For Women, Forever

March 26, 2026

Strength in Action

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. Next year's event will take place on Thursday, March 26, at 5 p.m. at Quaker Station and will be hosted by Sara Shookman, founder of Storyglow Studio. The theme is "Strength in Action."

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Event Sponsorships

We invite you to make a difference in the lives of local women and girls by sponsoring the "For Women, Forever" event. Your commitment to this important cause is recognized at the celebration, which is annually attended by nearly 400 community leaders.

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Judith A. Read Tribute Award Recipient

Named for one of Greater Akron's most influential philanthropic leaders, the Judith A. Read Tribute Award for Service & Advocacy for Women was created in 2016 to honor Judy Read's lifetime of service and extraordinary commitment to empowering women and girls. It is presented annually to the individual or couple who best exemplifies Judy's service, advocacy, leadership and passion in the community.

The 2026 award recipient is Bernett L. Williams, chief engagement officer at Akron Children's Hospital. She is responsible for leading the hospital's community partnerships and collaborations, patient and family engagement efforts, community benefit strategies, and efforts to foster a culture of belonging, respect and equitable access across the hospital system.

Prior to her current role, Williams served as president and CEO of the Akron Urban League. She earned a bachelor's degree in rhetoric communication from Kent State University and an MPA from the University of Akron. She earned her Certified Diversity Professional certificate from the National Diversity Council. Williams currently serves on the boards of the Akron History Center, Greater Akron Chamber and Minerva Fund of Akron. Previously, she served on the boards of the Akron-Canton Airport, Summit County Social Services Advisory Board, the Women's Endowment Fund, First Tee – Greater Akron, Leadership Akron, and the United Way of Summit & Medina.

Williams has been recognized with many awards throughout her career, including Crain's Cleveland Business' 40 Under 40 Award and Summit County Children's Services' Champion for Children Community Leader Award. Former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland inducted Williams into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame. In October 2020, she was honored with three prestigious community awards: Love Akron's Brenda Burnham Unruh Servant Leader Award, Project GRAD Akron's Community Leader Award, and Leadership Akron's Read Family Difference Maker Award. In 2022, the American Red Cross honored her with the H. Peter Burg Community Leadership Award. The Women's Endowment Fund is thrilled to join these organizations in honoring Williams for her outstanding contributions to our community.