About the Fund

Moving What Matters

We believe that families and communities truly thrive when women are economically and physically secure, safe and healthy. That’s why, through research, education and collaboration, we’re working to uncover and address the most important issues, to reach our ultimate goal of a thriving community for all. The Women’s Fund is about a brighter future for women, and for our entire community. And it all starts with Moving What Matters.

About Women and Girls in Allen County

 

Women and girls in Allen County are resilient, educated, talented and responsible. Yet, many feel they don’t receive enough support. And they’re not wrong. In fact, most girls seem to excel early in life and into their career, only to have their economic and physical health inequitably challenged later on.

Our women and girls aren’t fearless, and why should they be? They face hardships, but in the face of fear, they are strong, independent and resourceful. Nonetheless, these obstacles impact how women take care of themselves. And if women don’t take care of themselves first, they’re not in the best position to take care of others.

Women and Girls in Allen County as of 2019:

  • 194,142 TOTAL POPULATION

  • 6.7% UNDER 5 YEARS OLD

  • 18% 5-17 YEARS OLD

  • 8.9% 18-24 YEARS OLD

  • 20.1% 25-39 YEARS OLD

  • 30.1% 40-64 YEARS OLD

  • 16.3% 65+ YEARS OLD

Data from U.S. Census Bureau
Table S0101, 2019 1-year data

About the
Women’s Fund

 

We’re committed to understanding—and overcoming—the challenges facing women and girls in Allen County. Through research, education and collaboration, we’re working to uncover and address the most important issues. The Women’s Fund is about a brighter future for women, and for our entire community. Launched on August 26, 2020—the centennial anniversary of women’s right to vote—the Women’s Fund of Greater Fort Wayne was founded to focus specifically on the needs of women and girls in Allen County, Indiana.

About Our Research

 

The Women’s Fund of Greater Fort Wayne is focused on examining the data and the ‘why’ behind some of the biggest hardships and barriers that women face in our county. This is why we conduct ongoing research in a variety of areas—to not only inform the work that we do, but to also give others the resources to help make impact as well.

Women’s Fund Steering Committee

Sherry Early - Chair

Stephen J. Bailey

Councilwoman Michelle Chambers

Ewelina Connolly

Stephanie Crandall

Sharon Eisbart

Ms. Andie Hines-Lagemann

Paula Hughes-Schuh

Nikki Quintana

Dr. Lawanda Ravoira

Nancy Stewart

Rachel A. Tobin-Smith

Stephanie Veit

Pone Vongphachanh

Irene Walters

Denita Washington

Paige Wilkins