By: Tabnie Dozier
Giving, granting, and good times! Those are the pillars of a dynamic new entity within the University of Louisville, properly titled, Women in Philanthropy. The nonprofit was birthed in May 2025 after 2022 Alumna of the Year Lucy Helm wanted to give back to the University in a significant way. After multiple meetings and research from members of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving teams…UofL followed successful programming at other universities and started its own.
Program founders pictured from left to right: Valerie Combs – Director of Engagement and Annual Giving. Mary Ann Vetter – Senior Director of Engagement. Alexis Allen – Director of Annual Giving. Allison Kinnard – Alumni Engagement Graduate Assistant. Nakia Strickland – Associate Director of Engagement. Photo credit: Louisville Alumni
“The purpose of the program is to showcase the power of pooled giving while supporting meaningful projects that enhance student success, research, and campus programs. These dedicated individuals share a passion for advancing the university’s mission while fostering a culture of service and philanthropy at UofL,” Mary Ann Vetter, Senior Director of Engagement explains. She’s a first-generation college graduate from northern Kentucky. Vetter was encouraged while in high school to apply to a UofL mentored scholarship and she was accepted. “That scholarship changed the course of my life (as well as the lives of my younger sister and niece who later attended UofL on different scholarships). The opportunities I was afforded, experience gained, and of course education I received all set me on a course of success. It wasn’t without struggles, but the people of UofL were always there for me. The people of UofL are absolutely a part of what makes it so special,” Vetter gushes. She now works in the alumni office, knowing the tug was too tight on her heart to leave her beloved community.
Vetter’s colleague and Director of Engagement and Annual Giving, Valerie Combs, shares similar sentiments regarding her cherished alma mater. Combs is a familiar name surrounding the university and her profound excellence on the basketball court and beyond. “I chose UofL because it chose me! They believed in me and offered me an opportunity to stay in Kentucky and further my education and wear LOUISVILLE across my chest. I represented the school on the biggest stage ever, in front of many Louisvillians, proudly on the hardwood court. I earned my degree and will honor my state and school until the day I die. L1C4,” Combs states proudly.
The Greatness in Giving Back
Philanthropy as a noun is defined as the practice of performing charitable or benevolent actions. For Vetter and Combs, they delight at the unlimited potential of like-minded people meeting other like-minded people and that common ground can lead to reaching spectacular heights.
“Philanthropy is important to me because there are many students out there that cannot afford to go to college or sustain what small scholarships or grants they get without additional monies from families or friends or groups like ours to support their dreams,” Combs says. Vetter adds, “Philanthropy does not always mean making large financial contributions; it can also take the form of sharing time, expertise, and advocacy— each of which are central to the work of the Alumni Relations and Annual Giving office. Programs like this create opportunities to give at approachable levels while joining with others to make a meaningful collective impact. As a young girl and teenager, I volunteered through my school, church, and youth programs. It helped me develop a love for community building and a desire to be a part of something bigger than myself.”
The Future is Female!
The team members have big plans for 2026, finishing a massive step forward by awarding their first round of grants! Vetter couldn’t be more optimistic as she details, “This will move us from the world of what we can do, to the world of what we have done. Showing real impact! We believe this will help move the needle on membership growth, which of course is a goal as a new program. We will also be solidifying our committee structure, leading to more opportunities for members to network with one another.”
Vetter shared some insightful and uplifting facts with Today’s Woman; “Women already control a significant and growing percentage of the wealth in this country and are expected to inherit a further 70% of an estimated $50 trillion in the baby boomer great wealth transfer by 2030. Women make up roughly 70% of charitable donors globally and influence or make 85% of a family’s philanthropic decisions.”
“Our community should care because their children are our future leaders, and we need them to keep their talents here so that Louisville stays in the forefront of ideas, inventions, programs, and global business opportunities,” Combs tells us.
Your Help is Critical
Pictured from left to right at Women in Philanthropy’s Launch Event: Mary Ann Vetter, Lucy Helm, President Gerry Bradley, Kim Bradle. Photo credit: Louisville Alumni
As the agency heads towards its first birthday in May 2026, membership is open to anyone. Women in Philanthropy’s membership is currently split roughly 50/50 between alumni and community members, including five men. “Anyone who would like to advance UofL’s mission, which we know leads to a stronger overall Louisville community, is welcome to be a part of this exciting new program. Proposals for funding from Women in Philanthropy must be affiliated with UofL,” Vetter tells us.
When care, compassion, and love for community collide, you can expect a positive collection of advocacy, programs, financial support and lasting impact. To elevate the excellence of this fantastic non-profit, visit the website to learn more and contact the team.
