news > Constance Hanninen

Constance Hanninen was an early co-founder, seed funder, board member, and advisor to Capital Sisters International, and founder of its Supporting Organization, Capital Friends International, where she served as President for its first three years. After a tour in the Peace Corps in West Africa, Constance spent her career helping impoverished women through her medical practice and her philanthropy. Capital Friends International was initially named in honor of Constance’s Aunt Sylvia Kallio – for her inspiration and financial support. Sylvia Kallio was a dynamic early 20th century woman who was active in the French resistance, worked with Albert Schweitzer in Africa, and left a large international legacy in Washington DC. The name of the Supporting Organization was changed to Capital Friends International in June 2007 to better reflect its purpose.