At Women in Motion of High Point, we’re more than just an organization—we’re a movement dedicated to uplifting and empowering women in our community. Our mission is to bring area women together to encourage each other's leadership, professional success, personal wellness, and financial independence. We are for all women, whether you're looking to advance in your career, achieve personal milestones, or support other women in their journeys.
Our Story
Women in Motion began as a tribute by L. Paul Brayton to his late wife, Gwendolyn "Gwen" Kay Brayton, a remarkable woman whose life story is both inspiring and familiar to many women. In 1968, Gwen moved with her family from the Midwest to High Point, NC, following her husband's career opportunity. Together, they founded Brayton International.
Gwen’s journey as a mother began in her teenage years, and by the time she was 24, she had four children, with a fifth child arriving years later. For decades, she dedicated herself as a stay-at-home mother, nurturing and guiding her children while postponing her own dreams. Gwen was a strong advocate for education, financial independence, and the importance of following one's dreams, even though she often put her needs aside to care for others.
When her children were grown, Gwen began to contribute more actively to the family business, demonstrating a natural talent for design and fabric selection. Tragically, Gwen passed away in July 1997 from a glioblastoma, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and dedication to her family and community.
Women in Motion was created in her honor by her family, aiming to benefit women in the High Point community through educational opportunities and grants. The initiative officially launched in January 2017 with a leadership team of 10 women, each with a strong background in nonprofit work. The Brayton family's generous matching grant further empowered the initiative. In 2021, Women in Motion transitioned under the United Way of Greater High Point, which now serves as our fiscal sponsor. This partnership has been instrumental in helping us expand our reach and impact, enabling us to continue fulfilling our mission to support and uplift women.
Listening and Adapting to Community Needs
In 2018, the GRAMERCY Research Group provided invaluable insights into the barriers women face in reaching the next level professionally. They identified challenges such as financial constraints, lack of self-confidence, work-life balance, prioritizing others over self, and insufficient support. Women told us what they needed to succeed, and we listened. They highlighted the importance of:
Education: Empowering women to advocate for themselves and negotiate effectively.
Mentorship: Creating robust networking systems to foster growth.
Resources: Connecting women, especially small business owners, with existing community resources to enhance their professional and business success.
Wellness: Supporting women in balancing personal wellness with professional and family demands.
While many findings remain relevant, we continuously adapt our programs to address emerging community needs.
Who We Serve and How We Make a Difference
We serve all women, with a focus on those who are ready to take action and make strides in their personal and professional lives. Women in Motion is for those on the ground running—those who are eager to grow, succeed, and give back by supporting other women. Our community is built on the principle that women supporting women creates a ripple effect of empowerment and success.
Unlike many other organizations, we emphasize a hands-on, proactive approach. You get out what you put in. The more you show up, the more impact you can have—not only on your own life but also on the lives of other women in our organization. We believe in the power of showing up, participating, and contributing to a collective mission of empowerment.
Join Us
Women in Motion is more than just a network; it's a supportive network where every woman's journey is valued and celebrated. We invite you to join us, share your story, and be part of a community where we lift each other up and propel one another towards our goals. Together, we can achieve the next level, whatever that may look like for each of us.
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