Some of Vero’s most generous women gathered last Thursday at the Oak Harbor Club to kick off another exciting season of philanthropy at the eighth annual Indian River 100 Membership Kickoff Breakfast, which this year featured keynote speaker Jacki Zehner, CEO of Women Moving Millions. The Hill Group sponsored the event, with the speaker co-sponsored by Florida Power & Light and Impact 100 member Helen Robertson.
Welcoming attendees, current President Rebecca Emmons said that the organization could be defined as “a group of likeminded, determined women working together to build each other up so that we can all collectively accomplish great things in our community.”
Founded in 2008, the all-volunteer group has enriched the lives of many through its collective philanthropy, granting more than $2.5 million to local nonprofits in four focus areas: Family, Health and Wellness, Education, and Enrichment and Environment. Membership is open to all women, who each contribute $1,000 and vote in the spring to determine which of the vetted finalists will receive that year’s transformational, impactful $100,000 grants.
“I deeply respect the work of the Indian River Impact 100 group, and really that’s why I’m here. My mission in life is to mobilize unprecedented resources for the advancement of girls and women,” said Zehner, a self-identified Energizer Bunny who related her story with wit and passion.
Zehner was essentially jolted into the issue of gender inequality through a frightening sexual harassment experience with her boss at Goldman Sachs, where she would eventually become the youngest woman and first female trader to make partner.
“What it did for me was to wake me up to the harsh realities that young professional women might fact in the workplace. I personally experienced many, many more instances of unfair treatment, intentional or not, because I was a woman. And that was simply not OK with me. Over time the personal became very political.”
In her position as partner, Zehner illuminated the challenges that women face in male-dominated industries and worked to devise solutions and promote an environment of cultural diversity. After leaving Goldman in 2002, she expanded her mission to make a comprehensive change in the area of women’s leadership and women’s rights.
As CEO of Women Moving Millions Inc., Zehner leads a global community of more than 243 people in 11 countries, each with a commitment to change the world and achieve gender equality.
“I am in it to win it. I really invite you all to be in it to win it with me,” said Zehner. “What you do here is connected to this global movement. True women’s giving funds and giving circles are going to be the force that changes the world; not just because of money, but because of your leadership. The world has not known what women’s leadership looks like yet, and yet it does right here in this moment; this is what it looks like.”
To be included in the 2015-16 funding cycle, members must contribute their $1,000 membership dues by Feb. 28. Grants are awarded in April at the annual meeting. Visit imact100ir.com for more information.