Fall is my favorite time of year. It brings crisp weather, blue skies, great beauty and an entire holiday devoted to gratitude. With a great sense of honor and appreciation, I look forward to beginning my journey as the next president of the Women’s Endowment Fund.
I am thankful for the mentorship, wisdom and friendship of our current and past board, founding mothers, and Akron Community Foundation. I am grateful for our donors and this community filled with incredible organizations that make Akron a better place not only for women and girls, but for everyone. But most of all, I am overwhelmed by the strength and resilience that each one of us has shown – and continues to show – as we reckon with the “new normal” during these challenging times.
On September 23, we hosted an exceptional forum to discuss the mental wellness of women and girls. Led by a panel of key experts, this half-day event provided an opportunity for community leaders to learn from our panelists and engage in deep conversations about the social, emotional and economic impact mental health plays in our lives. Ideas identified during this forum will be used to help direct our grantmaking efforts for the next two years.
Speaking of grants, we are now accepting proposals through November 1 for programs that enrich the lives of local women and girls. These grants will be announced at our "For Women, Forever" annual dinner in March. More information about our grantmaking process and annual dinner can be found in the articles below.
As we approach the end of 2021 and move into a season of giving, I ask you to consider how you can increase your involvement with the Women's Endowment Fund. This could be through sponsoring our annual dinner in March, joining our Circle of Empowerment, or simply spreading awareness about our fund and its mission.
Whether you donate, advocate, or volunteer for our fund - we thank you for standing with us and believing in Akron women.
Sincerely,