OUR TEAM

Linda M. Rhodes

Executive Director

Linda Rhodes joined The Women’s Fund in November 2014 as Executive Director. She brings more than 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector as both a volunteer and a seasoned professional, with extensive expertise in fundraising, strategic planning, management, administration, and volunteer cultivation at the local, state, and national levels. Throughout her career, Linda has held key leadership roles, including Vice President of Corporate Development for the American Heart Association–Houston and Texas State Director for March for Babies at the March of Dimes, where she also served in both local and national capacities. She also spent several years consulting for small to mid-sized nonprofits, helping organizations develop strategic approaches to maximize fundraising and strengthen volunteer engagement. Linda’s leadership and impact have been widely recognized. In 2022, she was named one of the Houston Business Journal’s “Most Admired CEOs.” She has been honored as a “Role Model” by the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce at the Women in the Fast Lane of STEM Style Show & Luncheon, and in 2021 was selected as one of D-Mars.com Business Journal’s “Top 30 Influential Women of Houston.” In 2020, she received the Houston Business Journal’s prestigious “Women Who Mean Business” Award. Outside of her professional work, Linda enjoys spending time with her two grown sons and two grandchildren. She is an avid listener of true-crime podcasts, loves reading and cooking, and can often be found playing with her puppy, Daisy Mae.

Bitsy O'Connor

Office Manager

Bitsy joined The Women’s Fund in October 2016 after 26 years with Houston ISD in various teaching roles. Prior to that she worked in financial services with Underwood, Neuhaus & Co. and Criterion Asset Management. A graduate of Austin College in Sherman, TX, Bitsy has 2 grown children, enjoys playing golf, walking at Memorial Park, listening to audio books, cooking and traveling.

Kaila Vargas- MS, CHES

Senior Program Manager

Kaila began working with The Women’s Fund in May 2019 after completing an internship with the organization. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Health and Master of Science in Health Education from Texas A&M University in 2016 and 2019, respectively. Kaila is a Certified Health Education Specialist, earning the certification in October 2018 from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, watching movies, and eating delicious foods.

Hannah Mannion

Senior Development Manager

Hannah joined The Women’s Fund with a strong background in management consultancy, fundraising, and development. Her work with unhoused individuals and families facing barriers to housing and education has shaped her community-focused, empathetic approach. Hannah holds a BA in Modern History from Keele University, a BSc in Educational Studies, and earned her MBA from Houston Christian University. In 2023, she was honored with the Houston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 award for her expertise in fundraising and collaborative leadership. Originally from Manchester, England, Hannah has called Texas home for over a decade. An honorary Houstonian, she enjoys surfing in Galveston, rock climbing in the Hill Country, weekend BBQs, and exploring the world.

Jennifer Ramirez

Strategic Operations Manager

Jennifer joined The Women’s Fund in January 2022. Prior to joining, she was part of a nonprofit organization in Bryan, TX. She received a Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a minor in Occupational Safety and Health from Texas A&M University in 2021 where she became the President of a Women’s Organization on campus. She discovered her passion for serving by always being involved in her community. She aspires to be a leading example for young women and girls. Jennifer enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching movies, and shopping.

Kenia Ferman

Program Coordinator

Kenia joined The Women’s Fund in October 2024, bringing a strong passion for helping others. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from the University of Houston in 2019. With a background in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), she has worked closely with children with autism, as well as in a law firm, gaining valuable experience in advocacy and support. She is dedicated to making a meaningful impact and hopes to be an inspiration for young girls and women. Kenia enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching movies and shows, traveling, and exploring new places to eat.