Trailblazing Together: Kathrine Switzer to Headline Our 25th Annual Women’s Fund Luncheon Celebrating 30 Years of Impact

Written by Stacie Hazlett-Rothe, Communications & Outreach Specialist with the Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region

For 30 years, the Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region has been driving real change for women, girls, and for the future of our community. From funding programs that increase access to education and healthcare to breaking down barriers and building up leadership, the impact has been bold, intentional, and deeply personal.

Now, as we celebrate three decades of collective action, we are thrilled to announce this year’s Women’s Fund Luncheon keynote speaker, who embodies everything the Women’s Fund stands for: Kathrine Switzer.

Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon in 1967.

Kathrine made history in 1967 when she became the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon, despite race officials trying to remove her from the course physically. Her determination to finish the race became a global symbol of women’s empowerment and sparked a lifelong mission to create opportunities for women in sports and beyond.

Since then, Kathrine has become an Emmy-winning broadcaster, a best-selling author, and the founder of 261 Fearless, a global nonprofit that empowers women through running. Her work continues to inspire people of all ages to defy limits and create change, making her the perfect speaker to help us mark this milestone year.

This isn’t just any luncheon. It’s the 25th anniversary of our biggest annual event, and it falls during our 30th year as a Women’s Fund. That means more celebration, more reflection, and more power behind every story we share and every dollar we raise. It’s a chance to gather with hundreds of passionate changemakers who believe in a community where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive.

Kathrine Switzer poses with a replica of her first Boston Marathon bib number 261, Friday 24 February 2017 in Wellington, New Zealand. Credit: Hagen Hopkins.

Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or you’re just now learning about the luncheon, we promise an unforgettable experience filled with inspiration, connection, and purpose.

Be Part of the Moment! Join us on Wednesday, September 10 at 11:30 a.m. inside the Fox Cities Exhibition Center.

Tickets and tables are on sale now! Don’t wait — this event is expected to sell out quickly.

Reserve your seat and join us for a powerful afternoon with Kathrine Switzer as we honor the past, ignite the present, and invest in a bold future for women and girls in the Fox Valley.

Together, we’ve made 30 years of impact. With your continued support, we’re just getting started.

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To learn more about the Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region, visit their website at https://www.womensfundfvr.org,