Honoring the Changemakers: Women’s Fund celebrates 30 years of equity work

CINCINNATI — For 30 years, the Women’s Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation has been working to dismantle systemic barriers, promote economic equity and uplift the voices of women and families across the region.

On Thursday, Sept. 4, the organization will mark that milestone with its Legacy in Motion luncheon — a celebration of community impact, progress and the people driving it forward.

Held at the Anderson Pavilion, the event will honor four women whose work has helped shape Greater Cincinnati:

• Sister Kelli, a radio host and grassroots advocate known for her Hope Fest community event
• Leslie B. McNeill, founder of the Women’s Fund
• Barbara Turner, founder of BT RISE and a leader in financial equity
• Mary Stagaman, a civic advocate for inclusion and regional collaboration

Sister Kelli said she was truly moved by the news of her recognition. 

“I did drop some tears because I felt it,” she said. “I knew others were seeing the good work.”

She has spent nearly a decade helping connect underserved families to essential resources, all while navigating life in a wheelchair. She said it doesn’t limit her ability to serve.

“I’m able to do whatever I set my mind to do,” she said. “Giving of myself without any expectation really is the greatest reward.”

Founded in 1995, the Women’s Fund focuses on research, policy change and community investment to support women’s economic self-sufficiency. Executive Director Camilla Worrell said Thursday’s luncheon will celebrate the organization’s impact and ongoing mission.

“There’s been a lot of work. There’s been resistance, there’s been downfalls. But we have a lot to celebrate,” Worrell said. “I want people to go away with a renewed sense of community and a little fire in their belly.”

In addition to the luncheon, the Women’s Fund recently launched a Self-Sufficiency Simulator, an interactive tool that allows users to experience the financial challenges many women and families face.

To date, the organization has raised more than $450,000 through community initiatives to further its mission.

Sister Kelli said she hopes the recognition will inspire others and fuel her own continued work.

“We need the Women’s Fund to continue and programs like that in order to keep us striving,” she said.