Sharon L. Davies speaks on YWCA’s Women of Influence Event
As the president and CEO of the Charles F. Kettering Foundation, one of my favorite yearly events is the YWCA Dayton’s Women of Influence event. At the Kettering Foundation, we understand the countless contributions that women and girls make to strengthen their communities across the globe. Organizations like our YWCA Dayton help to nurture women’s leadership and ensure that when girls see board rooms and corner offices, they see themselves.
Throughout my life, I have had the benefit of extraordinary women mentors who have made an incalculable difference to the leader that I am today. Beginning when I was just an undergraduate, Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, a giant in the sectors of higher education leadership, the field of anthropology, and the world of African art, and now a senior fellow of the Kettering Foundation, has been a role model and valued mentor throughout my adult life. Nancy Rogers, renowned legal scholar, author, former attorney general of Ohio, and former dean of The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, has taught me countless invaluable lessons about the qualities of leadership and the responsibilities owed by those to whom much is given. United States Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, who represents Ohio’s Third District and recently served as former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, has been a valued friend and constant source of inspiration.
As I reflect on my own experiences with mentorship, I can’t help but be inspired by the work of YWCA Dayton. Their Sojourn Leadership Academy, Girls LEAD!, and Women of Influence event are key examples. The Sojourn Leadership Academy trains young professional women to lead and become impactful changemakers by serving on boards and advocating for equity and social justice. Girls LEAD! recognizes that leadership doesn’t begin after high school but can be cultivated through work with girls in earlier stages of their lives, including in-school, after-school, and summer camp opportunities. The annual Women of Influence event sets aside time to celebrate outstanding exemplars of women leaders in our local community serving as an inspiration for others. This is Dayton’s largest annual daytime event, where representatives from all areas of our community gather to honor women making myriad contributions to improve our society. As Congresswoman Beatty puts it, “When women succeed, we all succeed.”
The Charles F. Kettering Foundation is proud to be a supporter of the 2024 Women of Influence event, furthering our commitment to inclusive democracy.