FORT WASHINGTON, PA — I Choose To Win will dissolve Sept. 30 after more than a decade serving over 10,000 women and girls in the Philadelphia area, ending operations after its leadership and board concluded that closing the nonprofit was the appropriate course for its long-term stewardship and legacy.
The Fort Washington-based 501(c)(3), founded in 2014, provided conferences, retreats, mentorship, leadership development, wellness programs and other community initiatives focused on women and girls.
The organization’s leadership and Board of Directors unanimously approved the dissolution after considering its impact, sustainability and stewardship. The decision also followed an unexpected health event experienced by founder and Executive Director Melonie Butler in late 2025.
“While my recovery journey naturally became part of our reflections, this was ultimately a collective decision made with care and in honor of our shared belief that the right path forward is to conclude this chapter with integrity while celebrating the many lives impacted,” Butler stated.
Over its 11 years, I Choose To Win reported delivering 148 programs and initiatives, working with 35 community partners and 154 corporate sponsors, securing 31 grants and engaging 45 volunteers.
The nonprofit credited its programs with helping participants pursue education, entrepreneurship, publishing and leadership opportunities, among other personal and professional goals.
Its final initiative, L.E.T. H.E.R., short for Ladies Enduring Trauma Healing Emotionally Right-Now!, provided mentorship centered on healing for girls and women affected by gun violence. The program drew partly from Butler’s experience as a youth co-survivor of gun violence.
Butler described the closure as the conclusion of the organization rather than its underlying mission.
“Organizations have seasons. Missions continue,” Butler stated.
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