Our Someone 2 Know is the president and CEO of Nevada Women's Fund.  As the head of the non-profit, Ila Achtabowski is tasked with overseeing the raising and awarding of hundreds of thousands of dollars - every year. As a native Nevadan, she's a fierce advocate of the Silver State, finding ways to continually improve opportunities for the women and families who live here.

We met with Achtabowski at the small Reno office for Nevada Women’s Fund, where their staff of three is preparing for an upcoming fundraiser; bags with labels like Gucci, Hermes, Yves St. Laurent are being artfully displayed.

Surrounded by $26,000 worth of designer purses, Ila is equally at ease around luxury as she is the great outdoors. She's especially enthusiastic about the people of northern Nevada. "When you attend a fundraiser here, everybody knows everybody because we come together as a community to support one another."

As the head of Nevada Women's Fund, Achtabowski raises money and ensures the non-profit awards scholarships and grants - to improve the community she loves. "Because it has, there's so much opportunity here,” she enthuses with a big, contagious smile.

Ila's opportunities began in rural Nevada.

"Fallon - where we got to be in 4-H and ride our bikes everywhere, and just the small community where everybody looked out for one another."

Achtabowski's adult years brought her to Reno where she raised a family, furthered her education and set her kids on the path to college.

"All the experiences that I’ve had really prepared me for the moment I’m in now."

Achtabowski says this moment is about strengthening the communities of northern Nevada by empowering women to improve their lives and those of their families. That, she says, takes more than money. "…Create partnerships with our local business owners, large companies like Tesla."

So, that scholarship recipients have career choices upon completing their education. "To bring incredible women into the workforce."

To accomplish these goals and so many others, Nevada Women's Fund holds two special events each year. "Salute to Women of Achievement which is known as Reno's largest business luncheon, every May, where we get to honor women from throughout this community."

And in November – “Power of the Purse” - a festive and popular event. "45 local vendors come so you can do your holiday shopping and throughout the evening we're raffling designer purses,” confirms Ila.

Fun, and entirely on-mission for Nevada Women's Fund.

"The idea behind Power of the Purse is to empower the woman who carries the purse.”

As for Achtabowski, she is empowered to set big goals for herself and Nevada Women's Fund. - "I know what we have to offer.”

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This year Nevada Women’s Fund awarded $400,000 in scholarships. The entire board of directors is grateful for all who helped make this happen.

If you want to support the cause while having a great time - the incredibly fun “Power of the Purse” event for 2023 is this Friday November, 17th at The Reno Ballroom.

Link - for tickets and details, here - https://www.nevadawomensfund.org/