In 1993, a group of 100 women came together with one goal in mind: to make a difference in the lives of local women and girls. Seeing a need for funding to support programs that empower this population, the women each gave $1,000 to establish the Women's Endowment Fund of Akron Community Foundation.
Three decades later, the Women's Endowment Fund has grown to nearly $5 million, thanks to the generosity of donors who are committed to the advancement of local women and girls, including members of the fund's Circle of Empowerment. To date, the Women's Endowment Fund has awarded $2.3 million in grants to programs that uplift, empower, and educate women and girls throughout Akron and all of Summit County. The fund's biennial forum helps define the Women's Endowment Fund's grantmaking priorities, which include health and wellness, safety from violence, and economic empowerment.
Circle of Empowerment | Annual Celebration | 30th Anniversary Timeline | Latest Newsletter | Latest Videos
For Women, Forever
Each year, the Women's Endowment Fund hosts its signature "For Women, Forever" event to celebrate women as philanthropists and to showcase the fund's impact on women and girls in our community. The next event will take place on Thursday, March 20, 2025, and will feature a keynote address by Valerie Mayén, founder of the socially conscious fashion brand Yellowcake. The evening will conclude with the presentation of the 2025 Judith A. Read Tribute Award to Katie Smucker, a dedicated community volunteer and philanthropist.
Our Recent Grants
By the Numbers
Advisory Board
Advisory board members serve without pay to help the fund impact the lives of Summit County's women and girls.
Pamela Kiltau
President Vice President, Private Wealth Management, Robert W. Baird & Co.
Erin Palmer
Vice President CFO & In-House Legal Counsel, Leppo Group Inc.
Joni Fitch
Secretary Director, Community Affairs & Engagement, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Monica Vinay
Treasurer Vice President, Investor Relations & Treasurer, Myers Industries Inc.
Holly Harris Bane
Director, Economic Development, City of Aurora; Partner, Kokopelli Coaching and Consulting
Marie Brilmyer
PartnerCohen & Company
Emily Browning
Director, Strategy and Consumer Insights, Akron Children's Hospital
Donna Cerdas-Delgado
Senior Digital Marketer, Summa Health
Laura DiCola
Director of Innovation and Partnerships, TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health
Betsy Engels
President and Principal Consultant, Acer Business
Lashawrida Fellows
Deputy Director, Human Resources, County of Summit
CJ Haines
SVP of Power & Governmental Affairs, Core Scientific
Kim Huff
Community Relations Representative, Synthomer Foundation
Jolene Lane
Principal & Founder, Equity Lane LLC
Holli Mallak
Choice Neighborhoods Project ManagerAkron Metropolitan Housing Authority
Jen Meade
Fund Development DirectorThe Well CDC
Joy Malek Oldfield
Judge, Summit County Common Pleas Court
Antha Poleondakis
Senior Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch
Kathy Ress
Mental Health Therapist, Private Practice
Renee Scherick
Foundation Relations OfficerKent State University
V. Rena Suber, M.Ed
Chief School Administrator, Emmanuel Christian Academy
Pamela Valentine
Retired, Girl Scouts of North East Ohio
Bernett L. Williams
Vice President of External Affairs, Akron Children’s Hospital
News & Events
News
The Women's Endowment Fund of Akron Community Foundation invites community members and leaders to save the date for its annual "For Women, Forever" celebration on Thursday, [...]
As we celebrate the change in seasons and the beauty that fall brings to Northeast Ohio, the Women's Endowment Fund is also celebrating a significant milestone. I am excited [...]