Why She Gives: Sowing Seeds for the Next Generation

Fellicia Foster

“I am a Chicagoan,” she says without hesitation. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago – her favorite place in the world – her identity is deeply rooted in the city she continues to serve. 

Professionally, Fellicia Foster is the Head of HR for U.S. Commercial at BMO, where she leads people strategy, partnering with business leaders to shape how the organization thrives and drives results through its people. Her work centers on strategy, growth, and leadership. But at her core, she is motivated by something even bigger: opportunity. 

Her connection to YWCA Metropolitan Chicago began about five years ago when BMO approached her with what they described as a “phenomenal” board opportunity. She stepped into the role excited not only about board service, but about the chance to work alongside dynamic leaders like CEO Nicole Robinson. 

But beyond leadership, the mission was deeply personal. 

“As a Black woman – especially thinking about young Black girls – this work matters to me,” she shares. 

Today, Fellicia chairs the board’s Nominating Committee, constantly thinking about who else should join the cause—who else will commit to eliminating racism and empowering women. She reflects often on the organization’s 150-year history of frontline advocacy and acknowledges that while progress has been made, the work is far from finished. That persistence inspires both her leadership and her giving. 

Giving Beyond the Moment 

Fellicia is both an annual and a monthly donor. 

At year-end, she participates in BMO’s employee giving campaign, selecting the causes that matter most to her. YWCA is always among them. But for her, writing a check once a year, or sponsoring a luncheon, wasn’t enough. 

“I know there is a long-haul, sustainable impact that I can make on an ongoing basis,” Fellicia says. 

Monthly giving aligns with her company’s culture of philanthropy, her responsibility as a board member, and her personal commitment to sustained impact. She understands first-hand how recurring support strengthens an organization’s ability to plan, grow, and serve. 

“And those monthly commitments add up,” she notes. “It’s a great way for folks to give regularly at whatever amount they’re comfortable with contributing.” 

For her, monthly giving is about accountability. It’s a reminder that impact isn’t seasonal; it’s year-round. 

The Totality of the Work 

What resonates most with Fellicia isn’t just one program – it's the totality of YWCA’s services. 

“I myself could have benefited from many of the services,” she reflects. “Even though I haven’t, I could have.” 

She is moved by the fact that YWCA supports women across generations, from children to grandmothers, and across the full spectrum of life experiences. Economic empowerment. Childcare. Support for survivors of sexual violence. Entrepreneurship. The work is comprehensive, designed not just for short-term relief but for long-term, life-altering change. 

When she imagines the impact of her giving, she hopes it does something transformational: 

“I hope it creates access where barriers once stood. I hope it creates safety where fear once lived. I hope it gives women dignity over the choices they make...and empowerment in those choices.” 

And above all, she hopes the work simply continues. 

Moments That Reaffirm 

Each year, the Leader Luncheon reinforces her commitment. The stories shared are emotional and powerful reminders of resilience and rebuilding. 

“When I hear the stories of how women rebuild afterward—that rebuilding is the impact YWCA creates,” she says. “They are in a better place because of the staff, the support, and the work being done.” 

And she knows those stories represent only a fraction of the lives touched. 

Democratizing Philanthropy 

If someone is considering becoming a monthly donor, her advice is clear: you don’t have to fund the entire solution to be part of it. 

“Monthly giving democratizes philanthropy,” Fellicia explains. “It makes it accessible to all. It’s not just major donors who are philanthropists. Literally everyone can be a philanthropist at any dollar amount.” 

Collectively, those dollars create something powerful. 

A Vision for Chicago 

Fellicia’s hopes for Chicagoland are bold and unapologetic: a future where zip codes don’t determine opportunity. Where women and people of color don’t have to outperform everyone else just to achieve success. Where institutions are courageous enough to name hard truths – and committed enough to fixing them. 

What gives her hope? The women, staff, and volunteers who continue propelling the work forward. And the next generation of young people who expect more from institutions and bring a different value system that she believes will shift the trajectory of where we are today. 

Sowing Seeds 

When asked why she gives, Fellicia’s answer is both simple and profound: 

“I give because I know someone sowed the seed into me. And I am committed to sowing the seed into others. Because the more seeds that are sown, we can create a garden—and how beautiful is that?” 

Her commitment extends beyond financial support. She gives her time. She gives her leadership. She gives her lived experience. 

Because for her, philanthropy isn’t just about dollars. It’s about cultivating something lasting. And ensuring that the garden continues to grow.