By Katie Futterman
Two women-led groups are joining forces to ensure girls in Bangladesh get food to nourish their bellies and books to nourish their brains.
Summit Communications renewed its partnership with Thrive on International Women’s day earlier this month. The women-led group is funding 12,000 nutritious meals for children. Summit Communications is also partnering with Light of Hope through the Porua initiative to establish two school libraries in Thrive-supported schools.
“As women leaders at Summit, we know how opportunity transforms a life,” said Sharmin Zaman, Chief Marketing Officer of Summit Communications. “Our partnership with Thrive and Light of Hope ensures that girls have the nourishment and learning resources they need to dream boldly.”
Thrive is a global nonprofit dedicated to providing healthy meals to school children to improve their academic performance. Since 2012, Thrive has delivered 5 million school meals to children facing food insecurity across Bangladesh and the Philippines, serving more than 3,000 meals each day, prepared by local moms .Consistent and quality nutrition drives school attendance rates as high as 95%, helping children stay in school, grow stronger physically and mentally and pursue thriving futures.
Many of the hunger-related issues Bangladesh face disproportionately affect young girls. Girls in Bangladesh continue to face higher risks of malnutrition, anemia, and school dropout—barriers that directly affect learning, attendance, and long-term health.
“Girls face unique barriers to nutrition and education,” said Thrive Board Member Amna Rahman. “With Summit’s renewed support, we are ensuring that thousands of girls walk into school each day with full stomachs and full potential.”
Both Thrive and Summit Communications recognize the power that women-led organizations can have in the space.
Thrive’s founders, Priscilla Heffelfinger and Gina Gabel, were recently recognized on the 2026 Female Founders 500 List, an annual list recognizing leading women entrepreneurs who have driven significant impact and innovation across the world.
The women of Summit Communications embraced the theme “Give to Gain”, emphasizing how giving—of resources, time, and leadership—creates shared progress for women, children, and communities.
“By investing in children—especially girls—we are investing in Bangladesh’s future,” Zaman said.
About Thrive
Thrive is a Michigan-based nonprofit dedicated to delivering reliable, nutritious daily school meals to children in underserved communities in Bangladesh and the Philippines. With consistent daily school meal programs, Thrive strengthens children, families, and communities for the long term. Thrive is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, a Bangladesh-registered trust, and a Philippine NGO, with an international board and advisory council
