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Seven Local Women Honored During YWCA Milestones: A Tribute
to Women Event
By Tricia Hall
Sojourner’s Truth Reporter
The YWCA of Northwest Ohio presented the annual Milestones:
A Tribute to Women event which publicly acknowledged local
women during a Facebook live event on March 26. The 25th
annual event was live streamed on the YWCA of Northwest Ohio
Facebook page to hundreds of individuals. Diane Larson of
13abc news served as the event mistress of ceremonies.
The 2021 honorees were: Suzanne Rorick of Toledo Opera
received the Arts award, Linda Mansour-Ismail, Esq received
the Business award, Clara Petty of Monroe Street
Neighborhood Center received the Education award, Judge
Nicole Hayes Khoury received the Government award, Michele
Knox, PhD received the Sciences award, Shantae Brownlee of
the Land Bank received the Social Services award, and Susan
Carter received Volunteerism award.
“I am very honored to receive this award. When I saw the
list of women who have received this honor, I notice that
I’ve worked with so many of them. I am honored to be a woman
in a leadership position,” said Rorick.
“I’m only on this Earth this one time and I wanted to make
an impact. I work with disadvantaged women and this award
means a lot because it acknowledges the grassroot and
activist people and not those in positions,” shared Mansour-Ismail.
“I was excited when I received the notification. I’m honored
to be a recipient in the area that I work in. I would advise
young women to never give up on their dreams or when it gets
hard,” explained Petty.
“I was surprised when I received the call. In 2007 I knew
people personally with autism and wanted to use my musical
talents. So, we raised money through fundraisers and formed
a 501c3. We’re lucky that we were able to host a week-long
event last year before the shutdown, it’s a fun loving and
welcoming event in the community,” shared Khoury.
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“In my role I primary treat children and families, but
because I work with children I also work with their parents.
I want to help them be the best parents who raise kids who
are happy and health,” said Knox.
“My entire professional career has been built by serving the
community in some fashion. Every single job has a mission
that aligns with who I am as a person. This is the community
that I live in, raise my kids in and worship in as well,”
shared Brownlee.
“I learned from my mother that you’re not here to take up
space. If you have a problem or see someone in need, step in
and fix it,” explained Carter.
The Milestones Awards event was established in 1996 to
recognize northwest Ohio women for outstanding
accomplishments and contributions in the areas of: arts,
business, education, government, sciences, social sciences
and volunteerism. Potential nominees must live in northwest
Ohio and demonstrate outstanding achievement or distinction
in career, community work, outstanding leadership in their
particular field, serve as a role model for other women and
living a life consistent with the YWCA mission.
Several times throughout the live stream, congratulatory
messages were displayed from groups and individuals
connected to the honorees, past honorees, and event
sponsors.
“It’s been my honor to receive the milestone award years
ago. The women honored this year and the women honored in
previous years are all strong groups of women from our
area,” said Chrys Peterson.
“Congrats to all the winners, you’ve done tremendous work in
our community,” said Rita Mansour of Mansour Wealth
Management, event sponsor. Rita Mansour is a past Milestones
honoree.
“It’s a pleasure to recognize and support the YWCA today.
The milestone celebration is each year. It’s an honor to
support these selected community leaders,” said Billie
Johnson, a previous Milestones honoree and the president/CEO
of Area Office on Aging.
“I learned from my mother that you’re not here to take up
space. If you have a problem or see someone in need, step in
and fix it,” explained Carter.
The 2021 milestone sponsors: The Andersons, Area Office on
Aging of Northwest Ohio, ACLU Ohio, Bugbee & Conkle, The
Blade, 13 ABC news, Fifth Third Bank, First Energy, Grand
Lubell Photography, Greater Toledo Community Foundation,
Mansour Wealth Management, Palmer Energy Company, ProMedica,
Toledo Opera, Toledo Lucas County Public Library, Toledo
School of the Arts, The Links Incorporated, Toledo, Legal
Aid of Western Ohio and Advocates for Basic Legal Equality,
Lucas County Board of Commissioners, The University of
Toledo Medical Center and University of Toledo, and Zonta
Club of Toledo.
“Thank you for joining us today. These women are paving the
way for future honorees,” shared Amy Hoffman, event chair
and board secretary.
“Thank you for joining us for this amazing celebration of
women and see you next year,” said Lisa McDuffie, president
and CEO of YWCA of Northwest Ohio.
YWCA Board of Directors: Diane Friedman, chair; Karyn
McConnell, vice chair; Jerilyn Main, treasurer; Amy Hoffman,
secretary and Milestone chair; and members Jacalyn Brown,
Angie Gerdeman, Debora Gregory, Ireathe Hollie, Leah
Maguire, Stacey Mallett, Barb Oostra, Melody Piller, Meghan
Anderson Roth, Reem Subei, Valerie Thompson, Lisa Washington
and Amy Wilt.
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