Nearly 150 Catholic women and men fromacross the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Diocese of Camden, and Diocese ofWilmington gathered at The Inn at Villanova for The Catholic Foundation ofGreater Philadelphia’s Annual Women in Philanthropy Award Luncheon,a celebration of faith in action and the enduring impact of women’s generosityin the life of the Church.

Women inPhilanthropy, a signature initiative of The Catholic Foundation, unitesfaith-filled women to collectively fund grants and strengthen local Catholicorganizations through a shared purpose and community. Rooted in the commitmentof its members, the initiative centers on three pillars: building community,celebrating service, and amplifying impact.

Thehighlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the 2026 Love in Action Award to Montgomery County resident Martha Ortiz.

Inspired by the words of St. Teresa of Calcutta, who reminded us that, ”Prayer in action is love, and love in action is service,” Kathleen Larkin, Member of The Catholic Foundation’s Board of Trustees and Chair of Women in Philanthropy initiative, noted  “This award celebrates those who bring that spirit to life through compassion, dedication, and a deep commitment to others. It reminds us that philanthropy is not just giving; it isa sacred calling.”

“It is agreat honor to receive this recognition, but as many have said, this is notmine alone. It belongs to anyone who devotes time to a cause that lifts upanother, that advocates for justice, and that spreads kindness and charitywhere it is most needed,” said Martha Ortiz. “My faith has guided this journey,and I am grateful to be part of a community of women who are committed toliving that faith through service.”

Duringthe luncheon, this year’s Women in Philanthropy Grant was awardedto Mother of Mercy House, supporting its mission to serve vulnerable neighborsin Kensington through food access, outreach, and community-based programming.Additional grants were presented to Mercy Career & Technical High School,Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School, and Cranaleith Spiritual Center. Thegrants were made possible by Women in Philanthropy members.

“This support allows us to make sure that whatever theneeds are in the community, they are met,” said Dianne Hoffman, ExecutiveDirector of Mother of Mercy House. “We work with our neighbors on the street,families in their homes, and the children we serve, making sure they feel partof a community and not forgotten.”

The Catholic Foundation also recognized the next generation of Catholic philanthropists through the Sarah O. Hanley Scholarship for Young Philanthropists, awarded to Alina T., a student at the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur. This scholarship celebrates a student from a Catholic elementary or secondary school in greater Philadelphia who demonstrates an outstandingcommitment to the community through their passion, innovation, dedication, and leadership in philanthropy. Alina’s commitment to serving others spans fromtutoring children in Kenyan orphanages through her school’s Global Scholars Program to serving as a cantor and supporting the Black Catholic community.

“ThisScholarship will help me further pursue my love for praising Christ throughmany different means and professing His love for all,” said Alina.

Grantswere also presented to student clubs that are empowering young women at theAcademy of Notre Dame de Namur (Villanova, PA), Padua Academy (Wilmington, DE),and Paul VI High School (Haddonfield, NJ). These grants will support serviceprojects making a meaningful impact in their local communities.

The eventwas emceed by Laura Sicola, Founder of Vocal Impact Productions, and was madepossible through the generous support of sponsors: Platinum Sponsors, the ClarkFamily, James and Agnes Kim and Family, Little Sisters of the Poor, McCloskeyFinancial Group, and Gold Sponsor, Catholic Leadership Institute.

AboutMartha Ortiz, Recipient of the Love in Action Award

MarthaOrtiz is a retired principal of Aronson, Johnson, Ortiz, an institutional moneymanager in Philadelphia. She joined the firm in 1987 and over her 30-yearcareer was involved in portfolio management and trading. Martha holds abachelor's degree from Harvard University and a master's degree in businessadministration from The Wharton School. Martha's volunteer efforts areillustrative of her love of the Catholic Church and education. She volunteersher time at Catholic Leadership Institute (Board of Directors), The CatholicUniversity of America (Board of Trustees), The Baldwin School (Board ofTrustees), The Haverford School (Board of Trustees), The Cathedral Basilica ofSaints Peter and Paul (Volunteer Coordinator), Philadelphia ArchdiocesanWomen's Conference (Team Member), and St. Margaret's Church (Finance andPastoral Council). Martha is married to Bob Diamond and they have two children,Ruth and Ethan.

AboutThe Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia

TheCatholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia is an independent, nonprofitcommunity foundation committed to growing philanthropy according to JesusChrist's teachings. Grounded in the principles of faith and service, TheFoundation meets the diverse needs of donors and Catholic institutions throughcharitable fund management and planned giving. Our solutions ensure aninvestment in the future of our faith. For more information, please visit thecfgp.org.

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