DETROIT, March 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan Women's Foundation (MWF) announced today their newly elected board of trustees for the 2011-2012 term. The board is comprised of influential businesswomen, from across the state of Michigan, committed to providing direction and support for the education, leadership development and economic funding of women and women-owned businesses through effective programming and resources.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110302/DE57937 )

"The organization has made such progress in creating new opportunities in leadership and financial security for women. This is such a key time in getting the work done and I am very honored and excited to serve as chair for the next two years. I am delighted to continue with such a talented board that does so much good for the women of Michigan," said Terry Merritt, MWF chair, 2009-2012.

Over the years, the MWF and the board of trustees have focused on three key areas of the organization:

• Educating women about the important issues that affect them and their families – MWF is leading an effort to publicize and stop the exploitation of young girls over the internet and beyond
• Creating the next generation of women leaders – MWF developed the Women for Change program (for high school girls), the NextGen Project (for women in their 20s and 30s) and Camp Moxie, a summer leadership camp for girls
• Creating economic security for women and their businesses – MWF recently established the Angel Loan Fund for Women to provide much needed financial support to economically disadvantaged women-owned businesses in challenged and underserved areas of Michigan

The MWF also hosts the state's Women of Achievement and Courage Awards every year. This year's recipients are Marian Ilitch and Denise Ilitch who will receive the Trillium Award for Lifetime Achievement on March 29, 2011 at the Motor City Casino in Detroit and on April 12, 2011 at the Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids.  Also receiving Women of Achievement and Courage Awards will be Carol Goss, Cecile Cove Fehsenfeld and Terri Lynn Land. 

About Michigan Women's Foundation

Thirty women, with a shared vision from various Michigan communities, established the Michigan Women's Foundation in 1986, to support programs that meet the special needs of women and girls.  MWF is a statewide foundation committed to building the new generation of leaders and philanthropists by providing support, grants and programs.  Over the last 25 years, MWF has raised and awarded more than $3.2 million to over 540 programs impacting the lives of women and girls in areas including education, health, poverty, violence and discrimination.

MWF's Power of 100 Women was founded in 2009, and with over 150 current members, the statewide group of women leaders support MWF with their financial and intellectual resources.

SOURCE The Michigan Women's Foundation