Women’s Fund Luncheon Inspires Male Allies

The Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region recently hosted their 25th annual Women’s Fund Luncheon and celebrated the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Women’s Fund. For three decades they have been supporting women and girls and have seen how this support strengthens our entire community.

Julie Keller, Executive Director of the Women’s Fund

At this year’s luncheon attended by more than 1,000 guests, there were a few men. “While the luncheon is largely attended by women, men are always invited to learn more about the barriers women and girls face as well as to show their support,” said Julie Keller, Executive Director of Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region. “In order to make progress we need men involved and doing what they can to create the change we all want to see.”

As the Women’s Fund works to build a more equitable and thriving Fox Valley for women and girls, luncheon keynote speaker, Kathrine Switzer, shared her inspirational story of the power of unity and lifting each other up. As the first woman to officially register and run the Boston Marathon in 1967, Kathrine is a true trailblazer, and her courage and advocacy continue to inspire generations to break barriers and create change.

During her remarks, Kathrine reflected on the pivotal role men played in her journey. Her father, who taught her to get in the game and be a participant rather than a spectator. Her high school track coach, who challenged her to run that first mile and then many more. And on the day of the Boston Marathon, it was her coach and boyfriend who protected her all the way to the finish line as the race director tried to physically pull her off the course.

This message inspired the male staff members from the Community Foundation who were in attendance.

Curt Detjen, President and CEO of the Community Foundation

“It is important for communities to stretch thinking and aspire to be better. Kathrine’s story was compelling as a ‘breakthrough-first’ despite angry opposition, a reminder that an important step forward often starts with just one courageous person. And that one person needs people to support and help to make the impossible happen that first time, and it gets easier with each successive step. Hers was a breakthrough that paved the way for thousands of women and girls and continues today in what feels like it has always been that way,” said Curt Detjen, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. “But her story reminds us that it was not. It is a prompt to reflect on what each of us can do ourselves to lift up and give opportunities to the women and girls in our lives, to the next generation, and to continue to be open to fresh thinking and ideas that stretch us to be better – individually, and as a community. Thanks to our Women’s Fund for elevating this important message that resonates today just like it did 50 years ago.”

“The energy, wisdom and courage shared throughout the Women’s Fund Luncheon was truly inspiring,” shared Vijay Hira, Administrative & Office Specialist with the Community Foundation. “A good reminder of the strength that exists when women and allies alike come together to uplift, support, and drive change. While progress has been made, the journey towards equality is far from over; hence, events like these are vital- they create space for important conversations about representation, opportunity, and equity. Continuing to advocate for equity is not just a women’s issue- it is upon everyone. Empowering women strengthens communities. Every voice matter, and every step towards progress contributes to more inclusive workplaces, homes, and communities.”

Male staff members from the Community Foundation at the Women’s Fund Luncheon

Team members also reflected on how their mothers influenced them to support women’s issues, the importance of equal opportunities, and how this helps strengthen the community for all.

“My mother was a trailblazer and an inspiration to many including me and my brother and sisters,” said David Weiss, Director of Donor Services with the Community Foundation. “As a husband to a woman who is way smarter than me, and a father to two daughters who I want to have every opportunity to thrive, I see the work of the Women’s Fund as an investment in the future I want for my children. I want to raise sons and daughters in a world where they have the same chances and experiences.”

Recognizing that more work must be done, team members also shared why it is important to support the Women’s Fund, particularly men.

“The Women’s Fund Luncheon was an amazing event to celebrate women, a special occasion to learn from and recognize Kathrine Switzer and Starting Point graduate Maribel Contreras, and to acknowledge that although great progress has been accomplished there is still plenty of work to be done,” shared Mito Kudaka, Director of Strategic Initiatives with the Community Foundation. “This present and future work can and will be achieved by the ongoing efforts of women who lead above and beyond what should be expected. They will inspire the next generation of women leaders to create amazing opportunities that benefit not only women and girls, but the community as a whole. I believe creating a better world for women is creating a better world for us all. I strongly believe that men can and should be allies and partners in this work, not just mere observers.”

“This was my first Women’s Fund luncheon; it was an amazing and inspiring event. Hearing Kathrine Switzer’s talk about her experience and struggles she had to overcome to run the Boston Marathon is something I will always remember,” said Kyle Tauschek, Database Specialist. “I believe this event shows that society needs to empower women and help bridge the gap of inequality. The Women’s Fund does amazing work in our community, and I believe this organization is inspiring future generations and is empowering them to challenge the status quo.”

The men who supported Kathrine did not take the spotlight. They helped strengthen it. They may not have realized it at the time, but they were allies who recognized that equality is not a women’s issue; it is a community issue.

Today, the Women’s Fund continues that legacy by inviting everyone, including men, to play a role in advancing gender equity. When men mentor, advocate, and stand up for women and girls, they help create a future where everyone can reach their full potential.

“We are dedicated to addressing the root causes of challenges faced by women and girls to make real change now,” shared Julie. “And there is room for everyone to be involved. We are grateful for the support from all our community partners and look forward to the next 30 years and beyond.”

To learn more about the Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region, visit womensfundfvr.org or call 920.702.766. The Women’s Fund is a supporting organization of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region.