Those actions are shared in our first-ever annual report detailing our progress in environmental, social, and governance areas. One example is how in 2020, our national and local philanthropic giving totaled nearly $57 million—with more than $16 million supporting pandemic relief. State Farm invested an additional $10 million in minority and women small business owners in the Company’s home state of Illinois.

And—because cleaner air helps make a better world—State Farm is committing to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by the end of 2030.

We have renewable or carbon-free power purchase agreements for several of our main employee campuses and we’re actively exploring sustainable solutions for fleet vehicles, energy efficiency capital projects, green natural gas – plus how to engage employees individually toward this target.

This step is just the first in our continuing efforts to being good stewards of the neighborhoods we serve.

Download the 2020 ESG Highlights infographic

This ESG report, the first of its kind in the Company’s history, summarizes 2020 State Farm work in the areas of environmental sustainability, social impact, and responsible governance of company operations.

“For nearly one hundred years, State Farm has functioned on the belief that being a good neighbor means being good stewards of the neighborhoods we serve,” said State Farm Chairman, President & CEO Michael Tipsord. “We want to help make a better world by building resilient futures, empowering good neighbors, and protecting what matters.”

Highlights of the new report include:

• Increased energy efficiency: More than 80% of State Farm facilities have an Energy Star Score of 75 or higher.
• $100 million committed in support for minority communities for issues of racial equity and justice over the next 5 years.
• 98,000 hours of employee & agent volunteering, which generated $647,500 in related grant funding
• Evolving workforce demographics: women comprise 57% of employees and 37% of executive roles. Minorities hold 24% of executive roles.

To accompany this report on 2020 activity, State Farm is also announcing a new environmental commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% by the end of 2030.

State Farm is the largest auto and homeowner insurance provider in the U.S., with more than 85 million policies and accounts.

Download the 2020 ESG Highlights infographic

‘How does this thing work?’

Ranjita Sahu

Ranjita Sahu loves a challenge. You may even think of her as a detective – working behind the scenes testing auto insurance products before they’re released to the customer. A first generation immigrant to the United States, Ranjita’s zest for adventure combined with her can-do attitude means she’s well equipped to solve problems and uncover solutions each day.

“Seeing the code come to life on my screen is magical,” said Ranjita. “I’m looking into complex issues, figuring out how to break things, and then make those things even better for the public to use.”

For example, when prospective customers visit statefarm.com to get an auto quote, they’re interacting with the code Ranjita produced.

As for being a woman in tech?

“I’ve specialized in technical roles throughout my career,” she said. “While some may look at State Farm and say, ‘Oh that’s an insurance company,’ it’s way more than that. State Farm is an industry level tech company that’s working to deliver personalized customer experiences.”

“I’d love to see more women in engineering roles,” she said. “It’s about growing confidence, asking questions and believing in your abilities. I’m grateful to the women and men who encouraged me to reach higher. We’re better together.”

‘How can this add value?’

Angela Simpson

While attending a college job fair, Angela Simpson spotted the State Farm Insurance booth. It was there she learned State Farm offered many more opportunities than “just insurance.”

“I started in Auto Underwriting and eventually came to one of the largest departments at State Farm – Enterprise Technology. Today, I’m a technology manager, supporting business intelligence tools that help employees make business decisions, analyze information and develop reports,” Angela explained.

Angela has been a State Farm employee for nearly 30 years and loves collaborating, relationship building and brainstorming with team members.

“As we continue to examine technology that will move us into the next frontier, I always ask, ‘Why is this tool, process or product important? How can it help people?’ At the end of the day, it’s about providing value to others.”

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Angela moved to the United States at the age of 10. When it comes to personal and professional life, Angela shares a piece of advice she learned at a young age, and continues to apply today:

“Don’t box yourself in. Be open to new opportunities. Often, it’s that opportunity you never imagined that leads to success. Take chances. The sky is the limit.”

‘What can I do to make a difference in this world?’

Liz Pulver

Liz Pulver is passionate about people, cars and public safety. A Senior Experience Researcher, she studies how humans interact with vehicle technology to improve auto and transportation safety.

“It’s about acceptance and trust,” said Liz. “We’re examining how people of all ages respond to automated technologies. From cruise control, to parking assist, to full-fledged self-driving cars – as vehicles evolve, we’re evolving with them to advance safely into the future.”

