Women’s Council for Philanthropy
Changing the face of philanthropy through leadership, scholarship, and mentorship — investing in the students and future of Jackson State University.
Greetings from Dr. Rhea Williams-Bishop
It is indeed a pleasure to serve as the Chair of this illustrious group, the Women’s Council for Philanthropy here at Jackson State University, my “dear ole college home.” As a three time graduate, I never dreamed that when I first set foot on this campus as a child with my daddy and my uncle, that I would obtain all of my degrees here on full scholarship, meet and marry my college sweetheart, develop lifelong friendships, or become chair of the Women’s Council. All of this was made possible by the loving nurturing atmosphere and rigorous engaging environment of this great university. JSU has become my second family, and because so many opportunities were afforded me here, I have felt compelled to give back. I am reminded of the scripture: “To whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48).
The definition of philanthropy that best captures it is found in the Collins English Dictionary as “altruistic concern for human welfare and advancement, usually manifested by donations of money, property, or work to needy persons, by endowment of institutions of learning and hospitals, and by generosity to other socially useful purposes.” Members of this Council embody this definition and are dedicated to giving back to Jackson State University through contributions of time, talent, and treasure.
We ask that you join us in our efforts to serve the university and deserving students. You can donate to the Women’s Council Endowed Scholarship Fund through the JSU Development Foundation, Inc., join our Butterfly Society, and/or support our public events and fundraisers. All of these donations are tax deductible and will be used to provide students in need with scholarship funds.
- Chair
- Rhea Williams-Bishop, Ph.D.
- Staff Liaison
- Yolanda R. Owens
yolanda.r.owens@jsums.edu - Phone
- (601) 979-2282
- Mission Focus
- Leadership, Scholarship & Mentorship
- Parent Division
- Division of Institutional Advancement
- Giving
- JSU Giving Portal
“If we have the courage and tenacity of our forebearers who stood firmly like a rock against the lash of slavery, we shall find a way to do for our day what they did for theirs. I leave you love. I leave you hope. I leave you the challenge of developing confidence in one another. I leave you a thirst for education. I leave you a respect for the use of power. I leave you faith. I leave you racial dignity. I leave you a desire to live harmoniously with your fellow men. I leave you finally, a responsibility to our young people.”
— Mary McLeod Bethune, as shared by Dr. Rhea Williams-Bishop, Chair
Investing in JSU students & our community
The Women’s Council for Philanthropy works to change the face of philanthropy by encouraging individuals from diverse backgrounds to see themselves as philanthropists through leadership, scholarship, and mentorship.
The Butterfly Society
Please support the Jackson State University Women’s Council by joining the Butterfly Society, which provides essential financial support for the mentorship and leadership programs designed for Council scholars. An annual membership may be designated for yourself or as a gift in honor of a special woman in your life.
Annual membership levels
Payment options
Checks for membership should be made payable to the JSUDF Women’s Council for Philanthropy. Please write “Women’s Council Butterfly Society” on the memo line of the check. Checks may be delivered to the Division of Institutional Advancement in the H.P. Jacobs Administration Tower on the main campus at 1400 John R. Lynch Street, Jackson, Miss., or mailed to:
Jackson State University
Development Foundation Women’s Council for Philanthropy
P.O. Box 17144
Jackson, MS 39217
For more information, contact the WCP staff liaison, Yolanda R. Owens, at (601) 979-2282 or yolanda.r.owens@jsums.edu.
Join the Butterfly Society2023–2024 student ambassadors
The Women’s Council for Philanthropy Student Ambassadors are selected annually based on academic merit and community service during their matriculation at Jackson State University. Ambassadors plan and implement various monthly philanthropic activities to encourage giving to JSU and in the community.
Luncheon honorees
Click the video links below to hear the acceptance speech from each honoree. The event is sold out; however, you may still give a tax-deductible gift that will assist with increasing scholarship opportunities for deserving students.
2023 Luncheon — Event Update
The event is sold out. However, you may still give a tax-deductible gift that will assist with increasing scholarship opportunities for deserving students and supporting continued student achievement.
Make a difference for JSU students today
Your gift supports the Women’s Council Endowed Scholarship Fund and the future of deserving JSU students.
Contact Women’s Council for Philanthropy
H.P. Jacobs Administration Tower
1400 John R. Lynch Street, Jackson, MS 39217
Jackson, MS 39217