The Women Behind Four of OWF’s 2022 Grantees – the New, Young Leaders in Our Valley
By Jennifer Jones
One of the primary reasons members join the Ojai Women’s Fund is to award grants to nonprofit organizations serving the needs of the Ojai Valley. What better way to motivate you than reporting on some of our 2022 grant awardees? The other grantees will be covered in future newsletters.
That’s where our story starts, but it’s not the whole story. There is another reason why our members can feel good about the grants we award. The women who lead these programs are creating a better future for all of us. They are leaders in their own right. These women have passion, and dedication, and are building their careers, not just working a job.
Read Our Press Releases
Wendy Gillett, Executive Director and Coach of Summer Rowing Camp, Lake Casita’s Rowing Association
As you can see in the photo, Wendy takes her work seriously because she has so much passion for the people that row at Lake Casitas. She actively engages with all middle and high schools in the Ojai Valley to ensure a racially, ethnically, and economically diverse Summer Rowing Camp. She works year-round with her husband, Eric Gillett (it was love at first sight when they met at age 18), who is a former US National Rowing Team rower. They started Lake Casita’s Rowing Association 15 years ago and haven’t stopped rowing.
Tessa McGill Director THRIVE Wellness Workshop
Tessa Magill grew up in Ojai, as did her mother and father. So many OWF members probably know the Messer family. She loves Ojai, “I feel grateful to have this community, friends, and family. I run into people all the time that I’ve met through THRIVE.
Tara Fey, Green Valley Project Program Director at C.R.E.W. Hello world!
Most O.W.F. members have seen the results of C.R.E.W. work — planting trees, removing invasive species, and restoring damaged meadow or forest habitat.
It’s Membership time at OWF!
An urgent message from Gayle Whitaker and Donna Freiermuth, Co-Chairs of OWF’s Membership Committee . . . May Day! May Day!
August 15 – New Member Orientation (steering committee and new members only)
September 6 – 2023 Ballot Presentation (members only)
September 9-25 – Voting for grantees (members only)
November 9 – Grantee Celebration – Ojai Woman’s Club (Members and grantee guests only)
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