Liz’s work also involves collaborating with universities to conduct studies and share findings. Her research serves as a voice for the public, helps educate communities and guides business decisions.

“I’ve grown and shifted a lot in my career. When I started at State Farm in 2010 I was the only woman in a room full of men. But I didn’t let that intimidate me. I tapped into my inquisitive side: observing the process, asking questions and leveraging new information to build relationships. Soon, I was the one leading meetings and mentoring employees. By discovering my voice, I’ve become a voice for others.”

In honor of International Women’s Day, here’s how they’re doing it.

Sudha Nandam  _______________________________________________ State Farm® Software Developer (Tenure: 2 years)

“I grew up in South India (Ponnur).There were 32 of us living under one roof! My parents, their siblings, grandparents, brothers, sisters, cousins. I always liked math and science – and wanted to pursue higher education. This took many by surprise. In those days women often stayed home. My father told me, 'If this is what you want to do, do it with all your heart.' I was the first woman in my family to go to college. I attended a technical university (JNTU, Kakinada) and studied engineering. During this journey I met my husband, who’s also in information technology. We came to the United States in 2008. As a software developer at State Farm, my focus is Java. I work on web services for agency marketing and customer care data. I love working here. No matter who you are, there are opportunities to develop your skills. It’s exciting to be part of a tech company dedicated to forward thinking and new ways of working."

The impact:

"My pursuit of technology inspired the younger women in my family to go to college. ‘We want to study like you!’ they said. Today, they work in IT. My 18-year-old son also plans to study IT in college. No matter who you are, or where you come from – if you’re committed to learning, you can accomplish anything.”

“I’ve been in IT my entire career and worked for a variety of companies. Nothing compares to State Farm and its zest for learning. As a scrum master, it’s about data, communication and progress. In IT you can impact hundreds, if not thousands, of people with one key stroke. That’s incredible! To top it off, when I discover something the computer doesn’t know, I get a huge rush."

The impact:

"There’s always room for more women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Here in Texas, I’m involved in the Apollo Coding Club. I started working with the program in 2018 to give middle school girls the chance to code. Each week State Farm volunteers teach the students JavaScript and web development. At the end of the semester we host a showcase at CityLine, where the girls present their work to State Farm leadership, teachers, families and friends. I love seeing these young ladies blossom. They come to us with a desire to learn – but many are also quiet, reserved. As the weeks go by and their knowledge increases, so does their confidence. By the time the showcase arrives, they’re comfortable on the computer and speaking in front of a room. Those who’ve been through the program have chosen to pursue this education in high school and beyond. If you have a desire to learn, and you follow through on that desire – you will excel. The Apollo Coding Club is proof of that. I’m honored to give back in this way.”

“I grew up in Jamaica. One of five children. My parents knew an education was the way to a better future. My mom relocated to the United States, where she knew we would have multiple opportunities. She earned her LPN in nursing and worked two jobs to ensure we had an education. I went to Fordham University in New York and earned a degree in computer science. I had a knack for math and science, started as pre-med then quickly switched to computer science. My older brother had just earned his master’s degree in computer science, so it was an easy decision. State Farm is actually my third job after college. The minute I came to State Farm, I knew this was a great place to work. When we say, ‘Like a Good Neighbor,’ it’s not a tagline. It’s the truth. Here it’s family.”

The impact:

"My philosophy has always been, when you learn, teach. When you get, give. People saw potential in me. They said, ‘You CAN do this.’ I stayed on the path. As a leader in tech, my focus is on the workforce – identifying talent, building skillsets, extending our brand to colleges and universities across the country and sponsoring STEM programs like Girls Who Code in Atlanta. When I look at my grandma, mother, myself and my two strong, intelligent daughters, I’m thrilled by the progress we’ve made and what’s to come. Ten years ago, when I attended tech conferences there was no line for the ladies restroom. Today, there’s a line! As women we’re blazing a trail. It’s about goals, not excuses. Remember, you are not a victim. You are in control. If my story helps inspire more women to make their dreams a reality, it’s my responsibility to share it."

