
Bermuda Run Garden Club
Beth Dirks
Betty Hall*
Brenda Battle
Brook Martin*
Candice Tew
Carol Quinn
Carolyn Beaver
Carolyn McManamy
Casey Bomar
Cathy McClamrock
Cedar Grove Baptist Sr. Missionary Circle
Choco-Latte
Christine Bralley
Christy Schafer
Concord United Methodist Women
Darlene Fuller
Davie Business Women’s Association
Debbie Koontz
Dianne Anderson
Dianne Brown
Dianne Snipes
Donna Lamonds
Donna Williams
Earlene Ferguson
Eleanor Wilson
Elette Owen
Elizabeth Bumgarner
Elizabeth Sparks
Elizabeth Swicegood
Eloise Everhart*
FBC Mocksville Baptist Women
Frances Beck*
Frances Brenner
Gladys Scott
Grandmother’s Pearls
Gwen Rudd
Hardison United Methodist Women
Heather Renegar
Helen Boon*
Jane Brookshire
Jane Simpson/Lynn Owens
Janie Budd
Joan Carter*
Judy Swicegood
Julie Whittaker
June Johnson
Kathy Crews
Kerri Lard
Kim Lambert
Laura Aron
Laurie Dray
Le Jour des Femmes
Linda Dorsett
Linda Edwards*
Lisa Neal/Jane McAllister
Lois Roesel*
Lori Walker
Margaret Shew*
Marianne Mebane
Marlene Carter
Marlene Shamel
Mary Beth Scebold
Mary Tucker
Melinda Beauchamp
Meridith Cheek/Kaitlyn Cheek
Millie Fulton
Mocks United Methodist Women
Mocksville Woman’s Club
Nancy Graham
Nancy Penry*
Patricia Shelton
Patti Davidson
Paula Allen
Pauline Bostian
Picky Parents.net
Ruth Hoyle
Saundra James
Selma Suiter*
Sharon Cheek
Shiloh Bapt. Church Women’s Fellowship
Sidniee Suggs
Starr Braswell*
Susan Bjerke
Susan Prim
Susie Stovall
Sylvia Steele*
Teresa Johnson
Terri Miller
The Shamel Sisters
Wanda Bowles
Wendy Brenner
* Deceased