PHOTOS: The Women Who Amaze Summit

“There are places that shape us. Places that stretch us. And then there are places that catch us — with open arms and open hearts,” according to Dr. Cannie Graham (’95, ’20M, ’25 Ph.D), JMU associate vice president. “James Madison University is one of those places. For me, this is home,” she said. 

At the 2025 Women Who Amaze Summit, more than 150 women stretched their arms across generations to celebrate JMU and support future Dukes. Through a weekend of inspiring speakers, networking, awards and celebrations, these visionary women embraced the power of lifting each other up, collective giving and women’s philanthropy. 

The weekend kicked off with a reception for Amethyst Circle members, women who support JMU students through philanthropic giving for scholarships. Meghan Schenker-Fulcher, the associate director of Women for Madison, introduced JMU students Karlee Tomlinson ('25) and Kristina Katykhin ('25) to share about their Madison Experiences — and how they hope to pay their Amethyst Circle scholarships forward. “The reception was a truly beautiful gathering that reminded us all why this community is so special," Schenker-Fulcher said.

The summit theme was Her Story, Your Story, Our Story. Women shared three words that define their connection to JMU — and, just like that, magic happened.

Barbara Bouldin’s (’87, ’20P) words? FRIENDS + FAMILY = FRAMILY.

“You are my sisters,” she said. “And now, we’re choosing to be framily for the students coming after us. We’re becoming someone’s framily before we even meet them.”

Elizabeth Paul (’03) didn’t just give an opening keynote — she ignited a fire in the room. Drawing from her experience leading The Martin Agency through the challenges of COVID, she spoke from a place of strength and authenticity.

“Women persist. We thrive. We adapt,” she said. The room leaned in, absorbing her every word – because, like Elizabeth, these women know strength is built in the most unexpected places. “Be a culture of people who take the hard roads and make new things possible.”

EAC Chair Carol Anderson (’86) shared that her grandmother paved the way for her, attending Madison in 1927. “But my story isn’t just about bloodlines; it is about belonging,” Anderson said. “JMU gave me a sense of belonging. Not only did I belong here as a student in the ’80s, but through Women for Madison, I belong here today.”

Graham brought a contagious energy to the summit, reminding everyone of the profound power of giving back. With a big smile, she announced: “Our giving will last forever. We’re going to be on the JMU map forever.” She was talking about the Women For Madison endowment that ensures future students will have the chance to walk through JMU’s doors, no matter the obstacles they face.

Her words echoed the summit’s core mission: to expand women’s philanthropy at JMU, focusing on scholarships and lasting opportunities.

In one of the breakout sessions, Carrie Willets (’97) shared wisdom from her long career in healthcare administration, reminding everyone that relevance means adapting to change while staying true to yourself.

“Focus on the work,” she urged. “Don’t just chase titles. Stay grounded in your purpose.”

She also advised women to seek relationships that would take them to new heights: “Find a sponsor. Not just a mentor — a sponsor. Someone who’s in the room when you’re not. Who says your name out loud.”

Dr. Ebony Parker Waugh (’93) didn’t just speak about her journey — she shared it, raw and unfiltered, encouraging everyone in the room to embrace their own messy, beautiful stories.

“Your story may be messy, may have chapters you don't talk about often, but it is still your power,” she reminded the crowd. “The woman you're becoming, the woman you are, is worth fighting for. So fight for her.” There wasn’t a dry eye in the room when she advised everyone to borrow confidence, if needed: “Borrow my belief in you — until you get your own.”

Graduate School Dean Dr. Linda Thomas came to the summit with a message of power, resilience and quiet courage. “The thrill of proving people wrong became my jam,” she said. “It might be yours, too.”

She encouraged women to reframe their thinking: “Your 'but' can become an 'and' — discomfort does not mean defeat. It's temporary.”

Amy Sirocky-Meck (’23) talked about the cycle of connection that keeps her reinvesting at JMU: “At a really critical moment, we each had an experience of being embraced. We learned there was this entire, gorgeous, purple and gold army standing beside us. For me, the memory of that embrace has turned into gratitude.”

The Purple Ball was more than a celebration; it was a testament to the strength, generosity and heart of this incredible group. As the awards were handed out, it wasn’t just about a party. It was about a promise. A promise to keep showing up, to keep giving and to keep believing in the future of JMU.

Leanna Headley (’22), founder & executive director of Our Amazing Fighters, a pediatric cancer advocacy non-profit, was awarded the Outstanding Young Philanthropist award.

Dr. Joanne Gabbin, professor emerita and founder of the Furious Flower Poetry Center, was awarded the Spirit of Philanthropy award.

The 2025 Women Who Amaze Summit was a celebration of the stories, the wisdom, the laughter and the love that has been passed down from one generation of Madison women to the next. Through their philanthropy, these Dukes aren’t just part of the JMU legacy – they are the architects of its future.