Ines Halloran  _________________________________________________ State Farm® Technology Executive (Tenure: 29 years)

"The harder the issue, the better. Give me the tough stuff. I like challenge! I’ve had a passion for math and science since I was little. I grew up in Germany, near Munich and met my husband when he was stationed here. We moved to the United States in the '80s, and I began an internship with State Farm in 1990. The moment I walked in the door, I realized this place is special. In Europe, business is formal, structured and traditional. The State Farm culture is creative, friendly and open to ideas. Originally, I thought this would be a short-term way to get experience. I had no intention of being an executive. But people pulled me in, gave me opportunities – and I seized them. As technology evolves, we need more people in the industry, including women. Just as my peers said to me, 'You CAN do this, we BELIEVE in you,' – today, I’m mentoring the next generation – helping them see themselves as a true competitor in this field. By sharing our stories, we inspire more women to come into the pipeline.”

The impact:

In April, Ines will be honored as one of this year’s Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Tech. The award, presented by the National Diversity Council, recognizes the achievements of women with a proven track record for breaking barriers, driving change and inspiring others to succeed.

“I’m thrilled to receive this honor and represent State Farm,” said Ines. “It’s awesome to show the rest of the world State Farm is part of the technology conversation. To all the women out there: Be bold. Be at the table. Challenge your own bias and celebrate success. You can do this.”

For DeWayne Griffin, that person was his next-door neighbor. In fifth grade, he moved next to the Brindzas. These neighbors, especially Mrs. Brindza who was an English teacher, had a huge impact on his life.

The teacher inspired a lifetime love of reading and learning and actually gave him his first car. It seems DeWayne was destined to be inspired by Mrs. Brindza. If he had never moved, she would have been his English teacher at his old school.

"Mrs. Brindza was a huge role model for me. Though, no doubt, my mom was my number one role model," DeWayne shared.

For Becky Leach, the mentor she was destined to meet was DeWayne.

Becky first met DeWayne at a high school long jump pit. Even though he coached a different school, DeWayne went out of his way to help Becky get a better distance.

Their paths continued to cross. Becky studied Information Systems and became an intern at State Farm where DeWayne is a tech exec. He became her formal mentor.

“He always pushed me to be authentic and empathetic and bring my best self to whatever I did,” Becky said.

She took a full-time job with State Farm. Eventually, as destiny would have it, both she and DeWayne ended up at the company’s Atlanta Hub.

“Throughout my State Farm career, I had great roles, teams and role models,” Becky shared. “But, I came to realize in this city with so much opportunity, I only knew State Farm.”

When she made the decision to accept a tech role at another company, she wanted to tell her long-time mentor, in person.

“He was so supportive and encouraging, like always. He did say he hopes my path brings me back to State Farm one day,” Becky said. “I was nervous going into the meeting, but DeWayne helped me leave confident.”

DeWayne understands the importance of mentorship, encouragement and support. He is where he is today because of others, like Mrs. Brindza, who guided him. He believes it’s something leaders should do “no matter what.”

This servant leader philosophy is one of the many reasons Women in Technology (WIT) chose DeWayne – a man - to receive the first ever Build Her Up Award.

The Atlanta organization empowers women and girls to take charge of their science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) careers from the schoolroom to the boardroom. WIT hosts an annual awards gala celebrating female visionaries in the tech space.

“I’ve had a lot of leaders in my life. When I heard about this award, he was literally the first person who came to mind,” said Becky, a WIT member. “I can think of 100 reasons why he deserves it. Even though I’m no longer at State Farm, DeWayne continues to help me, and so many others, with our careers.”

DeWayne hopes the people he mentors will continue to pay it forward for the next generation. As destiny would have it, that generation includes his 14-year-old daughter. She’s interested in a STEAM career.

She found safety and skills there, too.

Deja participated in the Outreach Program through Perennial, a nonprofit that teaches creative skills by reusing materials to make something new. Perennial partners with local programs supporting women in transition, such as former prisoners or survivors of domestic violence or homelessness.

“When we started Perennial, I had done work that served former prisoners and homeless vets. I found it was a fundamental tie to what they were going through – trying to rebuild their lives and transferring that into fixing something and being creative with it,” says Perennial Founder and Executive Director Jenny Murphy.

When Deja first started coming to the shop, she knew exactly what she wanted to make.

