The Story of Us: Pulse & Progress
An Evening Celebrating the Future We're Building Together
Tuesday, August 11, 2026 | 6:00 PM
The Spot on West Fifth
A Different Kind of Fundraiser
For decades, the Women's Fund has turned data into action. From the Salary History Ban to the Employer Toolkit to Appointed and programs across our region. Now, we're building the Pulse 2.0 Dashboard, an interactive data platform that will serve Greater Cincinnati for the next 20+ years.
What to Expect:
- Expert panel featuring organizational leaders
- Interactive simulation experiencing economic barriers
- Networking with community leaders and changemakers
- Support for the Pulse 2.0 Dashboard
Why This Matters
Celebrate Impact 20 years of turning research into action. From the original Pulse Report to the Salary History Ban to tools used thousands of times, this is the story of data-driven change.
Experience Innovation See what the Pulse 2.0 Dashboard will make possible through real stories and connections between data and the people behind the numbers.
Build the Future Your presence and support help us reach our overall goal of $250,000 toward building infrastructure that will serve our region for the future. This is legacy work.
Your Event Committee
Committee Members:
Chelsea Baker, Valarie S. Boykins, Miranda Hamrick, Julie Kist, Tina R. Macon, Yolanda Sherrer, Julie Sporing, and Adrienne Taylor
Event Details
Event Information:
Date & Time: Tuesday, August 11, 2026
- 5:45 PM Doors Open
- 6:00 PM Event Start
- 6:25 PM Welcome
- 6:30 PM Panel moderated by Mary Stagaman
- 7:00 PM Experience our work & dine on prepared items from Findlay Kitchen woman-owned businesses
- 8:30 PM End of Evening
Attire: Wear your Women’s Fund purple!
Location: The Spot on West Fifth
337 W 5th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Parking: There is street and garage parking available in the area near our venue. Please see this Parking Key for garage locations. If you are a sponsor, or a guest of a sponsor, at the Activator level or above, you receive complimentary valet parking as a part of your benefits package.
Accessibility: This venue has been outfitted to be fully ADA accessible for this event.
A Note from our Venue
"We believe that a thriving community depends on the health and wellness of its women, and the Women's Fund is making this a priority in our lovely city and region."
The Spot on West Fifth
Map:
Mary Stagamaan
Moderator
Mary Stagaman is a long-time community advocate for equity and inclusion whose commitment to the Women's Fund runs deep. She has served as chair of the Leadership Council and was one of the original "instigators" behind the Pulse study, the research that continues to shape the Women's Fund's work today. Throughout her career, Mary has been called on time and again for her skill in enlivening public conversation through thoughtful, engaging facilitation, a gift she brings to every stage she steps onto.
For 13 years, Mary served as moderator for the Cincinnati Chamber's WE Speak program, a platform showcasing the insights and achievements of women leaders across our region. Her steady presence and ability to draw out meaningful dialogue have made her a trusted voice in countless community conversations.
Among her many milestones, Mary counts receiving the Torchbearer Award at the Women's Fund 30th Anniversary Celebration in 2025 as one of her proudest moments, a recognition of decades spent championing equity and lifting up the voices of others.
We are thrilled to welcome Mary as moderator for The Story of Us: Pulse & Progress.
Panelists
Rickell Howard Smith, President & CEO, YWCA
Rickell Howard Smith is a civil rights attorney and nonprofit leader dedicated to advancing racial justice and the rights of women and children. As President & CEO of YWCA Greater Cincinnati, she spearheads initiatives to advance racial justice, women’s rights, and uplift historically excluded communities. During her legal career, Rickell fearlessly fought housing discrimination, and represented incarcerated adults and children in groundbreaking civil rights cases. Rickell went on to lead racial equity efforts in philanthropy at Greater Cincinnati Foundation and served as the inaugural executive director of the Urban League’s Holloman Center for Social Justice. Her community leadership includes serving on the boards of the Hamilton County Human Services Chamber, Planned Parenthood of Southwest Ohio, Lighthouse Community School and the Women's Fund of Greater Cincinnati Foundation. A proud native of Cincinnati, Rickell holds a B.B.A from Howard University and a J.D. from Temple University School of Law.
Dean Woodring, President & CEO, 4C for Children
As president/CEO of 4C for Children, Dr. Dean Woodring is a visionary leader dedicated to expanding access to high-quality early childhood education and strengthening the systems that help children, families and communities thrive. With more than 30 years of experience across public education, higher education and national organizations, she has built a career focused on innovation, equity and developing educators who shape our next generation.
Prior to joining 4C for Children in July 2025, she served as deputy director of education for the American Montessori Society. Her experience in Montessori education deepened her commitment to ensuring every child has the strong foundation they need during the most critical years of development.
Dr. Woodring, who holds a doctorate in education leadership, has also worked as director of school leadership in Cincinnati Public Schools and as a teacher and principal at Clark Montessori, the nation's first public Montessori high school.
