Building a Legacy
The power of bequests and the unique sisterhood that is the Foundation
“Connecting the past to the present is an essential element to achieve a creative future,” says Foundation board member Carolyn Britton, MD, MS. “The continuity and connection of the experiences of those before helps to define today.”
It is that core philosophy that drives the Women in Medicine Legacy Foundation who preserves and promotes the unique legacy left by women in the field of medicine.
The primary focus goes toward telling the amazing stories of these pioneers, as well as recognizing their achievements. In doing so, we are adding to a collective legacy.
An effective way to support that legacy is through bequests.
“[A bequest] is a reflection of what you and your family value, as well as an opportunity to make a significant impact,” says Terry Sylvester Charron, Senior Director at BNY Mellon Wealth Management.
Choosing which organization to benefit with a bequest is a direct reflection on the donor’s interests, a choice that can propel that interest forward to the next generation. Charron guides donors in planning investments with the goal of a return that allows them to give even more money, either during lifetime or upon their death.
“Making a bequest is not just about writing a check,” Charron says. “It’s getting involved and making an impact on that organization.”
BNY Mellon Wealth Management is hosting this year’s Alma Dea Morani Renaissance Woman Awardpresentation, and their equal commitment to legacy makes them an ideal partner.
The event will be held on November 7, 2018, where the Foundation will present Dr. Margaret Hamburg, president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, with the award.
In addition to this award, the Foundation also supports an oral history program that features female trailblazers in medicine and research, available through the Countway Library of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, as well as fellowships for researchers.
As an organization committed to legacy, the Foundation offers a bequest program.
Named after one of the first students at the Female Medical College of Pennsylvania, the Hannah E. Myers Longshore, MD, Society recognizes donors who have named the Foundation a beneficiary of their estate through their wills, trusts, or other planned giving vehicles.
“Bequests play an integral role in the important and ongoing mission of the Women in Medicine Legacy Foundation,” says Victoria Burkhart, executive director. “These generous gifts from our members and supporters perpetuate a legacy of courage and distinction.”
For additional information on contributing to the Foundation, please contact Executive Director Victoria Burkhart at admin@wimlf.org or 610-850-0154.
If the mission isn’t one that you feel fits your interests, please contact BNY Mellon Wealth Management’s Terry Charron at terry.charron@bnymellon.com for more information on how you can leave a legacy.
About The Women in Medicine Legacy Foundation
The Women in Medicine Legacy Foundation, formerly the Foundation for the History of Women in Medicine, was founded with the strong belief that understanding our history plays a powerful role in shaping our future. The resolute stand women took to establish their place in these fields propels our vision forward. We serve as stewards to the stories from the past, and take pride in sharing them with the women of today. Our mission is to preserve and promote the history of women in medicine and the medical sciences, and we look forward to connecting you to our collective legacy that will empower our future.
About BNY Mellon Wealth Management
BNY Mellon Wealth Management is a leading wealth manager, ranked a Top 10 U.S. Wealth Manager by Barron’s in 2017. The firm has more than two centuries of experience in providing services to financially successful individuals and families, and their charitable and business enterprises. BNY Mellon Wealth Management provides investment management, custody, wealth and estate planning and private banking services through an extensive network of offices in the U.S. and internationally. For more information contact Janice Sturchio, Senior Wealth Director, at 617-248-3108 or janice.sturchio@bnymellon.com.