“She has really great ideas. Often times, we have people who are more timid. She was ready to create,” Jenny says. With the help of Jenny, Deja made a colorful display for her sunglasses.

“The Outreach Program is a safe space,” Deja says. “With the life experiences I’ve had, I’ve been searching for places I could feel safe. That’s exactly what Perennial is for a lot of women.

“Honestly, it’s going to sound clichéd, but everyone at Perennial is family.”

Jenny founded Perennial as a way to provide a space for people to reuse old, broken, castoff materials and make something new and useful with them.

“My background is in art, so I had this foundation of experience that allowed me to find uses for discarded materials. Without much money for resources, I could make spaces and clothing I wanted,” she says. “There’s so much trash, so I wanted to find a commercial application for it where it’s a community project to educate people and teach those skills.”

Perennial hosts classes for a slew of DIY projects – from home and garden to sewing and fashion to woodworking, upholstery, textiles. Not only do participants get a great piece they made, they can take those new skills and apply them elsewhere.

“Everyone comes from different backgrounds there, but you would think we grew up together. We find common ground and that makes us realize we’re not that different. We all love art,” Deja says.

“Perennial, in so many ways, has saved me. Being from this city, it’s something I never knew was here. It makes me look at my city completely differently. We do have these amazing programs and now I know that. I’m grateful, eternally grateful, for what I’ve gotten out of this program,” she says.

Perennial received a $25,000 State Farm Neighborhood Assist^® grant in 2018 to help impact more lives in their community. Part of the State Farm Neighborhood of Good^® initiative, State Farm Neighborhood Assist is back for its eighth year in 2019. The program awards $25,000 grants to 40 nonprofit organizations to help fund neighborhood education, safety and community development projects.

Cause submissions will be accepted starting June 5 and will end once 2,000 submissions are reached. The voting phase will follow from Aug. 14-23, where the public can vote for their favorite cause from the list of 200 finalists. The 40 winners will be announced Sept. 25. To submit a cause, visit the Neighborhood Assist website.

As State Farm launched their new drone program to better assist customers after storm damage, they needed to recruit and train employees to become drone pilots. And they wanted the best of the best.

To the surprise of no one, Jessica Hodge, Joy Hillsman-Caffie and Shelley Cole rose to the top of the list. They are three of the six drone pilots for State Farm who are women.

The news of her selection came as a shock to Jessica, an eight-year State Farm claims specialist.

When I found out, I was excited and up for the challenge,” shared Jessica. “I consider myself an early adopter of the technology. State Farm is one of the first insurance companies to use drones and I’m one of the first drone pilots for State Farm. It’s cool to be on the cutting edge.”

Shelley had worked in Claims for just shy of 30 years when she was tapped on the shoulder to join the elite team. She was enthusiastic about the new adventure.

“It’s been quite the experience. It makes me feel like I’m really leading the way for other women,” Shelley said. “It also gave me a bit of an upper hand. As a female catastrophe claims specialist (which is a male dominated role), working with contractors (which is a male dominated job), being a drone pilot gave me a different level of respect.”

Joy is one of the lucky people in the world whose hobby became a career. After she heard about the drone program, she decided she wanted in. Recently introduced to drones herself, the 13-year employee made a few phone calls and advocated for herself. She officially passed her license test in the fall of 2017.

“Having to fight for something you want makes it sweeter. It’s also very cool being one of the women drone pilots at State Farm,” shared Joy. “We are really at the forefront of the industry and it’s great to be a part of that.”

Even better, her son who loves all things tech, thinks she’s pretty cool, too. “He says I’m one of his super heroes.”

Together they are defying statistics and helping customers recover from the unexpected.

As State Farm launched their new drone program to better assist customers after storm damage, they needed to recruit and train employees to become drone pilots. And they wanted the best of the best.

To the surprise of no one, Jessica Hodge, Joy Hillsman-Caffie and Shelley Cole rose to the top of the list. They are three of the six drone pilots for State Farm who are women.

The news of her selection came as a shock to Jessica, an eight-year State Farm claims specialist.

When I found out, I was excited and up for the challenge,” shared Jessica. “I consider myself an early adopter of the technology. State Farm is one of the first insurance companies to use drones and I’m one of the first drone pilots for State Farm. It’s cool to be on the cutting edge.”

