Ashley Cecil

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Yesterday I had the honor of being in the presence of over 20 of Louisville’s most distinguished professional women. Women 4 Women graciously invited me to their first ’07 board meeting where I was able to listen in and meet the group of female superstars. “Inspiring” comes to mind when I think about the influence and power these women have to offer the cause they share in common – “improving the health and economic well-being of women and girls [in the Louisville community].”

When I first spoke with Ann Coffey (Women 4 Women’s executive director), I disclosed that I often make people uneasy by sketching them and taking pictures (for a painting to soon follow). Without skipping a beat, Ann assured me that this group would not mind. Ann could not have been more right, as I was welcomed with the same strong enthusiasm that each member applies to their involvement with Women 4 Women.

These ladies, spanning careers of president of a major bank to academic dean, worked the itinerary before them with efficiency and collaborative decisiveness that spoke to their experience and professionalism. With anything less, Women 4 Women surely would stumble in attaining their ambitious goals:

4 Bold Goals: The 2020 Dream

Economic Well-being: Substantially improve the economic well-being of 20,000 women and girls in our community Health: Substantially improve the health of women and girls in our community and significantly reduce obesity, smoking and teen pregnancy Connections: Connect women and girls from every corner of our community to each other to share knowledge, resources and networks to strengthen our entire community Funding: Build a $25 million fund to ensure a sustainable revenue stream of funding to create and maintain one of the best places for women, girls and their families to live and work

The details of implementing these goals are where their impressive ambitions truly shine. An example of one such tactic (of achieving the first “Bold Goal” listed above) was the focus of yesterday’s meeting. But, I’m going to use my witty ways to hold your interest and save the details for the accompaniment of the corresponding painting in the works.

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