article

Thank you, Ruth.

Posted on Jun 30, 2026

There are moments in a community’s history when everything aligns—the right idea, the right people, and the right leadership. For the Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region, that moment began with Ruth Haviland.

Ruth, the first and only woman to serve as president of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, brought not only vision to her role, but also a quiet determination and generosity that left a lasting mark on everyone who had the privilege of working with her. Her leadership wasn’t loud or showy—it was steady, thoughtful, and deeply respected.

As Marlene Kosnek recalls, the spark for what would become the Women’s Fund began simply. Walking into Ruth’s office one day, Marlene was met with a question that would shape the future of the community: “What do you think of the formation of a Women’s Fund?”

The answer was immediate—enthusiastic support. From the very beginning, it felt right.

“It worked because it was the right time, with the right people, in the right place,” Marlene said.

Ruth’s expertise brought structure and clarity to the vision. She understood how to turn a promising idea into something meaningful and sustainable. More importantly, she understood the power of collaboration. The formation of the Women’s Fund wasn’t about a single city or organization—it was about the entire Fox Valley. It wasn’t Appleton’s initiative or Menasha’s or Neenah’s. It belonged to everyone.

That sense of shared ownership made all the difference.

When the Women’s Fund was announced, the response was immediate and enthusiastic. People were ready. They believed in the mission and in the idea that women helping women could create lasting change. Fundraising, Marlene remembers, wasn’t a challenge—it was a reflection of that excitement and trust.

Through it all, Ruth was there every step of the way.

For those who worked alongside her—including Renee Boldt, who served on the Community Foundation board from 1996 to 2000—Ruth’s leadership left a profound impression. As one of the younger voices involved in early planning conversations, Renee saw firsthand how essential Ruth was to bringing the Women’s Fund to life.

“I don’t think the Women’s Fund would have launched if she would not have been involved,” Renee shared.

Ruth led with a quiet but unmistakable competence. She didn’t seek the spotlight, but her presence commanded respect. People listened—not because she demanded attention, but because she earned it through her insight, preparation, and sincerity.

She also understood that strong relationships were at the heart of community impact. Ruth was intentional about building connections, often meeting with people across the region to share ideas, listen, and invite others into the vision. Those personal touches helped create momentum and trust—cornerstones of the Women’s Fund’s early success.

She worked alongside others, building relationships and blending strengths to create something larger than any one individual. Her leadership style—kind, generous, and quietly determined—earned deep respect. She listened. She connected. She led with purpose, but always with heart.

Ruth had a way of staying in touch, of making people feel seen and valued. She was, in every sense, a special leader.

Today, the Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region continues to grow and thrive—a testament to the strong foundation Ruth helped create. Its ongoing success is one of the clearest reflections of her legacy. At the same time, it serves as a reminder of the work that remains. The need for a Women’s Fund underscores the continued importance of investing in women and girls across our community.

Ruth believed in that mission wholeheartedly.

Her influence extended far beyond the creation of the Women’s Fund. She opened doors, shaped conversations, and demonstrated what leadership could look like when guided by integrity and compassion. For women in leadership roles—like Marlene, who would go on to serve as the first female president of the Community Foundation Board—and for younger leaders like Renee, who continues to support the Women’s Fund as a donor today, Ruth helped pave the way.

Her impact is both lasting and deeply personal.

We see it in the strength of the Women’s Fund today.
We see it in the leaders who followed her.
We see it in the lives that continue to be changed because she said, simply, “What do you think?”

Thank you, Ruth—for your vision, your leadership, and your belief in what this community could achieve together. Your legacy lives on, not just in what you built, but in all of us who carry that work forward.

Posted in General