32 years
Founded on passion and experience. What started out as an idea between six women to host a fundraising Luncheon has evolved into a thriving collective giving organization.
$7 million
Our approach is proven and powerful. We've awarded over 600 grants and scholarships to support Spokane women and children.
800+
Learn, grow, and give together. Whether it's a donation drive, site tour, podcast episode, or volunteer shift- you're sure to feel more connected to your community.
About Us
Together, we're a growing group of local, engaged, and strategic givers. We build community, fund solutions, support scholars, and produce data and research.
Our Mission & Vision
Empowering Spokane area women and children to achieve their full potential, by building a strong, diverse community of engaged, and strategic givers.
We envision a healthy, safe and vibrant community where women and children flourish.
2024-25 Board of Directors
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Nicole Stewart
Director of Marketing, Providence
Jennifer Koenig
Vice President & Branch Director, Robert Half
Besse Bailey
SVP Commercial Lending, Mountain West Bank
Kendel Froese
Owner, Froese Law PLLC
DIRECTORS
Rebecca Bull Schaefer
MBA Programs Director & Professor of Management, Gonzaga University
Gwen Cash-James
Assistant VP of Academic Affairs,
Eastern Washington University
Nicole Diedrich
Owner, Diedrich Marketing Strategies
Emily Geddes
Attorney, Smith + Malek, PLLC
Lori Hunt
Chief of Staff & Strategy, Community Colleges of Spokane
Andrea Mackin
Assistant Director of Development & Communication, Start Early Washington
Alison Mallahan
Head of Global Corporate Communications, Itron
Pam Murray
Chief Human Resource Manager, Providence
Tara Pendleton, CPA
Professional Practice Director,
BDO USA LLP
Carol Plischke
CEO, Partners with Families & Children
Kelly Selby
VP Private Banking, Bank of America
Tamitha Shockley French
CHAS Health
Lindsey Skinfill
SVP People Potential, Numerica Credit Union
Robin Toth
Governor’s Sector Lead Director of Aerospace, Washington State Department of Commerce
Beth Winter, CPA
Corporate Controller, Pyrotek
WHWF Staff
Executive Director
Founding Members
Mari Clack
Marcy Drummond
Vicki McNeill 1925-1997
Shirley Rector 1951-2004
Janet Skaden 1923-2006
Vivian Winston 1911-2009
Our founders believed in the potential of all women and children and set out to remove barriers to their success.