Kiana Trabue, President, HealthPath Foundation of Ohio and Public Health Fund of Ohio
Kiana R. Trabue, MPH is President of the HealthPath Foundation of Ohio and Public Health Fund of Ohio, where she leads strategic initiatives to advance community health and equity across Ohio. With more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in the nonprofit and health sectors, she is known for building impactful partnerships and equity-centered solutions. Kiana is also founder of Trabue Leadership Group, empowering women to align career and purpose. A former Vice Mayor of the Village of Woodlawn, she is a member of the Cincinnati Board of Health and serves on several nonprofit boards. Kiana has been recognized with several honors including the 2026 YWCA Career Woman of Achievement and Cincinnati Chamber’s inaugural Civic Quotient Award.
Partners
"I am honored to be a part of The Story of Us — Pulse & Progress, where I will be working on a live art project during the event. I'm looking forward to meeting supporters and attendees for a fast-paced night of drawing." - Karen Boyhen
Artist BioThrough drawing and illustration, Karen Boyhen helps people communicate with their customers in a delightful and relatable way. Her portfolio includes editorial illustration, illustrated maps, merchandise, brochures, posters, toolkits and reports for non-profit, education, and small businesses. She loves to draw live portraits in the community throughout the year. In the studio at Visionaries + Voices, she facilitates artwork and builds relationships. Karen is focused on making art and building creative partnerships.
About Findlay Kitchen
Findlay Kitchen is a food business incubator that empowers the wealth of culture and diversity needed to sustain a vibrant food ecosystem in the heart of our city. Partnering with external programs and organizations, Findlay Kitchen provides training, mentorship, wraparound business support, and access to exclusive sales channels, helping food entrepreneurs bring healthy, locally-grown foods to our region.
Findlay Kitchen is a mission-driven program grounded in inclusivity, serving a member community where 80% or more represent historically marginalized groups. By partnering with like-minded organizations and donors, Findlay Kitchen lowers barriers to entry and provides scholarships and growth opportunities that build a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Vendors for The Story of Us:
Sponsorship Opportunities
Support The Story of Us: Pulse & Progress and align yourself or your organization with data-driven community impact.
Sponsorship Levels
12 tickets, premier signage, speaking opportunity, recognition on invite, reserved panel seating, 1/2 page program (See full list of benefits in packet below) $8,300 tax deductible
8 tickets, premium signage, complimentary valet parking, 1/2 page program (See full list of benefits in packet below) $4,200 tax deductible
6 tickets, Reserved panel seating, table topper signage, complimentary valet, 1/4 page program (See full list of benefits in packet below) $2,300 tax deductible
4 tickets, complimentary valet, group recognition from stage, group recognition on social media, listing in program $1,200 tax deductible
2 tickets, group recognition on social media, listing in program $380 tax deductible
1 ticket, listing in program $90 tax deductible
Tickets start at $75!
Note: All sponsorship levels include open bar and recognition on event webpage and as supporters of Pulse 2.0 Dashboard
Additional Opportunity: Interested in supporting the Pulse 2.0 Dashboard directly? Sponsorship opportunities from $1,000 to $53,000+ are available separate from the event.
DOWNLOAD EVENT SPONSORSHIP PACKET
DOWNLOAD PULSE 2.0 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
CONTACT US ABOUT SPONSORSHIP
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS & HOSTS
Trailblazer Sponsors
Founder Sponsors
Pulse Sponsors
Activator Sponsors
Community Sponsors
Hosts
Tammy Bennett
Amy B. Hunter
Law and Leadership Institute
Felicia H. Zakem
Frequently Asked Questions
For all your unanswered questions, start here! If a question you have is still unanswered, please let us know by emailing [email protected]. We want to ensure your experience is as smooth as possible in thanks for your amazing support!
Cocktail attire or business casual is suggested. Don’t forget to represent the Women’s Fund with a splash (or more!) of purple!
Yes! The Women's Fund operates as a designated fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. You will receive a receipt for tax purposes. Tax ID: 31-0669700
Not a table, but a suite of tickets! This event features interactive stations with movement throughout the space rather than traditional table seating. Sponsorship levels may include reserved seating for your group at a specific point in the evening with additional benefits. Contact Nicolette Rader at [email protected] or 248-977-2111 for more information.
The Pulse 2.0 Dashboard is an interactive data platform launching early 2027 that will provide real-time information on women and girls across Greater Cincinnati's 8-county region. It will cover health, education, economic mobility, and more—free and accessible to everyone.
Anyone who cares about gender equity, data-driven solutions, or the future of Greater Cincinnati! We welcome nonprofit leaders, corporate partners, individual supporters, policymakers, educators, and community members.
Yes! For sponsors at the Activator Sponsorship level and up, a benefit you receive is complimentary Valet. For all others, there is ample street parking and plenty of garages in the area surrounding our venue. Parking_Key
If you have any accessibility needs for parking, please reach out directly to Shawna DuBose at [email protected] for accomodation.
Absolutely! You can support by making a donation online through the ticket purchase link (select non-attendance donation), or via a check, stock or IRA transfer, or your Donor Advised Fund. Every dollar makes a difference in helping us hit our goal! For any questions please contact Nicolette Rader at [email protected] or 248-977-2111.
Contact Shawna DuBose, Team Coordinator, at [email protected] or 513-768-6127