Overview:
The Women’s Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation hosts Civic Leadership Academy to prepare 37 women for local government roles, featuring prominent speakers and valuable learning sessions.
By Michelle Hopkins
The Women’s Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation hosted its fourth Appointed Civic Leadership Academy (ACLA) learning session meant to prepare and empower women to take an active role in local government. The women who attend are all future leaders in our community.
Thirty-seven women received appointments in 2023 including those with seats on Forest Park City Council, Golf Manor Village Council and Woodlawn Village Council. More than 85 women turned out for the celebration and learning session.
ACLA offers quarterly half-day workshops, addressing several topics pertaining to local government as well as civic service and leadership. In many cases, participants can engage one-on-one with elected officials.
Rajani Menon, civic inclusion manager, for the Women’s Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, said, “It has never been more important for public leadership to reflect the community it serves. The learning series is another resource for our community and a tool that allows participants to confidently raise their hand for board service.”
The ACLA training session was March 2 at the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, 720 E. Pete Rose Way. It involved a morning of learning, growth and networking. Leading sessions were Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus, Cincinnati Vice Mayor Jan-Michelle Lemon Kearney and Cincinnati City Manager Sheryl Long. In addition, a panel featuring leading experts in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion provided valuable information and insight.
The Women’s Fund team and its partners are designing a community where all women can participate, prosper and reach their full potential with the goal of eliminating gender and racial in equities in our community. Additional information on the Women’s Fund is available at CincinnatiWomensFund.org.