As a mother, local business owner, mentor, and longtime member of the Erie community, Christine A. Dahlkemper Kelley has always believed that she has been blessed so that she could be a blessing to others. Her life has been deeply rooted in family, friendship, faith, generosity, and a commitment to encouraging the women around her to recognize their own strength, pursue opportunities, and grow into confident leaders. Through her family, friendships, work at Dahlkemper’s Jewelry Connection, and involvement in the Erie community, Christine has led with compassion and the belief that success is most meaningful when it is shared with others.

Created in her honor, The Christine Dahlkemper Kelley Women’s Empowerment Fund of The Erie Community Foundation will carry that spirit forward by supporting organizations and initiatives throughout Erie County that help women and girls become the strongest versions of themselves, both personally and professionally. Christine would especially love to see the fund support opportunities related to education, career training, entrepreneurship, mentorship, leadership development, financial literacy, professional resources, childcare that enables women to work or attend school, confidence-building, support during major life transitions, and programs that help women achieve greater independence and long-term stability.

Through gifts from family, friends, local businesses, and members of the community, the fund will create opportunities for women to build meaningful lives, strengthen their families, and, in turn, lift up others around them. It is a lasting reflection of the way Christine has lived her life: grateful for her blessings, deeply devoted to the people she loves, and always looking for a way to encourage, support, and be a blessing to someone else.