Milestones
30th Annual Awards Event

Celebrate, Inspire, Empower!

YWCA of Northwest Ohio proudly celebrates extraordinary leaders who embody the essence of empowerment. These individuals transform their professions, uplift their communities, challenge inequities, and inspire generations to fight for a more just future. This milestone anniversary marks 30 years of honoring the courage, compassion, and dedication of those driving meaningful change in our community and beyond.

YWCA NWO is excited to honor the following distinguished leaders for the 30th Milestones Awards celebration. This year’s luncheon will be at the Glass City Center on Thursday, March 27, 2025. We invite you to join us in recognizing leaders who have shown diligence and dedication above the call of duty and to share in their outstanding service to our community. Now is the time to encourage all generations to continue opening doors and establishing innovative opportunities for change.

2025 Milestones Honorees:

Jori Lynch Jex - Arts
Olivia Holden
- Business
Kim Grilliot
- Education
Lisa A. Sobecki
- Government
Kaylee Halko
- Sciences
Alicia M. Smith
- Social Services
Diane Friedman
- Volunteerism
Ebony Carter - Woman on the Rise

These 8 incredible leaders will be recognized for their exceptional contributions to our community. They’ve shown remarkable leadership qualities while empowering others and promoting dignity for all. Stay updated by joining our email list or reach out to mgarner@ywcanwo.org.

Jori Lynch Jex - Arts

Olivia Holden - Business

Kim Grilliot - Education

Kaylee Halko - Sciences

Lisa A. Sobecki - Government

Alicia M. Smith - Social Services

Diane Friedman - Volunteerism

Ebony Carter - Woman on the Rise

2025 Milestones Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor:

Visionary Sponsors:

Advocate Sponsors:

Community Partner:

About Milestones

For 30 years, YWCA Northwest Ohio has recognized leaders throughout various professional industries and areas of activism who embody the YWCA mission. The Milestones Awards event was established to recognize individuals of Northwest Ohio who have demonstrated excellent leadership qualities and have opened doors for others to achieve their potential through their efforts and accomplishments. They are honored for outstanding achievements and contributions in the following areas: Arts, Business, Education, Government, Sciences, Social Services, Volunteerism, and Woman on the Rise.

Our recently added category, Woman On The Rise Award, recognizes 1 outstanding young woman making an impact early in her career while developing her potential to become a transformative leader in our community. The award is focused on individuals out of high school, under 40, who have shown dedication by creating, participating, or adapting programs to meet community needs and embody the mission of the YWCA.

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 mission of 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 the YWCA of Northwest Ohio.

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 the following: unique, exemplary achievements in her field, serving as a role model for others in the community, and living a life consistent with the YWCA mission.

Each year, the YWCA of Northwest Ohio celebrates high-achieving leaders in the community at this annual event. Established to increase community awareness and appreciation for the diverse contributions of female leaders in Northwest Ohio, this event has honored more than 150 individuals in the region.

Past Milestones Honorees

  • Arts: Ann Heckler

    Business: Dr. Eleanore Awadalla

    Education: Dr. Marie Bush

    Government: Catherine Hoolahan

    Sciences: Dawn Buskey

    Social Services: Dr. Tracee Perryman

    Volunteerism: Bishop Pat McKinstry

  • Arts: Amy Chang

    Business: Ambrea Mikolajczyk

    Education: Mary Sabin

    Government: Dr. Cecelia M Adams

    Sciences: Lori Hauser

    Social Services: Tina Butts

    Volunteerism: Kristi K. Hoffman

  • Arts: Jennifer Jarrett

    Business: Marsha Manahan

    Education: Mary Werner

    Government: Perlean Griffin

    Sciences: Dr. Joan Duggan

    Social Services: Robin Sulier Charney

    Volunteerism: Juanita Greene

  • Suzanne Rorick

    Linda Mansour-Ismail, Esq.

    Clara L. Petty

    Judge Nicole Hayes Khoury

    Michele Knox, Ph.D.

    Shantae S. Brownlee

    Susan Carter

  • Patricia Levey

    Amy Hall

    Sharon Gaber

    Hon. Connie Zemmelman

    Dr. Amanda Bryant-Friedrich

    Wendi Huntley

    Mona Al-Hayani

  • Jean Holden

    Suzette Cowell

    Lynn Fisher

    Justice Judith Ann Lanzinger

    Mary Fedderke

    Robin Reese

    Lexi Hayman-Staples

  • Cynthia Thompson

    Debra Monagan

    WilliAnn Moore

    Denise Cubbon

    Randa Monsour-Shousher

    Jan Ruma

    Sarah Skow

ywca of northwest ohio Milestones