History

In the Beginning

Women’s Impact, Inc. exists to encourage women to unleash their power and realize their full potential through connection, education, and recognition. Nearing its 10-year anniversary, Women’s Impact, Inc. continues to grow its membership and positively impact individuals and the communities where its members live and work.

In 2009, the Stark County Bar Association and the United Way of Greater Stark County established the Women’s Impact Series to provide educational and networking opportunities. It proved to be a much-welcome addition to the Stark County area.

As an outgrowth of the initiative, 14 dedicated founders transitioned the series in 2012 into Women’s Impact, Inc., and originally incorporated as a 501(c)(6) membership organization. In 2019, Women’s Impact, Inc. earned its current 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit status.

In 2012, the newly incorporated organization was touted as a “formal group of like-minded women who demonstrate purpose and passion when it comes to supporting women and issues related to the enhancement of women’s roles in the community and in the workplace.”

By 2013, Women’s Impact, Inc. had teamed up with ATHENA International – a women’s leadership organization – for the annual area ATHENA Awards Dinner. Women’s Impact, Inc. quickly gained momentum and recognition, earning the distinct honor of presenting the Global ATHENA Leadership Award to former professional tennis player Billie Jean King, who worked to get women equal prize money at the US Open in the “Battle of the Sexes,” and who continues to work for equal rights for both genders.

Though still young, by 2014, Women’s Impact, Inc. had already experienced tremendous success, having grown from its original 14 members to a roster of more than 100, with dozens of leadership and networking events to its credit. In 2015, a formal mentoring program was added to the organization’s expanding offerings and, by 2016, Women’s Impact, Inc. secured its first executive director to manage the thriving organization. In 2017, Women’s Impact, Inc. established its own Women’s Impact Award to recognize individuals, businesses, and nonprofits exemplifying the group’s mission.

The organization continues to systematically expand events and programming to appeal to existing and prospective members. More recent additions include its popular mentoring panel series, Leadership Spotlight programs, and Members-2-Members Forums. A special series on Educating Ourselves about Systemic Racism was offered during the 2020 virtual program year, to which the organization quickly pivoted in response to the global pandemic. The pandemic only served to reinforce the need for the organization to provide on-going professional support to its members, especially those adjusting to new workplace and life realities.