Shelley had worked in Claims for just shy of 30 years when she was tapped on the shoulder to join the elite team. She was enthusiastic about the new adventure.

“It’s been quite the experience. It makes me feel like I’m really leading the way for other women,” Shelley said. “It also gave me a bit of an upper hand. As a female catastrophe claims specialist (which is a male dominated role), working with contractors (which is a male dominated job), being a drone pilot gave me a different level of respect.”

Joy is one of the lucky people in the world whose hobby became a career. After she heard about the drone program, she decided she wanted in. Recently introduced to drones herself, the 13-year employee made a few phone calls and advocated for herself. She officially passed her license test in the fall of 2017.

“Having to fight for something you want makes it sweeter. It’s also very cool being one of the women drone pilots at State Farm,” shared Joy. “We are really at the forefront of the industry and it’s great to be a part of that.”

Even better, her son who loves all things tech, thinks she’s pretty cool, too. “He says I’m one of his super heroes.”

Together they are defying statistics and helping customers recover from the unexpected.

“I worked for someone who was focused on ensuring women were included. I would call women who were capable and qualified for certain positions and nine times out of 10 they would turn us down. They said they didn’t think they were qualified,” the president and CEO of the conference says.

“It was difficult to get women to apply. That bothered me. I would spend time convincing women – women who were running companies and doing very well in the corporate environment – that they were qualified.”

Finally, in 2015, Arlene committed to creating a conference for women to learn from other successful women how to succeed in leadership, entrepreneurship and more. Arlene strives to find speakers and panelists in Florida who have cleared hurdles and are open and honest about how they achieved their success.

“It’s finding women like that who truly connect and do in a way women will react to,” Arlene says.

The conference also hosts the College Women on the Rise program. This program invites college women to participate in a day of workshops such as resume writing, interviewing skills and financial literacy, along with panel discussions with young, professional women.

State Farm^® sponsors the college women to attend, this year sending 55 women. Before the conference, the students are asked to write a 500-word essay describing an accomplishment, event or realization that sparked a period of personal growth. State Farm awarded the top five essay writers a $1,000 scholarship.

Megan Morano attended the College Women on the Rise program and the conference, and took the advice she heard to heart.

“One of the speakers, Carla Harris said, ‘Fear is false evidence of things appearing real.’ For me, as a woman in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), it opened my eyes that we don’t have to be afraid of what we want. It’s empowering to know I can walk into a room without fear and have the confidence to change what people are thinking,” says the Florida Polytechnic University student. Megan is a sophomore majoring in business analytics: logistics and supply chain.

Megan first became interested in STEM because of her older brother.

“He basically raised me and we bonded over stuff he was doing in college. I loved that experience and wanted to pursue it,” she says. “Being in the STEM field is interesting. Sometimes I’m the only girl in class, but I love a challenge and to be able to say I have ideas that are just as good as yours.”

Shreyam Ranjan, freshman biological sciences major at Hillsborough Community College, was motivated and inspired by the conference.

“There were so many successful women who could stand up for themselves and take charge of their own lives,” Shreyam says. “That made me want to attend the conference. Coming from a traditional Indian household, that’s opposite of the environment I grew up in.”

Shreyam wrote her essay about her traditional Indian upbringing and the culture shock after moving to the United States. Both Shreyam and Megan won a State Farm scholarship for their essays.

“I saw women taking a stand against the many injustices that women faced. I began to see how women are allowed to voice their opinions and provide for themselves financially, something I had never seen before,” Shreyam said in her essay.

Shreyam adds, “Being in the STEM field pushes me forward and makes me not feel afraid. Even if it is a male-dominated field, women don’t have to feel less. There’s so much more you can do and be.”

Arlene says the college portion of the program teaches important skills to women dealing with issues every day. “We show the importance of networking and how women can define themselves to someone else,” she says. ”The sessions are educational and provide them with the tools they need to leave the conference and go out and find a job or open an investment account or put together their resume.

“It is powerful for these young women to see there are women supporting them and focusing on issues we hope we can rectify so they aren’t encountering them when they are in the workforce. It’s helping them begin to start thinking about the next step and how to present themselves in a work environment.”

