Hattiesburg Women Leading Change

Hattiesburg is home to many inspiring women leading nonprofit organizations. From those running food pantries to those directing youth mentorship programs, these women are addressing some of the most pressing local issues. Future posts will highlight their vital work, challenges, and successes in making Hattiesburg a stronger community.

SUSAN BROADBRIDGE/HATTIESBURG AMERICAN

These nonprofits contribute significantly to the social and economic well-being of Hattiesburg. According to the Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy, the nonprofit sector employs approximately 10% of the state’s workforce, generating millions in local economic impact. In Hattiesburg, nonprofits like Christian Services, the United Way of Southeast Mississippi, and the Edwards Street Fellowship Center serve thousands of residents every year, addressing needs such as food insecurity, healthcare access, education, and housing.

Locally, the need for nonprofit services continues to grow:

• Food Insecurity – In Forrest and Lamar counties, 15.8% of residents face food insecurity, a rate higher than the national average of 12.5%.

• Healthcare Access – Over 14% of residents in Hattiesburg lack health insurance, making nonprofit health clinics crucial.

• Poverty Rate – Nearly 30% of Hattiesburg’s population lives below the poverty line, compared to the national rate of 11.5%.

Nonprofits fill these gaps, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive essential services that contribute to a stronger community.

This blog will be dedicated to telling the stories of women leading change in the nonprofit sector here in Hattiesburg. We invite you to follow along as we explore their contributions, struggles, and victories.

Are you a woman working in a nonprofit in Hattiesburg? We'd love to hear your story! Contact us to be featured in an upcoming post.

Stay tuned for more spotlights and insights on how women are shaping the future of our city through nonprofit work.