I’m a proud member of Generation X. And I remember fondly the women’s magazine, Jane, that embodied the quirky feminist riot grrrl spirit of its founder, Jane Pratt. (Fun fact for fellow Xers who remember the beloved title: Pratt first wanted to name the magazine Betty.)
As the Women’s Fund team began brainstorming potential names for a new magazine, we considered whether there was a woman whose name embodies the Women’s Fund spirit. There is, of course.
Diane B. Brashear, Ph.D. was the founding force (or founding mother) behind Women’s Fund of Central Indiana. She is the one who had the vision and brought together diverse groups of women to discuss the idea. She met with The Indianapolis Foundation to encourage its involvement, and it was her leadership that kept the original Steering Committee on task and ultimately resulted in the creation of Women’s Fund.
Fellow Founding Mother Carol Wichman said of Dr. Brashear, “Diane never asked for the praise or glory but she deserves it. Without her, Women’s Fund would not be here today. She talked to people, she listened to their thoughts and ideas, and she learned about her friends’ and acquaintances’ strengths and then wisely made them feel wonderful by involving them. She mixed all ages, ethnic groups, and income groups because she believed that to be successful, all needed to be included and their voices heard.”
Welcome to DIANE Magazine!
This magazine is just one outcome of my conversations with you over the last year. As I was settling into my new role, I met members of the Women’s Fund family–OPTIONS Alumnae, Emeritus Advisory Board members, longtime supporters, and other men and women with a shared commitment to ensuring all who identify as women or girls living in Central Indiana have an equitable opportunity to reach their full potential no matter their race, place, or identity.
You asked for more opportunities to learn and engage with Women’s Fund and our mission. This magazine was conceived of that desire. Here, once a quarter, you can learn more about women and girls in Central Indiana; the issues that matter to them; and the individuals and institutions, including Women’s Fund, that give their time, talent and treasure to create a world where women and girls can thrive.
As with all things Women’s Fund, this is your magazine. This space will evolve as you tell us what you want to read and learn.
We hope you enjoy this new offering and that it will inspire in you the commitment to women and girls in our community exemplified by our
founder–Diane.
Tamara Winfrey-Harris
President
Women’s Fund of Central Indiana
This article was published within the August 2024 issue of the Women’s Fund’s Diane magazine.