My voice is strong

Knowing what I know now I would never have gone

Into the arms of a man who had never grown

As Dawn read aloud her poem, her words were punctuated by painful sounds only she could hear: a car door slamming, tires screeching. She offered to share her story, “Because by doing so I can help to break the cycle of abuse.”

Violence comes home

Not long after her marriage, Dawn began to notice frightening changes in her husband’s behavior. “He would come home from work and you could just feel the tension,” she says. “Suddenly you had a drill sergeant in the house.”

“All of us, but especially the children, experienced a lot of verbal and physical abuse,” Dawn continued. “My older kids (from a previous marriage) were only seven and eight then, but he whipped them and made them do push-ups to punish them. He tied my son to the bed with plastic handcuffs. It was like a nightmare.”

This part of Dawn’s story reached its end on a quiet Saturday morning in San Antonio, Texas. Dawn’s husband was already in a rage.

“I don’t like to argue, so I just let him talk,” she says. “Then I walked outside to get something out of the car and he followed and jumped into the driver’s seat. I was reaching into the passenger’s side of the car, with our two-year-old son on my hip, when he slammed the car in reverse. I thought he was going to run us over so I took off for the house and locked the door.”

As Dawn’s husband pounded on their patio door, she waited for the police. “That was the last straw,” she says. “I packed a duffel bag of things and we never looked back.”

No more bullying or fights before my sight . . .

Finding hope and the right help

After moving to St. Louis, Mo., Dawn found family support and the strength to begin a new life. She connected with Family Resource Center’s Redevelopment Opportunities for Women (ROW) programs.

ROW is a comprehensive set of programs providing the tools domestic violence survivors need to regain control of their lives and break the cycle of abuse and financial hardship. ROW's Economic Action program, supported by State Farm, includes financial literacy, budgeting, saving, credit counseling, as well as a variety of family and emotional counseling support services.

“Dawn is definitely a survivor,” says Suvekshya Joshi, a former ROW Family and Economic Advocate. “She took our parenting and finance classes and qualified for our Individual Development Account (IDA) program. She put her job earnings into a special account where we matched her savings two-for-one so she could purchase a car. Now we meet regularly to work on budgeting, and then we talk about her children.”

The toll of domestic abuse

Domestic abuse has a profoundly widespread, damaging effect. In the U.S. alone, more than 38 million women have experienced physical violence from partners. (CDC). Men who were exposed to domestic violence as children are three to four times more likely to commit it themselves as adults. (Source: World Health Organization).

Financial hardship plays a large role in perpetuating the cycle of abuse. Eighty-five percent of women who leave an abusive relationship return (Forbes), with financial issues being a leading factor in those decisions. Studies have shown women who connect to programs such as ROW are better able to leave their abusive relationships and feel safer, more independent, and more in control of their own lives. (Huffington Post)

Strength finds a new home

My bruises are gone

My thoughts are clear

My inspiration is always near . . .

Looking into those little eyes gave me hope

Dawn’s children have been in counseling for depression, but they are doing well, she says. “My kids keep me motivated. They see how I struggle with finances and keeping our family together, but I tell them, ‘As long as I have air in my lungs, I am going to keep on fighting.’”

And fight she will – not just for herself, but for all women. “My dream,” she says proudly, “is to open a non-profit to help women return to independence after living with an abuser.”

My name is Strength.

Editor’s note: If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic abuse, please seek help. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

Davidds is the founder and CEO of the Latina Global Executive Leadership and Entrepreneur Institute (LGELP) at University of Southern California. It is a unique leadership training that addresses the sociocultural realities of today's emerging corporate Latina women leaders and helps them reach their full potential.

Offered by the Latina Leadership Institute (LLI), the LGELP is unlike other leadership development programs. It is taught by faculty scholars and practitioners with real-world insights to experiences professional Latinas face in the workplace

Dr. Davidds inspires women across the globe to take control of their lives, education and their dreams. These accomplishments and her continued work empowering women is why Davidds was honored on the Together stage as LA’s “Dream Achiever.”

“A ‘Dream Achiever’ is a woman who rejected the status quo and refocused her life to reflect her passion,” shared Michelle Hare from State Farm Marketing. “She is a woman who takes chances, follows her heart and believes in empowering others.”

