Honoring those who give
The Ollin Women International’s annual luncheon celebration in Ocala paid tribute to women in philanthropy.
Manal Fakhoury and Lisa Irwin pose during Ollin Women International’s International Women’s Day Celebration: Women in Philanthropy, at the College of Central Florida Klein Conference Center in Ocala on March 6, 2026. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
The Klein Center at the College of Central Florida was filled on March 6 with guests attending the annual Ollin Women International’s International Women’s Day Celebration. This year’s theme was Women in Philanthropy and the spotlight was on nine local leaders who care deeply about, and generously support, the Ocala/Marion County community.
According to its website, Ollin stems from the ancient Nahuatl language and is derived from “yollotl,” meaning heart, and “yolistli,” meaning life. Ollin means to move and act with all your heart; to follow your path in life wholeheartedly. Ollin Women International was founded by Manal Fakhoury in 2017. She also is CEO of Fakhoury Leadership International and the curator of TEDx Ocala.
The script from the luncheon event noted that, “Women are not just a powerful force in philanthropy — we are its future.” It also noted the five “T’s” of philanthropy — time (volunteering), talent (using skills), treasure (financial gifts), ties (leveraging networks) and testimony (sharing of story), stating that, “These epitomize the characteristics of the women we are honoring today.”
Those honored were:
JOANNE CORNELL OHLMAN
Ohlman holds a Ph.D. in clinical child psychology and for nearly 40 years has been working with children and families not only through her practice but through extensive volunteer engagement and support. Her passion is using art as a pathway for people to discover their purpose, creativity, connection and peace. She spearheaded creation of Art4All at Fort King Presbyterian and was instrumental in refurbishing a building on the grounds into a home for art programs and classes, poetry readings, Black history events and environmental education. She is an arts practitioner for Arts in Health Ocala Metro.
MARY DELANCEY
Delancey spent 30 years in hospital administration at the San Francisco VA Medical Center before retiring to Florida. She became an ordained deacon, serving for 13 years at Grace Episcopal Church. She took a yearlong leave of absence to serve as a deacon in Manila, Central Philippines, where she volunteered as case manager in a group home for young girls and women who were victims of or at high risk of human trafficking. Upon her return to Ocala, she has been a volunteer leader with the International Justice Mission and speaker for the Marion County Human Trafficking Task Force and United Abolitionists, providing outreach and education about modern day slavery and prevention of violence against the poor.
GRACE DUNLEVY
Having retired to Ocala, Dunlevy met her future spouse when, as a hospice volunteer, she was approached to join the Hospice Philanthropy Board by then chair Bob Levenson. They have been married for nine years. She and Bob share a deep commitment to veterans, adults with developmental challenges, education and medical research. Their joint support through their charitable family fund and fundraising support, coupled with volunteer work, advance the health and wellbeing of the region.
LISA IRWIN
Irwin is an entrepreneur and philanthropist. Through intentional giving and long-term investment in people, she focuses on building initiatives that create immediate impact and lasting opportunity. She has supported numerous nonprofit organizations in the area. Recognizing the need for strategic, sustainable impact, she founded The LILAC Foundation, advancing arts in health, investing in the confidence and future potential of women and girls, and expanding access to the arts, wellness, education and growth opportunities.
ANGIE LEWIS
The Angie Lewis State Farm Agency celebrated its 20th anniversary on March 2. Since opening her agency in early 2006, Lewis has given back to her clients and to the community through her support and sponsorship of numerous community initiatives, especially in the arts and her lifelong passion — education. Her “front porch” gatherings in the historic home that houses her business are legendary.
DR. HUMERAA QAMAR
The pediatrician is president of the Children’s Medical Group of Ocala and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, indicating not only board certification but commitment to lifelong learning, advocacy and high-quality care. She is president of the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America, fostering excellence in healthcare, education, research and humanitarian service and is the founding president of the Pakistani Cultural Society and the Gainesville Interfaith Forum.
MARIA ROMAN
Roman is the founder and CEO of the nonprofit Champion for Champions, which works with those with special needs, like her son, Jasper, 25, who has Down syndrome. Roman has leveraged her talents in travel and leisure, fundraising and organizational development, and event planning and catering to help numerous causes and organizations.
PINKIE TUGGERSON
Tuggerson began her advocacy for women’s empowerment by choice and due to the loss of her 32-year-old daughter and mother of two young children, Whitney, to cancer. Leveraging her background in social work, she created the I Am My Sisters Keeper empowerment network and the Whitney Taylor Foundation to provide single mothers resources, support and financial guidance. Her signature Empowerment Brunch is annually attended by more than 600 women.
JOYCE URBAN
Urban, a licensed mental health counselor, has been in that field for more than 20 years and has done extensive pro bono work. She is the Youth Director at First Presbyterian Church, Fort King Presbyterian and First Love Church, a mentor for Take Stock in Children, a board member for The Cornerstone School and a national board member for LOGOS Youth Ministry. She is well known for the annual Urban Family Christmas exhibition at the Appleton Museum of Art.
To learn more, go to ollinwomen.org
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