Women for Progress of MS, Inc. - Founded 1978.
Mission: Advocacy, Awareness, and Action.
Vision: A Mississippi where informed communities collaborate to create a just society for all.
Our Vision & Mission
Vision
A Mississippi where informed communities collaborate to create a just society for all.
Mission
To serve as a catalyst by informing, educating, and empowering communities on key issues.
Focus
Highlighting women's achievements and fostering dialogue that leads to positive action.
Impact
Creating platforms for diverse voices and building consensus around shared goals.
Our Radio Programs
Women for Progress Radio Show
Thursdays 5:30-6:30pm. Platform for political action and community engagement.
The Working Woman Report
Wednesdays 12-1pm. Illuminating women's work throughout Mississippi.
Legally Speaking
Mondays 6-7pm. Legal experts discuss issues impacting Mississippians.
SEE WEBSITE for full line up of shows: All shows stream live on YouTube, Facebook LIVE @womenforprogressms, and www.womenforprogressradio.com; Audio available Spreaker, SoundCloud, iHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify,
More Powerful Programming
1
The Fortune Report
1st & 3rd Wednesdays 5:30-6:30pm. Trending news, community impact and civic engagement.
2
History Matters
3rd Thursdays 5:30-6:30pm. Exploring our past and connecting with our present.
3
Man Cave Edition
4th Thursdays 5:30pm. Men discussing politics, education, economy and cultural awareness.
4
Truth2Power with Angie
Tuesdays. Unapologetic voice for Black women in Mississippi.
5
Real, Resourced and Rested
1st & 3rd Thursdays 7-8pm. Financial wellness and empowerment for women.
6
New Here
Dialogue for the curious and communal, exploring identity and belonging in the South.
7
The Table w/Waikinya Clanton
Smart conversations about issues that matter.
8
Becoming the Lead with Andrea Rodgers
Coming May 2026, 7:00pm.
Our programs create platforms for honest conversations about issues affecting Mississippi communities.
Our Rich History
1
1978
Women for Progress of MS, Inc. chartered on May 11, 1978 as a non-profit, non-partisan organization under Dorothy T. Stewart's leadership.
2
Early Years
Supported civil rights legend Henry Kirksey, leading to major changes in state and local government.
3
Growth
Attracted diverse individuals using their time, talent, and treasure to develop the organization.
4
Today
Continues as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness, and action through media and community engagement.
Dorothy T. Stewart: Founder & Visionary
Founded Women for Progress
Established Women for Progress of MS, Inc. on May 11, 1978.
Community Improvement
Established the organization as a non-profit, non-partisan community improvement organization.
"Catalysts for Change"
Pioneered the "Catalysts for Change" philosophy.
Early Political Action
Led the organization's early political action work supporting civil rights legend Henry Kirksey.
Lasting Legacy
Created a legacy of advocacy, awareness, and action that continues to impact Mississippi communities.
Foundation for Programs
Her leadership established the foundation for all current programs and initiatives.
Our Committees & Focus Areas
1
Political Power & Engagement Committee
Informs and engages individuals, increases voter participation and registration.
2
Economic Development Committee
Promotes and supports women of color in business and entrepreneurship.
3
Education Committee
Creates strategies for quality educational services and teacher support.
4
Cultural Awareness Committee
Encourages arts, culture and creative economy through events like Kwanzaa and Women's History Month.
5
Membership Development Committee
Recruits and retains members, manages communications.
6
Women for Progress Political Action Committee (PAC)
Separate committee supporting political engagement efforts.
Core Projects & Initiatives
1
Women for Progress Radio Network
Executive Producer: Juanita S. Brown.
2
Women for Progress Lunch & Learn
Educational forums and workshops.
3
Women for Progress Political & Education Forums
Community dialogue and civic engagement.
4
Women for Progress Cookbook: A Tribute to Womanhood
Historical and cultural documentation ($20.00).
5
Project Aspire Youth Leadership Institute
Career education and business world exposure for youth.
