The Erie Women’s Fund (EWF), an affinity fund of The Erie Community Foundation, welcomed members and community guests today for an implicit bias training led by elise michaux at the Meiser Place in downtown Erie.
Designed to help participants move beyond awareness and into action, the interactive session equipped attendees with practical tools to recognize and address implicit bias while building a more inclusive Erie. “Our goal with today’s training was to create a space where people can both reflect and act,” said elise michaux, facilitator, speaker, and consultant. “Implicit bias isn’t always easy to talk about, but when we face it together, we can change systems, strengthen relationships, and build communities where everyone belongs.”
The training reflects EWF’s commitment to empower women and families not only through philanthropy but also through education and advocacy. “Grantmaking is at the heart of what we do, and it’s how we’ve made a difference for women and families across Erie for 18 years,” said Allison Hodas, Chair of the Erie Women’s Fund. “But real change requires more than funding; it takes learning, dialogue, and action. By pairing our philanthropy with education, we can be better advocates, leaders, and neighbors.”
Through its focus on collective giving, EWF continues to invite women in Erie to pool their resources, voices, and talents to spark lasting change. “The Erie Women’s Fund reflects the heart of what The Erie Community Foundation strives to do: connect people, convene meaningful conversations, and collaborate for a stronger future,” said Olivia Burgess, Director of Collective Giving at The Erie Community Foundation. “By coming together in spaces like this, our members gain insights that help them grow personally and, in turn, strengthen the way they engage with others.”
Since 2007, EWF has granted more than $1.3 million to local organizations that empower women and families. Funded by member contributions, the Erie Women’s Fund combines philanthropy, advocacy, and education to spark lasting change in Erie County. To learn more or get involved, visit https://eriecommunityfoundation.org/community-impact/erie-womens-fund/.
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