YWCA Milestones: A Tribute to Women
For nearly 30 years, YWCA Northwest Ohio has commemorated Women’s History Month by recognizing leaders throughout various professional industries and areas of activism and advocacy who embody the YWCA mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.
The Milestones Awards Event was established in 1996 to recognize women of Northwest Ohio who have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities and who, through their efforts and accomplishments, have opened doors for other women to achieve their potential. They are honored for outstanding accomplishments and contributions in the following seven areas: Arts, Business, Education, Government, Sciences, Social Services, and Volunteerism. A new category was added this year called, “Women On The Rise.” This award recognizes 3 outstanding young women who are making an impact early in their career, while developing their potential to become a transformative leader in our community.
Award Criteria
Nominees must live or work in Northwest Ohio, demonstrate outstanding achievement or distinction in career and community work, and exhibit leadership qualities. Criteria for selection include: unique, exemplary achievements in her field, serves as a role model for women in the community, and lives a life consistent with the YWCA mission.
Each year, YWCA of Northwest Ohio celebrates high achieving women in the community at this annual event. Established with the goal of increasing community awareness and appreciation for the diverse contributions of women leaders in Northwest Ohio, this event has honored more than 150 women in the region.
A Community Coming Together To Impact Lasting Change
The Milestones awards luncheon has evolved into YWCA of Northwest Ohio’s largest fundraising event, sponsored by local companies and organizations each year, and is one of the area’s most prestigious award recognition events for women.
Friends and supporters who believe in YWCA’s dedication to eliminating racism, empowering women, standing up for social justice, helping families, and strengthening communities come together to invest in the safety, hope, and healing of those served by YWCA’s critical programs. All proceeds raised by this important event directly benefit the programs of YWCA of Northwest Ohio.
Past & Present Honorees
2023 Recipients
Arts: Amy Chang, Associate Principal Cello of the Toledo Symphony
Business: Ambrea Mikolajczyk, ARK Restoration & Construction
Education: Mary Sabin, VP of Institutional Advancement at Lourdes University
Government: Dr. Cecelia M Adams, Science Teacher, Admin, & Assistant Superintendent, Board President of The Toledo City Council
Sciences: Lori Hauser, CEO of The Imagination Station
Social Services: Tina Butts, Owner at Tina Butts Bail Bondsmen & Co-Founder at “The Movement”
Volunteerism: Kristi K. Hoffman, TV Host, Media Producer, Journalist, Lifestyle Influencer
2023 Women On The Rise
Lauren Clarke, Strategic Marketing Leader at Owens Corning & Board Chair at Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity, Past Board Chair at YWCA of NWO
Kendra N. Smith, VP of Community Health with Bon Secours Mercy Health
Erin Baker, Director of Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion at Toledo Lucas County Public Library & Chair of City of Toledo Human Relations Commission
2022 Recipients
Arts: Jennifer Jarrett, The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo
Business: Marsha Manahan, Fifth Third Bank
Education: Mary Werner, Certified Public Accountant
Government: Perlean Griffin, Affirmative Action Director
Sciences: Dr. Joan Duggan, Professor of Medicine
Social Services: Robin Sulier Charney, Toledo Help Portrait, ProMedica’s Men’s Health & Wellness at the Black Barbershop Initiative
Volunteerism: Juanita Greene, City of Toledo Board of Community Relations
2021 Recipients
Suzanne Rorick
Linda Mansour-Ismail, Esq.
Clara L. Petty
Judge Nicole Hayes Khoury
Michele Knox, Ph.D.
Shantae S. Brownlee
Susan Carter
2020 Recipients
Patricia Levey
Amy Hall
Sharon Gaber
Hon. Connie Zemmelman
Dr. Amanda Bryant-Friedrich
Wendi Huntley
Mona Al-Hayani
2019 Recipients
Jean Holden
Suzette Cowell
Lynn Fisher
Justice Judith Ann Lanzinger, Ret.
Mary Fedderke
Robin Reese
Lexi Hayman-Staples
2018 Recipients
Cynthia Thompson
Debra Monagan
WilliAnn Moore
Denise Cubbon
Randa Monsour-Shousher
Jan Ruma
Sarah Skow
FULL LIST OF PAST MILESTONES HONOREES