A Letter From WEF's President: A Season of Growth, Gratitude and Impact
As the leaves change and we settle into the beauty of fall, I find myself reflecting on the seasons of growth and the lasting impact of the seeds we plant today. Fall is my favorite time of year. It gives us a moment to pause, reflect, and be thankful. It is a time to celebrate what we've accomplished, express gratitude for those who have helped us along the way, and look ahead to what we hope to grow in the seasons to come.
That spirit was especially evident at our recent Circle of Empowerment Immersion Event. We had the wonderful opportunity to bring together our Circle of Empowerment donors and board members to hear directly from 11 of the 13 organizations that received grants this year through our Economic Empowerment pillar. Listening to these incredible organizations share their work, their challenges, and the lives they are changing throughout Summit County was both inspiring and humbling. It was a powerful reminder that behind every grant is a story, a mission, and an opportunity to make a meaningful difference. We look forward to continuing these important connections through future Immersion Events highlighting our other grantmaking pillars, Safety from Violence and Health & Wellness.
This season also brings new energy to our board as we welcome Rita Aggarwal, Sonya Williams, and Becky Guzy Woodford. Each brings unique perspectives, valuable experience, and a shared passion for supporting women and girls in our community. I am excited for the ideas and contributions they will bring as we continue to build on the remarkable work of those who came before us.
One of my favorite quotes is, "Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago." More than 30 years ago, our Founding Mothers planted something extraordinary when they established the Women's Endowment Fund. Today, we see the fruits of their vision in the incredible organizations we support and the women and girls whose lives are changed through their work. This year alone, WEF awarded $199,000 in grants to 39 organizations across our three funding priorities.
What makes an endowment so special is that its impact extends far beyond any one year, organization, or generation. A gift to WEF is an investment in the future of our entire community. By investing those gifts and using the earnings to fund grants, we can respond to the evolving needs of women and girls while ensuring that this important work continues for generations to come.
As we approach the season of giving, I invite you to think about the legacy we are creating together. Whether through an annual contribution, Circle of Empowerment donation, or a planned gift that will make a difference long into the future, each act of generosity helps nurture what our Founding Mothers began.
I am deeply grateful for the generosity of our supporters, the dedication of our board, and the extraordinary organizations doing this work every day. Together, we are not simply celebrating the impact of what was planted more than three decades ago. We are planting the seeds of possibility for generations of women and girls yet to come.
With gratitude,
Erin Leppo Palmer
Advisory Board President, Women's Endowment Fund