Our History

WiLL, Women Living Leadership, was born at United Way of Jackson County through the vision of a dedicated and passionate volunteer, Debbie Williams.  In 2005, as the board president of United Way of Jackson County and a representative of Avista Utilities, Debbie attended the United Way of America’s Community Leaders Conference in Dallas, Texas.

There, she discovered the emerging Women’s Leadership Council initiative, designed to harness the unique strengths of women in philanthropy, advocacy, and volunteerism.

Inspired by this vision, Debbie returned to Jackson County with a clear goal: to establish a Women’s Leadership Council in our community.  Her leadership and commitment led to the creation of WiLL, a program that empowers women to step forward and make meaningful contributions through their hearts, heads, and hands.

WiLL focuses on addressing critical transition points where systems fail and life keeps moving, enabling impactful investments and transformative change in our community.

Our 2024 Impact

47%

of funds were spent on Education

35%

of funds were spent on Income

3%

of funds were spent on    Health

15%

of funds were spent on Transportation

Our Education Funds are designed to help women and girls achieve their educational goals, whether it’s earning a high school diploma or equivalent, or accessing job skills training. In 2024, WiLL provided financial assistance to numerous women, enabling them to pursue Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training and secure guaranteed employment in the healthcare field.

WiLL’s Income Funds are dedicated to stabilizing families in need. In 2024, we helped cover job certification fees for those who could not afford them, and we also assisted with rent payments, ensuring that women and their families remained housed during challenging times.

Our Health Funds support women and girls in developing skills and accessing resources that promote physical, emotional, mental, and oral well-being. In 2024, WiLL provided funding for creative and recreational outlets focused on mental health wellness, benefiting several community members in Jackson County.

For many in our community, even a car repair can be the difference between maintaining employment and facing housing instability. In 2024, WiLL assisted with car repairs, helping women stay mobile and meet their essential needs.

WiLL Luncheon

Annually more than 250 women gather for the WiLL luncheon. This is more than just an event; it’s a chance to be inspired, connect with like-minded individuals, and make a lasting impact! Together, attendees rally to raise vital funds, ensuring every woman and girl can achieve their next best level.

Each year we ask WiLL Council members to share their favorite motivating books. We then compile these books into a bookmark. Click here to access the bookmark- enjoy!

Join us on October 23, 2025, for the 19th Annual WiLL Luncheon, featuring Camila Thorndike as our guest speaker. A native of Ashland, Oregon, Thorndike currently serves as the Senior Director of Campaigns at Rewiring America, the nation’s leading electrification nonprofit.  She plays a pivotal role in advancing key initiatives of the Inflation Reduction Act. Previously, she worked for Senator Bernie Sanders, contributing to the Act’s progress in the Senate. Before her work on Capitol Hill, Thorndike co-founded Our Climate and led the successful campaign to pass Washington, D.C.’s 100% renewable electricity standard. Her past experience also includes bilingual outreach for a regional land use planning process in Arizona and a role at the U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution. Thorndike shares, “Fighting for democracy and a just, livable future makes me happy.”

For more information about the luncheon, including details on how to register, please email Bethany@unitedwayofjacksoncounty.org

 Our 2024 WiLL Luncheon Sponsors

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Partner

…

Investor

…

Advocate

…

Donor

Aaron & Heather Hoefling

Alex Bellen & Lyn Hennion

Amy Belkin Coaching & Counseling

Banner Bank

Dave & Michele Jones

Lisa Stauffer

KOBI TV NBC 5

First Interstate Bank

Mercy Flights

Southern Oregon Goodwill

Two Rivers Legal

This is a fantastic opportunity for your business to gain visibility while supporting a meaningful cause. Your involvement will not only help strengthen the WiLL program, but it will also connect you with an engaged community of individuals who are committed to making a difference. As a sponsor, your business will play an integral role in empowering these women and fostering positive change.

To become a sponsor, please email Bethany@unitedayofjacksoncounty.org