Kenyon Women Giving Back Steering Committee

Una I. (Slevin) Fogarty '90, co-chair

Opis Partners, New York City

Philanthropic passions: Helping others that haven't had the same opportunities I was luckily enough to have, improving financial access to Kenyon and other academic institutions, women's rights and reproductive rights, insuring access to medical care for the craniofacial community

Why she volunteers for KWGB: "I was delighted to be part of the founding cohort of Kenyon Women Giving Back. My four years at Kenyon had a profound positive impact on me and KWGB gives me a chance to relive my connection with Kenyon women. With each KWGB event, I am temporarily transported back to my younger self where possibilities seemed endless. I highly encourage others to get involved!"

Dr. M. Phoebe Brown '79, co-chair

Clinical Psychologist, Cincinnati

Philanthropic passions: Local agencies providing mental health, housing and crisis intervention services to women and children in the Cincinnati area. Increasing access to the Kenyon educational experience via financial support of the Kenyon's Women's Scholarship Fund and the Kenyon Access Initiative. 

Why she volunteers for KWGB: "The roles of women in our culture have expanded dramatically throughout my adulthood. Kenyon alumnae are not just the leaders of their professions, they are philanthropic individuals who shape the futures of their communities. I volunteer with KWGB to support programming that illuminates the incredible impact of Kenyon women utilizing personal philanthropic efforts to address issues important to all women."

Allison (Williams) Armstrong '04

Associate Grants Manager, Ballmer Group, Seattle

Philanthropic passions: Supporting community-based organizations making an impact in her home community. 

Why she volunteers for KWGB: "I have been looking for a way to engage with Kenyon and this was the perfect fit. Kenyon helped shape my passion for philanthropy, volunteering and being an active member of my community."

Lanise Beavers '18

Elyse Forkosh Cutler '93

President, FMH Foundation, Chicago

Philanthropic passions: Supporting women forced to travel for reproductive health care, promoting access to a Kenyon education regardless of a student's ability to pay and ensuring a vibrant, inclusive Jewish community.

Why she volunteers for KWGB: "Kenyon is such a special place and has been such a valuable part of my life. We are a small school with a small alumni base so it is incumbent on each of us to be engaged in Kenyon's future success. KWBG allows me to do this work and helps keep me in touch with the larger Kenyon community across the country."

Nicole "Nicky" Dreyfuss '97

Nina P. Freedman '77, past chair

Mount Kisco, New York

Philanthropic passions: Having grown up in a family where giving back was a responsibility, she has committed herself professionally and personally to children and families at risk, social justice and access to education through need-based scholarships.

Why she volunteers for KWGB: “There is great joy in having been part of the early chapters to be written about the impact of women at Kenyon. Our 55 year history at Kenyon is filled with inspiration and it is a privilege to be able to continue to celebrate Kenyon women today who will carry our legacy forward. I’m thrilled to help encourage and support philanthropic leadership among Kenyon women, moving forward together to continue to define our crucial role in the college’s future.”  

Darnell Preaus Heywood '94 P'27

Director of College Counseling, Columbus Academy, Columbus OH

Philanthropic passions: Kenyon and Broad Street Presbyterian Church.

Why she volunteers for KWGB: “I volunteer for KWGB because my time at Kenyon was formative to my education, values and web of strong relationships. I am always looking for ways to volunteer for Kenyon and give back to the community and following my time on Alumni Council, KWGB seemed like the best next step. This bio would not be complete without a shout out to the best girlfriends anyone could ask for: Marcie Hall Mennes '94. Sheila Pierce Ortona '94, Aline Kelley Thompson '94 and my sister, Virgina Preaus Barba '96. I want to support Kenyon with the hope that many other women will form the deep and enriching friendships and develop the self-confidence I did during my time on the Hill."

Emma Hood '19

Insurance Portfolio Manager, AllianceBernstein, New York City

Philanthropic passions: Improving access to higher education, increasing representation of women in the investment management industry, protecting reproductive rights and supporting local theaters and emerging artists.

