The Heart of the Community Award was first given in 2002 to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of Women 4 Women, and to honor a person or organization who has given beyond the limits of ordinary activity, who has given his or her time, service and most importantly, heart, to the entire community.

This year’s recipient, Mary Gwen Wheeler (pictured left), was presented the Heart of the Community Award by Shirley Willihnganz (pictured right), Women 4 Women Board Member and Executive Vice President and Provost of University of Louisville.

Mary Gwen Wheeler is the Interim Executive Director of 55,000 Degrees, a newly-formed multi-sector public-private partnership dedicated to increasing education attainment in the Louisville region. Previously, she served as the Mayor’s Sr. Advisor for Education and Youth for Louisville Metro Government, leading policy development and implementation of education and youth initiatives.   In Jerry Abramson’s first term as Metro Mayor, she served as Secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.   In June of 2010, Ms. Wheeler was also appointed by Governor Beshear to the Kentucky Board of Education.

With a B.A. in American Studies and a Masters in Public and Private Management from Yale University, Ms. Wheeler also has experience in family literacy, workforce development, non-profit management, strategic planning, and international development.   This included 10 years with the National Center for Family Literacy as a project manager and vice president of planning and development.   

Her current volunteer activities include the following:
– Center for Non-profit Excellence, Board Member 
– Jefferson County Public Education Foundation, Board Member 
– University of Louisville Board of Overseers
– Prichard Committee Member
– Friends of Metro Health and Wellness, Board Member
– Yale-China Association, Trustee
– Jefferson County Adult Education Advisory Council
– Women 4 Women Founder!

Mary Gwen, thank you for inspiring us all!