SAN BERNARDINO, CA — March 11, 2026 — When California passed SB 826, the first law in the United States mandating women on corporate boards, it didn’t happen by accident. It happened because people like Julie Castro Abrams refused to let it fail.
As Founder and CEO of How Women Lead, a national organization of top executive women driving change in leadership and representation, Julie was instrumental in the law’s passage. But changing policy was only the beginning. She understood that getting women into the room meant nothing if they didn’t have the capital to build their own.
That conviction led her to found How Women Invest, a venture fund dedicated to backing high-performing women-founded companies putting real resources behind the representation she had spent years fighting for.
In 25 years, Julie has supported more than 6,000 women entrepreneurs, becoming one of the most recognized voices in impact investing and gender equity in the country.
On Friday, April 24, 2026, Time for Change Foundation will present Julie Castro Abrams with the Women’s Global Impact Award at its 24th Annual Awards Gala, Anchored in Promise, Powered by Purpose.
“Julie is one of the most amazing women I know. Her passion for helping women reach their highest economic potential comes from a really sacred place in her heart. She doesn’t just open doors, she walks women through them. Whether it’s taking a seat on the board of a Fortune 500 company or teaching women how to become investors in women owned businesses – she builds that bridge,” said Dr. Kim Carter-Tillman, founder of Time for Change Foundation.
Other honorees this year include:
- Rick Baker — Humanitarian Award
- Bobbi Kristina Serenity House — Beacon of Hope Award
- Damon and Felicia Alexander — Dynamic Duo Award
- Marci Coffey — Ramos Family Spirit of Compassion Award
- Dr. Jason Lohr — Nancy Varner Angel Award
The gala begins at 6:00 PM. Formal attire is requested. Individual tickets are $200, with sponsorship packages available from $5,000 to $25,000. Tickets, sponsorships, and program advertising can be purchased at the 2026 Gala Event Page.
ABOUT TIME FOR CHANGE FOUNDATION Time for Change Foundation empowers communities toward economic prosperity and holistic well-being by establishing housing and economic development as the foundation every person needs to reach their fullest potential. Since its inception, TFCF has helped more than 5,300 individuals achieve selfsufficiency and houses 250 families annually across its programs. Learn more at www.timeforchangefoundation.org.