Together is a six-city tour convening women across generations and backgrounds for six nights of storytelling focused on creating community, well-being, purpose and action. State Farm is a primary sponsor of the tour and will honor a Dream Achiever at each stop along the Together tour.

“The Together tour is about bringing women together to celebrate love, build community and take action. Through storytelling, Together aims to help people feel less alone in their lives,” said Jennifer Rudolph Walsh, who leads WME’s Literary Division and is producing the tour. “Our work with State Farm to honor Dream Achievers is the ultimate culmination of the Together mission. Dr. Davidds is inspiring and courageous -- a true example of what it means to live in your purpose and follow your dreams.”

More than 2,000 women gathered at the Pantages Theater for friendship, empowerment, and action. Core speakers included Glennon Doyle Melton, Seane Corn, Dr. Jacqui Lewis and Valarie Kaur, with celebrity guest appearances from Abby Wambach and Geena Rocero.

“Together is a movement bringing new ideas, influencers, and organizations together,” shared Hare. “Yasmin is the epitome of a Dream Achiever. She personifies what we hope for all the women attending the Together tour.”

In her next career role she helped people who had fallen behind on their financial obligations and save for retirement. But deep down, she felt she could do more. She wanted to help people before they fell into economic hardship.

Melody realized sound financial decisions are a result of early education. Unfortunately, the majority of the people she encountered did not have that education and were not equipped to make those important decisions. They not only struggled to make ends meet, but often were forced to put dreams and life goals on hold.

In 2005 Melody took a leap of faith. She left her secure job to start Financial Beginnings (FB).The non-profit provides unbiased, personal financial education to young people.

In 2015, the organization reached more than 34,000 youth and adults in Oregon and Washington. FB shares its financial literacy curriculum with 151 schools and 56 community organizations across both states.

Melody didn’t stop there. She revived the Oregon Jump$tart Coalition and took part in creating statewide financial education standards. Today, financial literacy is a Social Science Core Standard in Oregon.

Melody took a chance, rejected the status quo and followed her heart. Now her life reflects her passion for helping and empowering others. She is a Dream Achiever.

It’s an epidemic and can be found everywhere. Fortunately there are people like Paula Austin who are taking a stand against domestic violence.

On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States, according to the National Coalition against Domestic Violence. That’s more than 10 million women and men a year. Additionally, one in 15 children is exposed to domestic violence.

One New Jersey organization, Soroptimist International of Cumberland County, Inc. (SICC), created a unique way to raise domestic violence awareness and show it can happen in anyone’s community.

“Two years ago, SICC was given a plot of land in Bridgeton City Park which we transformed into the Soroptimist Peace and Tranquility Garden,” explains State Farm Agent Paula Austin, a Soroptimist member.

“The Garden is a space to remind community members domestic violence is a major problem, and to support victims. SICC members created the Garden. Local high school students help with the upkeep.”

Best for women

Soroptimist translates to “best for women” in Latin. SICC, which is one of more than 30,000 clubs in 130 countries, will celebrate its 80^th anniversary in 2017. Paula is proud to be a 25 year member, joining just after she became an agent.

“My parents were always involved in community service organizations and politics. They taught me the importance of volunteerism,” says Paula. “I campaigned for JFK when I was just eleven years old.”

"Paula is a valuable member of SICC. She has initiated and participated in several projects which have directly impacted local women and girls, as well as those in other countries,” shared SICC Project Chair Carol Hutton. "She has worked directly on projects focused on domestic violence, women's health issues, and empowering women to provide financial support for their families."

In addition to the Garden, SICC members hold candlelight vigils in remembrance of domestic violence victims and recently added a moving memorial. The memorial features silhouettes of a mother and child, sitting in front of various local businesses throughout the year.

“It serves as a reminder that domestic violence exists in our very own community,” shared Paula.

To further empower women, SICC created Launch for Success. The program provides classes for women entering or re-entering the workplace.

Local professors teach valuable job skills, such as goal setting, resume writing, and interview tips. Many SICC members, like Paula, serve as mentors and share their personal and professional journeys.

“Our mission is to help girls and women improve their lives,” says Paula. “I’m grateful for the opportunities I have and want to help others’ lives go right.”