In Tribute: Francie Garber Pepper
Prolific Champion of Women’s Rights and Racial Justice
Francie Garber Pepper was more than a philanthropist—she was a fearless advocate, visionary leader, and beloved member of the YWCA Greater Cincinnati family.
For more than three decades, Francie stood at the forefront of our efforts to eliminate racism and empower women. She led our 1995 capital campaign, raising $7.5 million to create a safe haven for women and children, and served as a vital board leader and campaign champion.
As Honorary Co-Chair of the current Mission Forward Campaign, she remained deeply committed to our future—continuing to shape the organization with bold ideas and boundless compassion.
Her legacy lives on through every woman sheltered, every family supported, and every life changed at the YWCA. We are forever grateful for her leadership, generosity, and unwavering belief in the power of women.
A passionate philanthropist and community leader, Pepper most recently served as Honorary Co-Chair of the Mission Forward Campaign, advocating for freedom and dignity for all. This role was one of many leadership positions she held throughout her lifetime of service with YWCA Greater Cincinnati.
In 1995, Pepper led a $7.5 million capital campaign that transformed a historic Mount Auburn mansion into a shelter for women and children escaping abuse—eliminating the shelter’s waiting list and tripling its capacity. Her leadership continued as a board member beginning in 1996 and as board chair from 2000 to 2004.
In 2012, she was honored as one of the inaugural recipients of the YWCA USA Women of Distinction Award, recognizing her integrity, vision, and excellence in philanthropy.
“Francie Pepper’s unwavering commitment to women’s rights and racial justice has left an indelible mark on Greater Cincinnati,” said Rickell Howard Smith, CEO of YWCA Greater Cincinnati. “Her legacy will live on in the lives she uplifted, the policies she helped shape, and the future generations she inspired.”
Inspired by her family’s long-standing commitment to YWCA—from her mother’s presidency in 1968 to her aunt’s founding of YWCA chapters in Asia—Pepper embodied a generational devotion to equity. Her spirit of service spanned continents as she built community wherever she lived.
After graduating from Smith College in 1962, Pepper's life journey took her across various cities worldwide, accompanying her husband, John Pepper, former CEO of Procter & Gamble. During these travels, she actively assisted fellow expatriate families in settling into new environments, showcasing her innate ability to foster community wherever she went.
YWCA Greater Cincinnati will honor her enduring contributions in a special tribute later this spring.
Pictured in the image above from left to right: Rickell Howard Smith, Debbie Brooks, Francie Pepper, and Charlene Venture