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 more than $5.7 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 nearly $2.5 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.
"For Women, Forever" | Circle of Empowerment | Forum Report | Our Donors | Newsletter | Videos | 30th Anniversary Timeline
"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 26, 2026, and will feature a fireside chat with Bernett L. Williams, the 2026 Judith A. Read Tribute Award recipient.
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.
Erin Leppo Palmer
PresidentCFO & In-House Legal Counsel, Leppo Group Inc.
V. Rena Suber, M.Ed
Vice PresidentChief School Administrator, Emmanuel Christian Academy
Joni Fitch
SecretaryDirector, Community Affairs & Engagement, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Renee Scherick
TreasurerSenior Foundation and Corporate Relations Officer, Kent State University
Holly Harris Bane
Director, Economic Development, City of Aurora; Partner, Kokopelli Coaching and Consulting
Dr. Angela Brake
Director of Operations, Limitless Ambition, Inc.
Marie Brilmyer
PartnerCohen & Company
Emily Browning
Director, Strategy and Consumer Insights, Akron Children's Hospital
Donna Cerdas-Delgado
Senior Digital Marketer, Summa Health
Betsy Engels
President and Principal Consultant, Acer Business
Lashawrida Fellows
Deputy Director of Human Resources, City of Akron
CJ Haines
SVP of Power & Governmental Affairs, Core Scientific
Kimberly Huff
Community Relations Representative, Synthomer Foundation
Rachel Hurst
President, H Cap Connect, LLC.
Jolene Lane
Principal & Founder, Equity Lane LLC
Holli Mallak
Real Estate Project ManagerAkron Metropolitan Housing Authority
Hope McGonigle
Mediator,Akron Municipal Court
Jen Meade
Fund Development DirectorThe Well CDC
Alisa Benedict O'Brien
Assistant Dean for Career Services and Strategic Initiatives,The University of Akron Law School
Antha Poleondakis
Senior Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch
Kathy Ress
Mental Health Therapist, Private Practice
Torey Tolson
Chair, The Soul of Philanthropy AkronCommunity Involvement Consultant, FirstEnergy
Monica Vinay
Vice President, Investor Relations & Treasurer, Myers Industries Inc.
News & Events
News
As the leaves begin to turn and the beauty of autumn unfolds across Northeast Ohio, I am reminded of how change can bring both reflection and renewal. Just as each season [...]
The fund will award grants to programs that enrich the lives of local women and girls The Women's Endowment Fund of Akron Community Foundation is now accepting grant [...]