Fund for Women Names Marilyn Hyte 2023 First Founder Award Recipient
The Fund for Women (FFW) at the Delaware Community Foundation is pleased to announce the selection of Marilyn Hyte as the recipient of the 2023 First Founder Award. The First Founder Award is presented annually to a Founder who has a record of exceptional generosity, demonstrates civic and or charitable responsibility and whose leadership has encouraged others in philanthropic endeavors throughout the Delaware community. This award honors and memorializes the FFW vision, “All women and girls in Delaware are empowered to achieve their potential.” Marilyn will receive the award at the FFW First Founder Breakfast on Oct. 11. The event starts at 8 a.m. (Doors open at 7:30 a.m. and breakfast will start promptly at 8:15 a.m.). The event will be at Riverfront Events, 760 Justison St., Wilmington, DE 19801. Registration is required; register at fundforwomende.com.
Marilyn is the embodiment of the word “philanthropy,” and routinely gives her time and talents to make the lives of others better and believes in supporting her community through participation, fundraising and visibility. A FFW Founder for the past 28 years, she has routinely encouraged people to join the organization, mentored young members in new roles and participated in countless events. FFW honored her in 2011 with the “Driving Force” Award, recognizing her outstanding leadership among Founders, specifically for her significant contributions in leading the FFW’s Grants Committee during her tenure as Grants Chair.
Marilyn has also been heavily involved with the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition (DBCC). Tasked with leading the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, with women still needing care, support and hope to cope with breast cancer, she was able to guide the DBCC at a time when tensions were high and the future was unknown. She made herself visible and available for board members and DBCC staff and also effectively transitioned the Annual Breast Cancer Update into a virtual format. She continues to chair this important event for providers, survivors and families. In August she was presented the Vicky Cooke Leadership Award for her contributions to DBCC.
Marilyn moved to Delaware in 1983 after accepting a job at DuPont, where she worked for 24 years. She earned an associate degree in chemistry from Holyoke Community College, a bachelor’s degree in medical technology from the University of Massachusetts and an MBA from Wilmington University. She currently resides in Hockessin with her wife Pat.