Come see Joy Harjo in conversation with Maggie Smith at the Mershon Auditorium!

4:30 PM pre-party | 6:30 PM program | After-party begins post-show

Keyholder is The Women’s Fund’s signature annual fundraiser. Keyholder brings together 1,000+ champions for gender equity each year to hear from guest speakers who are paving the way for change. It’s about gathering our movement’s collective power and passion for one inspiring night.

If you haven’t experienced the power of Keyholder in person, this year is your chance to change that! The Keyholder 2024 program is highlighting women who are using their voices and their art to make a difference for women and girls. This year, we’re delighted to welcome Joy Harjo, three-term United States Poet Laureate, in conversation with Maggie Smith, bestselling local author.

Joy Harjo is an internationally renowned performer and writer of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. She was appointed the 23rd United States Poet Laureate and is the first Native American to hold the position. She has a deep history of using her poetry and music to advocate for and lift up the experiences of Indigenous women. Her works, including Crazy Brave, An American Sunrise, and Poet Warrior, beautifully educate and advocate for change.

Central Ohio’s own Maggie Smith has gained national acclaim with each of her six books, including Goldenrod, Keep Moving, and, most recently, You Could Make This Place Beautiful. Her poetry includes themes of motherhood, divorce, and making sense of an uncertain and inequitable world. A freelance writer and editor, and a Consulting Editor for the Kenyon Review, Smith is also a passionate and enthusiastic teacher.

Ohio Humanities is proud to be a sponsor at the partners level for this event!