Why she volunteers for KWGB: “Since I graduated, volunteering for Kenyon has helped me stay connected to the college and the broader Kenyon community. I would not have been able to attend Kenyon without the support of financial donors, so I'm thrilled to join the KWGB steering committee and deepen the ways I can give back to Kenyon. We have a great opportunity to highlight the amazing work that Kenyon alumnae are doing around the world and ensure women at Kenyon are supported in current and future generations." 

Jenny Leffler '90 P'24

Educator, Tarrytown, New York

Philanthropic passions: "I have spent my life working with youth and teenage girls in sports (and in the classroom) as a way to build strong, confident people and leaders who can navigate challenges, work together and 'leave it all on the field.'  I am also passionate about providing more equitable opportunities in sports that might provide a pathway to college opportunities, particularly with programs like Bronx Lacrosse."

Why she volunteers for KWGB: “Having spent the past 30 plus years as an educator in the classroom and on the fields and having the chance to work with literally thousands of young people, many of them young women, I am so grateful to have the chance to give back to a place that helped me become more confident and independent, and that gave my daughter the same experience. I know the importance of access to higher education, but more importantly, to having a supportive and caring community that becomes a foundation for life."

Melissa Rothberg '03

Executive Vice President, CCS Fundraising, New York City

Philanthropic passions: "My parents embedded in us a responsibility to leave the world a gentler, fairer, and healthier place than we found it. I've committed so much of my professional and personal life to trying to fulfill this mandate — from women's healthcare to food security, arts to education and everything in between."

Why she volunteers for KWGB: "Kenyon has been such an instrumental force in my life since I first stepped on campus. I am moved by the opportunity we have to create greater access to this special experience, and to harness the remarkable power of women coming together to move the needle."

Larae Bush Schraeder '97

Attorney at Law, Schraeder Law, LLC, Columbus

Philanthropic passions: Access to education, supporting the elderly and youth of society, as well as historic preservation.

Why she volunteers for KWGB: "At the top of the list of reasons why I volunteer for Kenyon Women Giving Back steering committee? One, I care about supporting other women and two, I was asked by a friend to participate. One reason why people do not give time or money is because they have not received a personal invitation to do so. Receiving that invitation made it easy for me to get involved and to remember where I've come from — a family of strong women helping others succeed."

Rosemary (Torrisi) Turgeon '93

Development Director, Community Giving Tree, Newburyport, Massachusetts

Philanthropic passions: Supporting human services organizations that help families and children in need in my community, enhancing education in local public schools and supporting Kenyon to sustain the uniquely Kenyon experience for current and future students of the College.

Why she volunteers for KWGB: "I am grateful to be a part of this KWGB committee and for the opportunity to connect with Kenyon alumnae with incredible life experiences from across multiple generations. I am consistently impressed with the level of success, drive and passion Kenyon women have for their careers and their communities. I am thrilled to be part of the group harnessing this energy in support of Kenyon and each other."

Lizabeth Vitellaro '97

HR Director, JC Licht, Chicago

Philanthropic passions: Promoting mental health awareness, destigmatization and access to treatment; supporting scholarships for those who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend Kenyon; and animal welfare initiatives to help our furry friends who bring so much joy and comfort to our lives.

Why she volunteers for KWGB: "I volunteer first and foremost out of gratitude to Kenyon for awarding me scholarships — to be able to attend and grow at a place like Kenyon was a dream that never would have happened without that support. My love and enthusiasm for Kenyon, it’s campus, it’s people and it’s ethos are things I draw upon everyday. Connecting and spending time with a community of Kenyon women feeds me in so many ways and I welcome any opportunity to increase those instances. "

Beth Miyashiro Vivio '88 P'21

Community Advocate and Retired Business Owner, St. Petersburg, FL

Philanthropic passions: Kenyon; Local organizations that address issues such as food insecurity, affordable housing and access to health care; and mental health services. 

Why she volunteers for KWGB: "I feel so fortunate that Kenyon made my education possible through generous financial aid. Without that support, I wouldn’t have been able to attend. That experience inspires me to give back now, so students from all kinds of backgrounds — especially women of color — can have the same chance to experience a Kenyon education."

Wendy Singer

Faculty Advisor

Wendy currently serves as special assistant to the president for strategic initiatives at Kenyon.