WOW Women of Wisdom Inc is a nonprofit marketplace ministry whose purpose is to empower, encourage, and educate women through an atmosphere of love, prayer and connectivity. Founder and president Robin Killeen tells us more.
SHARE A BIT ABOUT WOW’S HISTORY
WOW was founded in September 1999. In 1998, I met with women of influence for an entire year to determine what WOW should look like based on the needs of the women in our community. Our main goals were love, connectivity and prayer.
We started a monthly luncheon in 1999 to build relationships and sisterhood. Over the past 26 years, it has grown into something much greater than I could’ve ever imagined. In 1999, we started with seven attending lunches, and today, we have up to 125 attendees. We also started with four volunteers and now have over 50.
WHO ARE WOW’S MEMBERS?
We have over 500 WOW sisters and growing. We serve the lower six counties on the Gulf Coast and beyond. All are welcome!
WHAT’S NEW AND EXCITING WITH WOW?
We recently added a new program, “You’ve Been WOW’d,” which focuses on intentional, spontaneous and selfless acts of love, caring and generosity. We reached over 1,450 acts of love last month.
WHAT EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES ARE ON THE HORIZON?
We just celebrated the beginning of our 26th year of WOW in September. We also held our annual WOW Honors First Responders 9/11 event serving our local heroes.
In spring of 2026, we’ll have our annual fundraiser: “Purse for a Purpose.”
WHAT ARE SOME OF WOW’S RECURRING EVENTS?
WOW luncheons are held on the second Wednesday of each month from 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. We have powerhouse speakers and great food! The WOW Care Closet is available on the third Tuesday of the month from noon-5 p.m. On “Transformation Tuesday,” we offer professional and business casual clothing at no cost.
HOW IS WOW HAVING A POSITIVE IMPACT?
WOW Care Closet distributed 15,000 items in 2024 to women in our community, and we will surpass that number this year. We serve women in our community and beyond through our WOW empowering and educating monthly luncheons and our WOW Care Closet by providing beautiful clothes, shoes, purses and jewelry at no cost.
It’s inspiring to see many turn their lives around and become functioning citizens who have gained employment, been promoted and are now able to provide for their families. We have been recognized by the City of Gulfport and the governor’s office for our community service.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED OR GAINED PERSONALLY BY BEING INVOLVED WITH WOW?
I have come to realize that my life would not be as fulfilling without the God-ordained sisterhood and friendships I have found through WOW.
WHAT ARE WOW’S GOALS OR HOPES GOING FORWARD?
Our goal is to have our own WOW building so we can expand our services and serve even more women.
WHAT DOES WOW DO WELL?
WOW excels in operating under the guidance of God, serving like Jesus, showing love to others and fostering genuine relationships. (We are) dedicated to embodying a spirit of excellence as we honor God with our commitment. We warmly invite you to connect with us; you will fit right in!