Women in Philanthropy and Leadership (WIPL) for Coastal Carolina University has received a $20,000 grant from Newman's Own Foundation, the independent foundation created by the late actor and philanthropist Paul Newman. The grant supports WIPL's annual Women's Leadership Conference and Celebration of Inspiring Women, which empowers women by offering opportunities for business networking, powerful engagement, inspiration, and personal and professional growth.

"Newman's Own Foundation is helping to fulfill Paul Newman's dream of positively impacting the lives of others," said Terri DeCenzo, WIPL executive director. "We are extremely grateful to receive this generous grant from Newman's Own Foundation. It is affirmation that what we are doing to empower women to make societal change is a worthwhile endeavor. It further allows us to transform the lives of students at Coastal Carolina University through scholarship and leadership development opportunities. Perhaps of greatest significance is sharing in the legacy of Paul Newman."

More than 800 people regularly attend the Women's Leadership Conference, which features inspiring speakers, informative panel discussions, engaging breakout sessions and the Tidelands Health Expo. The Celebration of Inspiring Women recognizes and celebrates extraordinary women who have demonstrated visionary leadership in various disciplines and whose lives and accomplishments have had a substantive and positive impact in South Carolina and beyond.

Newman's Own Foundation uses all net profits and royalties from the sale of Newman's Own food and beverage products for charitable purposes. Since 1982, Paul Newman and Newman's Own Foundation have donated more than $540 million to thousands of charities around the world.

WIPL was founded in 2007 under the leadership of CCU first lady Terri DeCenzo. It is committed to inspiring, connecting and empowering women to strengthen their individual and collective voices in leadership at CCU and in the community, state, region and beyond. WIPL provides leadership opportunities and programs for students, faculty and the community at large throughout the year. Members include faculty, staff and community leaders who are committed to creating and supporting opportunities for women in all areas of leadership and across all disciplines, while continuing to invest in scholarships for CCU students. Since its inception, WIPL has awarded 210 students more than $260,000 in financial support through a fully endowed scholarship and annual awards.