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WHO WE ARE

Nevada Women’s Fund is a dedicated nonprofit organization committed to empowering women and strengthening communities across Nevada. Since our founding, we have worked to identify and fund critical initiatives that support women’s education, career development, and personal growth. Through scholarships, grants, and collaborative programs, we aim to break down barriers and create opportunities that foster self-sufficiency and achievement. Our mission is driven by a vision of a Nevada where women can thrive, lead, and make lasting contributions to their families, workplaces, and communities.

"The best way to empower women is to educate them.” ~ Michelle Obama

~ unknown

Our History

Founded in 1982 by a group of local women dedicated to improving the lives of women and families in northern Nevada, Nevada Women’s Fund was built on the belief that education empowers women to reach their fullest potential. By uplifting families and strengthening communities, our founders sought to create lasting, positive change.

In 1983, Nevada Women’s Fund awarded its first two scholarships, totaling $1000, marking the beginning of a mission to train and inspire local women to become leaders in the boardroom and philanthropists in their communities.

Today, Nevada Women’s Fund continues its vital work by partnering with community leaders, employers, educators, and individuals across the state to raise funds, awareness, and resources that eliminate barriers to achievement for women, while addressing the evolving needs of our community.

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Our Mission & Vision

Our Mission

Empowering Women to achievement through education and career advancement.

Our Vision

A strong community where women face no barriers to achievement.​​​

Our 2024 Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is composed of dedicated community leaders who are deeply committed to empowering women and strengthening our community. Their strategic guidance, unwavering support, and active involvement are key to our success. By leveraging their diverse skills and networks, they help secure resources and promote long-term growth, creating lasting positive change for women and families across northern Nevada.

2024 Community Members

In addition to the Board of Directors, Nevada Women's Fund is supported by a dedicated group of community members who serve as voting members on one of the organization’s six working committees. While these community members do not have financial responsibilities to the organization, they play a vital role in contributing to our success.

Allison Anderson

Nikki Bailey-Lundahl

Sandhya Bhakta

Coletta Bwire

Khalilah Cage

Amanda Carter

Chrissy Caulfield

Mandi Collins

Sarah Crumby

Ian Cumings

Laura DeJong

Megan Duggan

Crystal Edwards

Janjilla Erickson

Linda Galloway

Jamie Gazza

Lisa Harrison

Jeanne Karadanis

Stacy Kendall

Nancy McCormick

Ashley Radtke

Lara Ritchie

Shivani Peterson

Samantha Reveley

Betty Scott

Bailey Wilson

Sharon Wurm

Meet the Team

The dedicated staff of Nevada Women’s Fund, though small with just four members, demonstrates an extraordinary capacity for impact. Their passion and unwavering commitment to empowering women drive remarkable outcomes and meaningful change, embodying the power of collaboration and proving that even the smallest groups can make a profound difference in the state they serve.

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2024 Hall of Fame Member Marybel Batjer

Hall of Fame

Our Hall of Fame honors individuals whose endeavors reflect our mission of empowering achievement. The women listed here have been recognized for their remarkable accomplishments, demonstrating a lifetime commitment to excellence and an unwavering dedication to making meaningful contributions that improve the well-being of others and strengthen our community.

​​​​*deceased

2024:  Marybel Batjer

2023: Lynn Atcheson, Barbara Thornton, Maya Miller*, Lifetime Achievement Awards

2022: Marilyn Newton

2021: Angela D. Taylor

2019: Sandy Pearce Raffealli

2018: Jane Adams Nichols, Ed.D.

2017:  Norma Webster

2016:  Nancy Fennell

2015:  The Honorable Deborah Schumacher

2014:  Bertha Miranda

2013:  H. Elizabeth Lenz

2012:  Mary-Ellen McMullen

2011:  Mimi Ellis Hogan

2010:  Joni Kaiser (recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award)

2009:  Nancy Cashell

2008:  Jennifer Satre

2007:  Fianna Combs*

2006:  Charlotte McConnell

2005:  Fritsi Ericson* (recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award)

2004:  Sally de Lipkau

2003:  Dorothy Lemelson*

2002:  Frankie Sue Del Papa

2001: May Shelton, Barbara Vucanovich*

2000:  Jan Evans*

1999:  Sandy Miller*

1998:  Assistance League of Reno-Sparks

1997:  Evelyn Mount*, Jean Ford*

1996:  Trudy Larson, M.D.

1995: Marilyn Melton

1994:  Bertha Mullins, Sue Wagner

1993:  Lynn Atcheson

1992:  Maya Miller*, Barbara Cavanaugh Thornton

1991:  Gloria Fundis, Soroptimist Int’l of Truckee Meadows, Harriet Wolfe*

1990:  Joan L. Dyer, Dolores Feemster*, Twentieth Century Club

1989:  Dorothy Gallagher, Martha Gould, Moya Olsen Lear*, Dolora Zajick

1988:  Martha H. Jones*, Bernice Mathews, Inga Thompson

1987:  Dean Roberta Barnes,  Alice Jane Clark*, Joni Kaiser

1986:  Marsha Deming*, Patricia Miltenberger, Reno/Sparks YWCA

1985:  Eva Adams*, Physician’s Spouses, Jean Bonar, Hazel Guardella*

1984:  Maggie Banks*, Margery Cavanaugh*, Dr. Mary Fulstone, Juyoung Shin

1983:  Frances Smith Crumley*, Dr. Ann Howard*, Linda Howard, Patty Sheehan

We Need Your Support Today!

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