The New Age of Philanthropy: Founder Maya Nussbaum Named Visionary Defining Purpose & Impact

The Power of Building a Community of Creative Leaders Who Tell Their Own Stories

January 12, 2026

In Lifestyles‘ issue of the most impactful philanthropists, Girls Write Now Founder & Executive Director is featured as a force in building creative community, showcasing the organization as a thought leader in education; a national platform for vulnerable voices; a network organizer; and an essential antidote to the loneliness, isolation, and eroding democracy caused by polarized communication.

The article highlights Girls Write Now’s continuous ranking among the top organizations in the United States for driving social-emotional growth, and its numerous awards and recognitions from the White House, Melinda Gates, Gloria Steinem, and literary luminaries, as well as from a cross section of industry leaders—HarperCollins, NBCUniversal, Estée Lauder, Adobe, and Royal Bank of Canada, among others.

“Girls Write Now is not just a charity you give to, but a partner to grow with. We are valued by companies across industries for sitting at the intersection of storytelling and connection, the human infrastructure every workplace is craving. As companies face a crisis of meaning, authenticity, and belonging, Girls Write Now holds something rare: a nearly 30-year record of helping people across generations, industries, and identities show up as their whole selves, tell their stories, and lead with purpose.”

— Maya Nussbaum, Founder & Executive Director of Girls Write Now

Mentors and mentees contribute to the telling of the organization’s story. Kathryn Destin, creator of Girls Write Now’s popular podcast series Speaking In First Draft, and part of the community since she was 15, says that “this organization is a testament to the impact of investing in people like me,” and serves as a space where “I can channel both my professional and creative interests.” Alejandre Lamas-Nemec, a freshman at Bryn Mawr College studying English literature and political science, calls Girls Write Now, “a place where we belong, a support system where the community we create together reminds us that we are all human and that our world is worth preserving.” Fiki Hunt discovered her passion for both therapy and documentary film through Girls Write Now: “My mentor, a talented journalist and podcast producer, helped me recognize the power of sharing my story and the importance of having a safe space to tell it in,” she says.

“Through our model of writing, mentoring and community, we forge relationships, empower voices, bridge divides—and advance democracy,” says Nussbaum. “The organization is a pipeline of talent into schools and industries in need of fresh and vital perspectives to reimagine a more inclusive world where all people, no matter their backgrounds, belong.” This is Girls Write Now’s vision for the future, and they are delivering on it.