Women's Endowment Fund Annual Celebration

Enjoy hearty hors d'oeuvres, beverages and an unforgettable program at the Women's Endowment Fund's signature event. This year's celebration, held at House Three Thirty, will be hosted by emcee Sara Shookman, a career journalist and the founder of Storyglow Studio. Guests are encouraged to join the Women's Endowment Fund in wearing chartreuse clothing to the event.

Doors open at 5 p.m. for a special VIP reception for sponsors, sponsor guests and VIP ticket purchasers. A general reception will follow at 6 p.m. where all guests can enjoy networking and hearty hors d'oeuvres. The main program, including the 2025 grants announcement, keynote address, and presentation of the 2025 Judith A. Read Tribute Award, will begin at 7 p.m.

The keynote address will be delivered by Valerie Mayén, the founder of Yellowcake Shop, a socially conscious fashion brand based in Cleveland, Ohio. As a Latinx entrepreneur, Valerie leads a diverse team focused on creating high-quality, handmade garments designed for everyone. Valerie’s passion for fashion began despite a conservative upbringing and financial challenges. She studied illustration at the Cleveland Institute of Art and Otis College of Art and Design, eventually teaching herself garment construction. Her innovative designs gained international recognition through “Project Runway.” Beyond fashion, Valerie’s work promotes environmental responsibility and emboldens individuals to express their authentic selves.

Following the keynote, the fund will honor Katie Smucker with the 2025 Judith A. Read Tribute Award for Service & Advocacy for Women. Katie has called Akron home since 2002, after living and working in numerous locales from Colorado to Brazil to Canada. As a dedicated community volunteer, Katie has served on the boards and committees of many local nonprofit organizations, including the Women's Endowment Fund, Akron Community Foundation, Love Akron, the Akron Art Museum, and Junior Leadership Akron. During her tenure on the Women's Endowment Fund Advisory Board, Katie chaired the fund's signature "For Women, Forever" event and its biennial Forum on Women and Girls. Prior to moving to Akron, Katie worked in various marketing and operations roles in Latin America. She is a graduate of Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, and Catholic University Quito Ecuador.

For more information, please contact Affiliate Fund Event & Volunteer Coordinator Malia Rivera-Speer at mrivera@akroncf.org or 330-436-5649.

Sponsorships received by Jan. 2, 2025, will be included in promotional materials. Sponsorships received after Feb. 13, 2025, may not be included in the event program.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

House Three Thirty, 532 W Market St., Akron, United States