6
Kwanzaa Celebration
Annual celebration of African American history and heritage.
7
Dorothy Stewart Samuel Scholarship Fund
Supporting educational advancement.
8
Sankofa Book Club
Auxiliary reading group promoting cultural advancement.
9
Women's Business & Entrepreneurs Network
Supporting women in business and economic development.
Our Major Thrusts
Political Action
Making the political system more responsive through voter registration, voter awareness, and civic engagement.
Education
Disseminating facts and information to ensure fair and equitable treatment for all.
Leadership and Empowerment
Developing leaders through voluntarism and community service.
Economic Development
Facilitating growth of minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurship.
The Status of the African American Family
Facilitating upward mobility of women in all facets of society.
Cultural Advancement
Eradicating stereotypes and celebrating African American history and heritage.
Our Symbols & Values
Women for Progress uses powerful symbols to represent our mission and values.
Nefertiti Statue
Represents the majesty of womanhood and is our award for recognizing excellence and achievement. Nefertiti, one of the best known Nubian Queens, symbolizes strong family units based on love and respect.
Royal Purple Flower
Represents leadership and is worn by our members.
Gold
Signifies wisdom - the power to eliminate ignorance, superstition and fear.
Guiding Principle
"The worth of an individual is determined by the depth of his/her convictions, the height of his/her ambitions, the breadth of his/her vision."
Servant Leaders
We are servant leaders, nitty-gritty doers, detail tenders, risk takers, sharers, team players, organizers and mobilizers.
Our Catalytic Approach
Inform
Provide accurate, accessible information about policies and issues impacting Mississippi communities.
Educate
Offer in-depth analysis and historical perspective on critical issues facing our state.
Empower
Highlight women's achievements and inspire leadership through our programming.
Action
Encourage community involvement and advocacy for positive policy changes.
Our Catalytic Core & Committee Leadership
Catalytic Core
Willie Jones, President; Angela Stewart, Vice-President
Theresa Brady, Treasurer; Juanita Brown - VP Public Relations
Irene German, Historian; Zakiya Summers, Legislative Liaison;
Theresa Kennedy, Community Liaison
Women's Business Network
Tonya Ware, Executive Director
Women for Progress (PAC)
Attorney Kyra Roby, Interim Executive Director
Education
Dr. Tashewa Hill, Executive Director
5
Voter Services
Open
6
Cultural Awareness
Angela Stewart
7
Other Key Leadership Roles
Editor WFP Newsletter: Andrea Rodgers
Lunch & Learn Committee: Leona Bishop & Felicia Kelly Brookins
Sankofa Book Club: Monica Stewart Wilson, Angela Stewart
Event Setup & Staging: Lynette Myles
8
Membership Development
Directors: Mary Williams, Kim Funchess & Mandy Adams
Meet Our Radio Leadership Team
Our diverse team of hosts, producers, and leaders brings expertise from law, education, business, media, and community activism. Led by Creator Willie Jones and Executive Producer Juanita S. Brown, our team carries forward the vision established by Founder Dorothy T. Stewart. Together, we create platforms for honest conversations and drive positive change across Mississippi.
Join Us: Get Involved
Membership
Women for Progress is actively seeking women who possess an interest in voluntarism, a commitment to community service, and an interest in developing their potential. Flexible scheduling to meet the needs of busy professionals.
Listen to Our Radio
Tune in to Women for Progress Radio Network weekly on Facebook @womenforprogressms, Youtube@womenforprogressms or www.womenforprogressradio.com. Also audio available at Spreaker, SoundCloud, iHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify.
Support Our Work
Partner with us on various events & projects, advertise on our Podcast & Radio Network. Proceeds support community service activities and the mission of the organization.
Contact Us
P.O. Box 1548, Jackson, MS 39215. Phone: 601-259-6770. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.womenforprogress.net. Radio: www.womenforprogressradio.com. Facebook: @womenforprogressms; Instagram: Women4progress