Behind much of these efforts are the women whose leadership, dedication, and hard work have helped shape the foundation’s mission. From creating impactful programs to cementing their legacies, these women played a huge role in shaping the Foundation's story.  

This Women's History Month, learn more about some of the remarkable women who have helped pave the way for CFGF's success and made a lasting impact on the community. 

Olivia "Libby" Maynard

Olivia P. “Libby” Maynard is a lifelong philanthropist and advocate for women and girls in Genesee County. A former chair of CFGF’s Board of Trustees and a University of Michigan regent, Libby made history as the first woman to chair the Michigan Democratic Party (1979-1983) and as the first woman nominated for Michigan’s lieutenant governor in 1978. She also served as an adjunct professor at U-M’s School of Social Work in the 1990s. 

In recognition of her achievements, the Libby Award was established in 2000 to honor her dedication to community service and advocacy. 

Olive Beasley

A civil rights pioneer, Olive Beasley dedicated her life to education, housing, employment, and social justice. In 1963, her efforts led to the creation of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission. As Flint’s District Executive, Olive orchestrated a historic ten-day sleep-in protest at City Hall in 1967, pushing for an open housing ordinance. 

Her unwavering commitment to justice lives on through the Olive Beasley Fund at CFGF, which supports youth-led initiatives that address systemic racism and foster community organizing. 

Dorothy Booth

As one of the first members of CFGF’s Legacy Society in 1991, Dorothy Booth ensured her passion for community service would extend beyond her lifetime. The Dorothy W. Booth Fund, established in 1997, is advised by the Flint Women and Girls Fund Advisory Committee.

Dorothy also contributed significantly to the Flint Institute of Arts Museum + Art School. She and her husband are honored through the Herbert J. & Dorothy W. Booth Family Learning Center, a hands-on studio full of creative, inventive learning stations just for families. 

Dorothy Reynolds

Dorothy "Dottie" Reynolds served as president of CFGF from 1990-1997, spearheading the growth of the Flint Women and Girls Fund. Under her leadership, CFGF commissioned the first report on the status of women and girls in 1994, authored by Libby Award recipient Katherine Saunders. 

Upon her retirement, the C.S. Mott Foundation established the Dorothy M. Reynolds Endowment Fund in her honor, ensuring her impact would continue to shape future generations. 

Jessica Judson

Jessica Judson is the chair of the Flint Women and Girls Fund, a key force in supporting the advancement of women and girls in Greater Flint. For over a decade, her passion for public health and community empowerment has helped drive meaningful grantmaking. 

Since the fund’s inception in 1985, over $707,945 in gifts have been contributed, and more than $321,000 in grants have been awarded to initiatives that uplift women and girls in the region. 

Edith Prunty-Spencer

Edith Prunty-Spencer is a Flint trailblazer and philanthropist. She and her husband, J. Merrill Spencer, served Flint with compassion through their House of Spencer Mortuary. From her involvement in the Urban League and the NAACP to her advocacy within the League of Women Voters and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Edith has been a lifelong advocate in the community. In addition to working in the family business, Edith was a public librarian for 40 years. 
 
Edith's commitment to education will live on forever with the Dr. J. Merrill and Edith Prunty-Spencer Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint.   

Barbara Wesley

Barbara Wesley, an educator, activist, and community servant, is the most recent recipient of the Libby Award. She began her career in the early 1970s as an English Literature teacher at Northwestern High School in Flint. 

Barbara is deeply engaged in community organizations and is instrumental to the Links, Incorporated Flint Area (MI) Chapter Flint Kids Matter Fund at CFGF. She also helped establish the Ivy House, a project of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s Zeta Beta Omega Chapter, which provides resources and programming for women and girls. 

Lynn Williams

Lynn Williams is the longest-serving staff member at CFGF, with 25 years of dedicated service. As Director of Equity & Community Engagement, she has been a driving force in shaping the Foundation’s impact. 

Her leadership extends beyond CFGF, with roles as Minister of Music at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church of Flint, Board Member of the Richard Battle Foundation, and Advisory Committee Member for Flint Local Initiative Support Corporation. Her deep family roots in Flint, dating back to 1919, fuel her commitment to the community. 

Supporting women in Flint and Genesee County isn’t just for Women’s History Month—it’s a commitment we uphold year-round. Learn more about how the Flint Women and Girls Fund of CFGF continues to encourage the advancement and full participation of women and girls in our society.