Ali Center debuts 2026 Daughters of Greatness season

02.24.26

Ali Center debuts 2026 Daughters of Greatness season honoring Marita Willis

LOUISVILLE, KY (February 24, 2026) –

The Muhammad Ali Center announces the 2026 season debut of its Daughters of Greatness program by honoring Marita Willis, President of Community Engagement with Community Ventures, on Friday, March 27.

The special presentation takes place at the Ali Center beginning at 9 a.m.

Through the Ali Center’s Daughters of Greatness program, women are honored as changemakers in fields of social philanthropy, activism and justice. Daughters of Greatness honorees embody Muhammad Ali’s core values and inspire others to work toward a more just and compassionate world.

“We’re delighted for our Daughters of Greatness program to return, honoring women whose courage and philanthropy drive change within the Louisville area and beyond,” Erin Herbert, Senior Vice President of Operations with the Muhammad Ali Center said. “Marita Willis’ dedication to expanding opportunities and advancing inclusivity in her work highlights the belief in the greatness of people and the communities they live within.”

A proud Louisville native and longtime Jeffersontown resident, Willis embodies the spirit of service, courage, and purpose. Guided by faith, fueled by conviction, and anchored in respect for people and community, Willis has dedicated her life to breaking down barriers, building trust, and creating pathways for others to thrive.

Willis’ journey began humbly at the Bank of Louisville as a teller, where she learned the power of listening, dignity, and access. Through confidence in her calling and unwavering dedication to community impact, she rose into executive leadership, ultimately serving as Vice President of Community Development at PNC Bank. There, she helped revitalize low- to moderate-income neighborhoods by expanding financial education, increasing access to capital, and championing inclusive engagement.

Known for her ability to unite cross-sector partners and lead with authenticity, Willis has earned deep respect as one of the Midwest’s most trusted community development leaders. As President of eHome America, she helped thousands of families achieve the dream of first-time homeownership. Her leadership roles as Philanthropy Officer at the American Red Cross and CEO of Hope Collaborative further reflect her lifelong commitment to giving back and lifting others forward.

Today, as President of Community Engagement at Community Ventures, Willis continues to lead with bold vision and humility, expanding opportunities for minority-owned small businesses and advancing inclusive economic development across the region.

Individual tickets are now on sale for the March 27 program and can be purchased at alicenter.org. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. for breakfast, with programming beginning at 9 a.m.

Corporate sponsorships with the Muhammad Ali Center, which include a table for each program in the Daughters of Greatness series, are also available. For more information, contact Ashley Parrott, Director of Development with the Muhammad Ali Center, at aparrott@alicenter.org.

Additional honorees for the 2026 Daughters of Greatness season will be announced at a later date.

More information on the Ali Center’s Daughters of Greatness program can be found at https://alicenter.org/daughters-of-greatness/.

Media Contact:
Dustin Vogt
Muhammad Ali Center
dvogt@alicenter.org
502.992.5330