“Women’s philanthropy has evolved on many levels in the last 50 years,” she says. “We’re better educated on community needs here and abroad, and we’re much better trained in the philanthropic ask, while also being clearer about what matters most to us.”

That combination of knowledge and confidence has transformed the way women lead. Today’s women are informed, strategic and unapologetic about their role in shaping impact.

Why the Women’s Emeritus Board matters

The Women’s Emeritus Board, made up of past chairs and leaders, ensures that decades of experience aren’t lost.

“The Associated would never want to lose the expertise and knowledge these past leaders possess,” Ronnie explains. “These are women who brought so much to the table for decades. And it’s important to keep them engaged in the community they served so well and so long.”

For Ronnie, chairing the group is both meaningful and energizing. “I continue to learn,” she says, “while also feeling a real connection to the past and confidence in the future.”

The mentors who shaped her

Ronnie doesn’t hesitate when asked who influenced her.

“The list is long,” she laughs.

“Carol Fradkin and Myra Gold took me under their wings when I was a young, emerging leader. Carol Sibel, of blessed memory, taught her how to campaign effectively and how to lead in what was very much a man’s world. And my financial guru, Manuelle Wasserman, taught me all things business related for many years so that I could always feel confident in my viewpoints. Two men also had a lasting impact: Neil Meltzer, CEO of LifeBridge Health, and my husband, Bob Footlick, who constantly encouraged me to reach beyond my comfort zone and think creatively, both in community work and in growing our family business.”

Finding her voice

One of her favorite memories comes from her time mentoring the Young Leadership Council.

Ronnie surrounded herself with a group of young people who would go on to become leaders in their own right, sometimes even “poaching” them for other organizations in need.

And despite being a self-described hater of public speaking, Ronnie says one of those young leaders helped her get comfortable at the podium.

“Today, it’s hard to shut me up.”

The best advice she ever received, and the advice she freely shares, is simple: “Trust yourself. Be present. Just say yes.”

If her life in leadership has proven anything, it’s this: when women say yes, to opportunity, to responsibility, to one another, the entire community is stronger for it.

During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the stories of women who came before us, but we also celebrate the women still shaping what comes next.

We are proud to recognize the 30 extraordinary women who serve on the Women’s Emeritus Board:

Harriet Berg • Laura Black • Jessica Bronfein • Annette Cooper • Linda Elman • Judi Fader • Genine Fidler • Ronnie Footlick • Carole Fradkin • Alyson Friedman • Jill Gansler • Nancy Gertner • • Ronnie Glaser • Beth Goldsmith • Linda Hurwitz • Marcy Kolodny • Michele Lax • Janet Livingston • Laurie Luskin • Ellen Macks • Jen Meyerhoff • Wendy Miller • Tammie Plant • Amy Pollokoff • Brenda Rever • Nina Rosenzwog • Elise Rubenstein • Annette Saxon • Martha Weiman • Harriette Wienner