Mary Lazarus
Mary Lazarus
1929Mary Lazarus is a civic and philanthropic leader who has used her voice and philanthropy to further social justice in our community. Mary is exemplary of how women make their mark in a long term way. She has always recognized the needs in our community and worked to address them to make this community an even more incredible place. Mary’s major purpose in life has been to help others: her family, her community, women and children, the homeless, friends and neighbors. She has provided leadership and vision to Children's Defense Fund-Ohio (CDF), a nonpartisan organization providing a voice for the needs of children. Lazarus is the past president of Action for Children, an agency whose services expand quality and affordable child care in Columbus. She was instrumental in the agency's expansion with the building of the Cecilia Cullman Center for Children. Mary Lazarus' civic affiliations include work with Thurber House, Planned Parenthood of Central Ohio, Mount Carmel Hospital and the Ohio Ethics Commission. She was a founder of Columbus Metropolitan Club, and has also been involved with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus, and countless other organizations. She is a co-founding chair of the Women's Fund of Central Ohio. In 1994 she was honored with the YWCA Women of Achievement Award. Mary has spent her life as a community advocate, dedicating herself to advancing social justice and equal rights for all. Her commitment to volunteerism, human rights, and social services have shaped central Ohio and impacted its growth immensely.