The Women’s Philanthropy Institute at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy recognized three leaders during its symposium, Be Bold. Be Brave. Be the Bridge. Each honoree demonstrates a commitment to redefining the philanthropic landscape.
Shaw-Hardy Taylor Achievement Award
Abigail E. Disney is the 2026 recipient of the Shaw-Hardy Taylor Achievement Award. Disney is an award-winning filmmaker, philanthropist, and activist whose philanthropic leadership spans three decades. Through documentary storytelling, she has elevated social issues and amplified voices that are often unheard.
The Shaw-Hardy Taylor Achievement Award recognizes extraordinary contributions to moving women’s philanthropy forward. The award is named in honor of two visionary leaders, Sondra Shaw-Hardy and Martha Taylor, who saw potential for women’s involvement in philanthropy. They created an organization which evolved into the Women’s Philanthropy Institute.
Next Generation Philanthropist Award
Khloe Thompson is the 2026 recipient of the Next Generation Philanthropist Award. At the age of 8 she founded Khloe Kares, a nonprofit organization that distributes “Kare Bags” filled with toiletries and necessities for Los Angeles’ homeless community. She has since expanded her nonprofit’s reach through community outreach, youth leadership workshops, and global partnerships, including work in Ghana to improve access to safe water and opportunities for young people.
The Next Generation Philanthropist Award celebrates the power, passion, and innovation of the next generation of women who are already transforming the philanthropic landscape. By encouraging emerging leaders who bring fresh approaches and inspire their communities, this award underscores the vital role of intergenerational knowledge transfer in sustaining and expanding the impact of philanthropy.
Impactful Advocate Award
Cecilia Conrad, Ph.D. is the 2026 recipient of the Impactful Advocate Award. Conrad is a distinguished economist and visionary leader whose career has been defined by expanding opportunity. She is the founding CEO of Lever for Change, an affiliate of the MacArthur Foundation. Under her leadership, Lever for Change has influenced the philanthropic sector by mobilizing hundreds of millions of dollars toward high-impact solutions, many of which center on advancing women and girls globally.
The Impactful Advocate Award honors an extraordinary leader whose focused philanthropy and advocacy have created measurable change in the lives of women and girls.
About the Women’s Philanthropy Institute
The Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI) is part of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. WPI increases understanding of women’s philanthropy through rigorous research and education, interpreting and sharing these insights broadly to improve philanthropy. By addressing significant and groundbreaking research questions and translating that research into increased understanding and improvements in practice, WPI helps to leverage new and expanded resources for the common good.
Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is dedicated to improving philanthropy and the world by training and empowering students and professionals to be innovators and leaders who create positive and lasting change. The school offers a comprehensive approach to philanthropy through its undergraduate, graduate, Ph.D., PhilD, certificate and professional development programs, its research and international programs, and through The Fund Raising School, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy, Women’s Philanthropy Institute, and the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and Facebook.