The Women’s Fund of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, Baird Wealth Management and
UpMobility Foundation Honor Local Women

The Women’s Fund of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, in cooperation with Baird Wealth Management and UpMobility Foundation honored four local women at the Power of the Purse event in early October.

“The Dream, Achieve, Inspire Awards is an initiative of Baird Wealth Management. Our recognition of women in the community partners well with the mission of The Women’s Fund,” commented Michele Sheridan, CFP, Director at Baird. “The women we honored demonstrate their expertise on a daily basis and act as role models for women who are in leadership positions including business ownership.”

The annual event which was held at the Yahnundasis Golf Club was also a fundraiser for The Women’s Fund.

The following women were recognized:

Anne DuRoss – Director of the New Hartford Public Library and President of their Board of Trustees.
As an employee of the library, Anne was identified as a strong candidate for the Directors’ position that had recently been vacated. To meet the state regulations which required library directors to hold a master’s degree, Anne return to college. She completed the degree and is now a dynamic addition to the library system and the town of New Hartford. Her energy, commitment and knowledge are tremendous assets for the library and its patrons.

Man Hue Duong -Founder and owner of Yoga Shala in Clinton.
As a very young refugee from Vietnam, Doung and her family made their way to Utica. Man completed her AS in Fine Arts at Munson and a BFA from the University of New York at New Paltz. She later completed a Master of Art at Queen’s College. Man opened Yoga Shala in 2017. Her high energy and inclusive personality create a fun, dynamic series of classes for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Mary Sheperd – Owner BGM Supply.
Sheperd, a life-long resident of the Mohawk Valley, has been a leader at BGM since 2015. As a women-led business in a male-dominated industry she has created an inclusive organization that has grown and prospered under her direction. Mary uses her current role and platform to give back not only to her employees but to the
community as well.

Heather Hage – President /CEO of Griffiss Institute.
Griffiss Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the youth in our community helping them to explore computer science, engineering and entrepreneurial endeavors. Heather’s early education in computer science helped her to identify the need to better encourage and support young women and girls in the STEM world. She removes barriers for all those interested in the sciences, working to empower and support future leaders in our communities.

Baird and A Remarkable Man also presented The Women’s Fund with a $26,900 check to support the initiatives of The Women’s Fund including Women Investing In Women (WIIW). WIIW annually provides $5,000 grants to women-owned businesses in Herkimer and Oneida Counties. Five $5,000 grants will be awarded on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at the Griffiss Institute.

“Our partnership with Baird is an extraordinary one. We are grateful for their vision and support of women and girls in our communities. Their continued generosity is so important for our mission. They help us make a difference in our area,” noted Janet Richmond, president of The Women’s Fund.

The Women’s Fund is a grassroots, volunteer driven, not-for-profit which is funded by donor contributions. For more information visit The Women’s Fund at www.womensfundhoc.org

PLATINUM INVESTORS