The Women's Fund of Central Ohio

Check out this recent feature on our collaboration with Catalyst Columbus! We recently unveiled two new murals in Olde Towne East created by the talented Lucie Shearer and Paul Giovis. The murals represent the strength and empowerment of women. Make sure to go see them in person on Parsons Ave! https://lnkd.in/eG2h74Pg

Make sure to tune in TONIGHT at 5:30pm on 10tv with Angela An to hear our feature about our latest collaboration with Catalyst Columbus (aka the fabulous Mandi Caskey Brian K. Suiter Lucie Shearer Liv Morris Paul Giovis and others!) Our CEO Kelley Griesmer will share more about why these public murals inspire us and our hope for them to create lasting conversation and progress in Central Ohio. Lucie will also be sharing more about her process and inspiration behind the piece!

Yesterday, we took part in The Columbus Foundation #BigTable day of conversations across Central Ohio. We hosted three insightful conversations, unveiled some beautiful new public art, and celebrated it all with an after-party at The Olde Oak. The first conversation of the day happened in the morning at Nationwide, where we had two amazing #BigTable conversation groups with members of their diversity councils and associate resource groups. The last two conversations happened Wednesday evening. In collaboration with Brown Girls Mentoring, we held a Big Table focused on Black girls and their experiences in school, leading to a more extensive discussion about systemic shortcomings for girls and families. Our final conversation took place in Olde Towne East surrounded by two beautiful new murals from our collab with Catalyst Columbus highlighting the strength and interconnectedness of women. The discussion centered on art and how we can be creative in advocating for gender equity in our community. We connected around the Big Table to talk about how we can achieve gender equity across Central Ohio. Thank you to all who attended our Big Tables! Coming together to share our experiences and challenges helps all of us take steps toward making gender equity the norm everywhere in Central Ohio. It takes all of us working together to make a difference!

Last week, we worked with Collaborate Cleveland and The Women's Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation to host a policy institute focused on paid family and medical leave. Together, we laid the groundwork for building momentum in Ohio for this critical issue. Did you know that most people will experience TWO instances in their lives where paid leave is essential? Whether you're becoming a new parent, taking care of a loved one, or experiencing a personal medical event, paid leave ensures that you can take care of your life without sacrificing your financial wellbeing. We were incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Cynthia Osborne from Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center, Wendy Howell from the Colorado Working Families Party, and Dan O'Brien from Children First join us to share their expertise. Special thanks also to April Walker, MSW (Philanthropy for the People) and Kelsey Ellingsen for leading the conversations. Plus, we were honored to be one of the first public events hosted at the fabulous new Zora's House space ✨ Stay tuned for more updates on this critical work and thank you to the many partners that made it happen!

"Without imagination, we can go nowhere. And imagination is not restricted to the arts. Every scientist I have met who has been a success has had to imagine." - Rita Dove. The Women's Fund of Central Ohio's mission is to transform the lives of women and girls by mobilizing the collective power and passion of all people working together. Whether it is our Community Grant Review Day or the celebration of poetry, stories, or art during Keyholder, we understand that these are not just objects for entertainment but communal artifacts. We hope this mural inspires you to imagine what it could be when we believe in women and girls as the authors of their own stories.

We are so excited to have this conversation, and there is still time to register! Register using the link below now.

As you may know, we recently launched a major research project to uncover what Central Ohio women need to thrive. A major part of the project is our research survey, specifically designed to capture women’s lived experiences with wealth and economic security. Will you help us reach our goal of 2,700 survey respondents? By taking the survey, you’re helping us tell the collective story of women in our community and identify trends that enable us to better understand what women need. Importantly, this data will be used to inform and drive critical advocacy for women in the coming years. We need your voice! Click the link in our below to fill out the survey now! https://lnkd.in/eQBezw7v

The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio is partnering with StoryCorps to capture women’s incredible stories about gender and wealth. This project is a unique opportunity to support our research effort AND share a meaningful conversation with someone in your life! We want your insight into what it would take for all Central Ohio women to thrive. So find a friend, grab a chair, and click the link below to record your story! https://lnkd.in/ez-V4nhh When you’ve finished recording, please make sure you mark your conversation PUBLIC so that we can access it as qualitative data.

Keyholder is TODAY and we can't wait to see all of you later at Mershon Auditorium! Thanks to the generosity of The Lurie Family, all Keyholder donations will be matched, up to $25,000. Even if you can't join us in person tonight, please help us earn the match by making a gift of any size today. Your support helps fund our mission to transform the lives of women and girls. It also supports our critical research, grantmaking, and advocacy. Click here to donate: https://lnkd.in/e9FMjNJH P.S. Still need to get your ticket? Visit https://lnkd.in/eaaiQudp

Come support The Women's Fund of Central Ohio on 4/25 at Mershon Auditorium for their annual Keyholder Event! 🎙️ Keyholder is The Women’s Fund’s signature annual fundraiser. 💰 Keyholder brings together 1,000+ champions for gender equity each year to hear from guest speakers who are paving the way for change. It’s about gathering collective power and passion for one inspiring night. 🔥 If you haven’t experienced the power of Keyholder in person, this is your chance! 💥 11/10 Highly recommend! ⭐️ The Keyholder 2024 program is highlighting women who are using their voices and their art to make a difference for women and girls. This year, we’re delighted to welcome Joy Harjo, three-term United States Poet Laureate, in conversation with Maggie Smith, bestselling local author. 📚 Get registered today because this will sell out! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gS_VNn3y #womenempowerment #womeninbusiness #womenentrepreneurs Kelley Griesmer Kelsey Mincheff Thompson Hine LLP