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

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