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
Jan
As a master’s-level student focused on environmental education, Jan has devoted herself to serving communities and ecosystems through seasonal and grant-funded roles, including AmeriCorps service. Despite financial hardship and unreliable transportation, she continues to pursue meaningful work and stable employment. With support to repair her car, she can confidently access job opportunities, attend community events, and sustain momentum in her career. WiLL assistance shifts her from survival to stability, restoring independence and enabling her to keep contributing to the vital environmental and community work she values deeply.
Nicki
Nicki is a single mother of two, working full-time and actively engaged in her recovery. After completing in-patient treatment, she continues outpatient care and has worked hard to regain stability. Despite progress, a court fine stood between her and reinstating her driver’s license—essential to keeping her job. With no extra income, this was a major barrier. Thanks to WiLL, the fine was paid, allowing Nicki to keep her employment and move toward long-term stability. This support ensures she can continue providing for her family, stay on her recovery path, and build a more secure future.
Angela
Angela has reached a major milestone—two years of sobriety! After inpatient treatment, relapse prevention, and Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) Training, she’s set for the next step. With WiLL’s generous laptop gift, Angela can now begin her CRM career journey. Her progress shows how determination and support can transform lives and inspire others on their recovery path.
41%
of funds were spent on
Youth Opportunities
34%
of funds were spent on
Financial Mobility
6%
of funds were spent on
Healthy Community
19%
of funds were spent on
Community Resiliency
Our Youth Opportunity 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 Financial Mobility 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 Healthy Community 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.
Camila Thorndike joined The Lemelson Foundation in 2025 as a Program Officer for the Climate Action initiative. She has more than 20 years of experience as an organizer and campaigner in climate and clean energy.
Thorndike has dedicated her career to creating a climate-safe future. In her role at Rewiring America, she led initiatives for public engagement and implementation of new electrification policies. In 2024, she steered climate engagement for the Harris-Walz campaign, and earlier served as Legislative Assistant to Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) during efforts to pass the Inflation Reduction Act. Before working on Capitol Hill, she led the campaign that passed a nation-leading 100% renewable electricity standard for Washington, DC.
Thorndike grew up in Southern Oregon, where in 2014, she co-founded the nationwide youth engagement nonprofit Our Climate. She has also worked for the U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution and led outreach for a regional land use planning process in Arizona. Recognized for her dedication to equitable climate action, she has received recognition and honors including the Udall Scholarship, Sitka Fellowship, Mic 50, Grist 50, DC Environmental Network Award, HKS Environmental Fellowship, and HKS Littauer Award.
Thorndike is a graduate of Whitman College and the Harvard Kennedy School. She loves bikes, dinner parties, and the practice of multiracial democracy.
For more information about the luncheon, including details on how to register, please email Bethany@unitedwayofjacksoncounty.org
Our 2025 WILL Luncheon Sponsors
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Partner
Investor
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Advocate
Lindsay Berryman
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Donor
Aaron & Heather Hoefling
Lisa Stauffer
Cathy Noah
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Michele Jones
Sue Slack
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Lyn Hennion
Amy Belkin Coaching & Consulting
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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
CREATE
We have the entrepreneurial desire to create something new and concrete that responds to the needs of women and children in transition.
CHANGE
We make a difference and bring about change.
CONNECT
We feel connected with the impact of our giving.
COMMIT
We are committed to giving wit, wisdom and wealth.
COLLABORATE
We inspire organizations to build partnerships and collaborations.
CELEBRATE
We celebrate and recognize each others efforts and successes.