Catherine C.
Bestselling Author/ TEDx speaker/Philanthropy Consultant • Keynote Speaker • Women's Gender Equality Advocacy • at Catherine Curry Williams
Philanthropy
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Biography
For over two decades, Catherine Curry Williams has challenged conventional concepts of philanthropy effecting change and leaving an indelible mark on individuals and communities worldwide. As the Founder of Shane’s Inspiration, established in 1997 in memory of her son, she and her team led global initiatives to create inclusive playgrounds, uniting children of all abilities. She expanded her impact by co-founding She Angels Foundation, which awards monthly grants to grassroots organizations supporting women and girls. A fervent advocate for women's empowerment, she shares her wisdom and passion through teaching and speaking. Her impactful journey has earned her prestigious awards, including recognition as one of L’Oreal Paris’ “Women of Worth” and the Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama.
Passion
My passion is inclusion, inspiring people to embrace collective giving, and showing how even the smallest action can create a ripple effect that changes lives—including their own.
Featured Video
I am willing to travel
More than 100 miles
When it comes to payments
Everything is negotiable
Topics
Best Story
March 28, 1997, marked both the greatest joy and deepest heartbreak of my life—the birth and loss of my son, Shane. In those fleeting two weeks, I was left shattered, but from the depths of my despair, a spark of hope emerged. Determined to honor Shane’s memory, I founded *Shane’s Inspiration*, the first universally accessible playground in the western U.S., where children of all abilities could play together. What started as a single playground has grown into a global movement with over 95 inclusive play spaces across five continents.
In 2020, I was outraged to discover that women and girls receive less than 1.8% of U.S. charitable giving—less than even animals. But anger alone wouldn’t create change; it needed action. That’s when I co-founded *She Angels Foundation*, committed to leveling the playing field for women and girls through funding, mentorship, and resources.
For me, inclusion is more than just a word—it’s a call to action. I’ve learned that even the smallest steps can have transformative ripple effects, shifting lives, breaking barriers, and empowering others. My passion is to show people that no matter where you start or what you face, one simple, bold action can light the way for a better world.
Origin Story
In a world where equity and inclusion are vital topics of discussion, I came upon a startling statistic one day while searching for speaking topics that left me incredulous. The statistics claimed that women and girls in the nonprofit sector received less support than animals, accounting for under 2% of all charitable giving in the United States. Struggling to come to terms with this shocking revelation, I went on a deep dive into the issue, only to discover that the numbers were, in fact, accurate.
I decided to take action and make a difference. This marked the genesis of “She Angels Foundation,” where I envisioned a group of like-minded women pooling their resources to tackle this inequality head-on. With 27 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, having founded Shane’s Inspiration—a global nonprofit dedicated to creating social inclusion for children with disabilities—I was well-versed in the process of obtaining a 501(c)(3) status. Nevertheless, I was determined to set She Angels Foundation apart from traditional organizations.