Lacy Wooden, Human Resources Generalist, recently completed the OPTIONS program through Women’s Fund of Central Indiana.
Established in 1996, Women's Fund is a special interest fund of Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) with a mission of mobilizing people, ideas, and investments so every woman and girl in the community has an equitable opportunity to reach her full potential.
Each calendar year a diverse group of women are selected to be part of a strong and vibrant OPTIONS class. Women's Fund seeks participants who are interested in exploring more about their personal philanthropy and the needs and issues facing women and girls in Central Indiana.
When Wooden was selected as one of 20 out of more than 100 applicants for the 2020 OPTIONS program, she expected to attend monthly classroom sessions and site visits. Although those experiences had to shift to virtual learning due to the pandemic, she is grateful for the opportunity.
“I am humbled to have been selected to be in this program through which I have learned about so many organizations dedicated to young girls and women,” she said.
In addition to the educational experiences, participants make a contribution of at least $300. Together, the group provides grants to organizations that they feel are making an important difference for women and girls in the community.
At the conclusion of the program, Wooden was selected by her fellow participants to serve as an ex-officio member of the Women’s Fund Advisory Board and Executive Committee in 2021.
“It is an honor to be able to make an impact and to be part of something bigger than myself,” she said.
