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.
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.
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