Columbus Women's Commission

“During Women’s History Month, we remember and celebrate the strong women who have come before us, advocating for gender equity and paving the way for many of the opportunities we have as women today. While great strides have been made in the work towards gender equity, the work is far from over. Year-round, the Columbus Women’s Commission is committed to achieving gender equity in Columbus so all of our neighbors can thrive.” - Shannon Ginther, CWC Chair and First Lady of Columbus

On Thursday we recognized Women’s Equal Pay Day and the pay gap that women face. But gender equity goes beyond paychecks. It includes representation, access, and opportunity. Nowhere is this more evident than in sports. Women make up almost half of all college athletes, yet remain underrepresented in leadership roles and funding. While progress has been made across industries, in leadership, workplace benefits, investment, and opportunity, there is still work to do. IgniteHER Columbus is committed to opening doors for women and girls in sports, empowering them to shine on and off the court.

Yesterday we recognized Women’s Equal Pay Day which marks how far into the new year women must work to earn what their male counterparts earned in the previous year. Nationally, women earn $0.81 for every dollar earned by men. While, in Columbus, women earn $0.86 for every dollar earned by men.* While the wage gap is lower in Columbus than the national average, there is still work to be done. The Columbus Women’s Commission remains committed to ensuring women in Columbus are paid equitably.

*This calculation is based on 2024 estimated median earnings data provided by the United States Census Bureau.

Yesterday launched more than a brand. This is just the beginning of a movement to empower and uplift girls and women across Central Ohio both on and off the field. IgniteHER Columbus will foster investment in girls and women to lead on their teams, in their schools, and in the workplace. When women are empowered to lead, we begin to see real, positive change in our communities. Greater Columbus Sports Commission Experience Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther Columbus Crew

Congratulations to the Financial Empowerment Center on being named Financial Counseling Center of the Year! We are so proud of the FEC team and the incredible work they do. Learn more about the FEC below!

🏆 Great News! 🏆

We’re thrilled to share that the Columbus Financial Empowerment Center has been named Financial Counseling Center of the Year by the AFCPE!

Financial Counselors Marcia Slekitis and Marshall Cohen proudly accepted the award at the 2025 AFCPE Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, on behalf of the FEC.

👏 Congratulations to the entire FEC team for this well-deserved recognition and your continued commitment to empowering our community through financial wellness!

About us: https://loom.ly/FCvpifk

City of Columbus - City Hall Columbus Women's Commission Mayor Andrew J. Ginther Columbus City Council

The City of Columbus is thrilled to announce the launch of free legacy planning services through the Columbus Financial Empowerment Center (FEC)! Legacy Planning services will ensure that all Columbus residents have the opportunity to protect what they've built and create a lasting legacy, regardless of income and assets. Click the link below or call 614-237-9675 to learn more about the FEC! https://jfscolumbus.org/client-services-financial-empowerment-center/

October is Small Business Awareness Month, and we celebrate the many small businesses in Columbus. While launching a small business or entrepreneurial journey isn’t easy, the Small Business Boost program at the Columbus Financial Empowerment Center can provide the support and personal financial counseling you need to successfully launch your small business. Click the the link below or call 614-237-9675 to learn more about the FEC!
https://jfscolumbus.org/client-services-financial-empowerment-center/

Columbus Financial Empowerment Center clients have reached an incredible milestone: reducing their non-mortgage debt by $3 million in the past 3 years! Women contributed to a majority of that total, reducing $2 million in non-mortgage debt! We are thankful for the counselors’ dedication to supporting Columbus residents and we are proud of every FEC client for their commitment to achieving their financial goals. Jewish Family Services

Small Business Boost is a great program for aspiring or current entrepreneurs looking for strengthen their personal finances and in turn, support their small business!

Are you a women owned business struggling to get venture capital funding?

The Columbus Financial Empowerment Center offers free one-on-one financial counseling as a public service for all Central Ohio residents. Their financial counselors are trained and certified by the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund to help participants navigate complex financial challenges and reach financial goals, like being prepared to pitch to venture capital.

Apply and get on your way towards funding at: https://jfscolumbus.org/client-services-financial-empowerment-center/