Ciara to empower women as board member of husband's foundation

Ciara has joined the board of directors at her husband Russell Wilson's Why Not You Foundation.

The American football star launched the foundation in 2014, with a view to helping empower youths to become leaders, and his wife's new role will center on girls and young women from all over the world. She will also work to raise awareness about the organization on social media.

"I'm honored to join the board of the Why Not You Foundation," a statement from Ciara to People magazine reads. "I have witnessed first-hand the positive impact the Foundation has on improving the lives of children. Every girl and young woman should have the opportunity to grow in a healthy and positive way with access to education and empowerment skills needed to be successful.

"I truly believe our foundation is positioned to make a lasting difference in the world."

Ciara and Russell will also continue their weekly visits to Seattle Children's (Hospital) as part of their work with the charity, as well as seeking out "partner organizations", according to Carly Young, the executive director of the Why Not You Foundation.

Last month (Nov17), the married couple made a surprise visit to the hospital before the Thanksgiving holiday to meet sick patients and their families.

Wilson's foundation has also partnered with bosses at grocery chain Safeway for the Wilson Celebrity Invitational to help raise funds for pediatric cancer research. Organization members are also working with the Seattle Children's Hospital campaign to raise $1 billion towards cancer research, treatment, and cures.