Marsha Wallace

Barb Collins

Together Women Rise, then Dining for Women, was founded in Greenville, SC in 2003 by Marsha Wallace and Barb Collins – two women whose backgrounds made them uniquely called to launch a global movement that harnesses the collective action of people who share the vision for an equitable world for all.

A mother of four and a former obstetrics nurse and educator, Marsha Wallace was at a crossroads in her life when the idea for Together Women Rise originated.  She felt increasingly compelled to find a way to make a difference in the world and live with more passion. In the fall of 2002, she read an article about a group of friends who met for potluck dinners and collected donations for needy families using the money they would have otherwise spent in restaurants. Marsha was struck by the idea of using “dining out dollars” to help others. On her birthday in January 2003, she invited some friends to her home to celebrate, a hat was passed and $750 was raised for Women for Women International, a nonprofit that supports marginalized women affected by war and conflict.

Barb Collins’ invitation to her neighbor’s birthday party was the first of many serendipitous moments in Together Women Rise’s history.  Barb was raised by a father whose humility and courage was a beacon throughout her life. He taught her that true leadership begins with a code of personal values and a commitment to living to serve others. Barb devoted her career to working in the nonprofit sector and, in 1999 she took a life-altering trip to Tanzania where her father was helping to develop leadership within the Lutheran church of Tanzania.  After this experience, a flame lingered in Barb for reaching across the oceans to keep opening doors of opportunity for the remarkable women she met. In 2003, when invited to Marsha Wallace’s unusual birthday party, Barb’s passion and experience merged into her calling.

The collaboration between Marsha and Barb led to the founding of Together Women Rise and a wave of eye-opening education and awareness that spread across the country, making significant positive changes for women and girls across the globe. Together Women Rise received its 501(c)3 status in 2004. In 2005, the organization was included in a “New Ventures in Philanthropy” study on giving circles – an important milestone because it increased the young organization’s profile and led to significant growth in the years to come, and partnerships with the Peace Corps, UNICEF, and Michelle Obama’s Let Girls Learn initiative.

In 2014, Marsha and Barb were awarded the Everyday Freedom Heroes Award from the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, OH.