
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
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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
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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
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Arts: Jennifer Jarrett
Business: Marsha Manahan
Education: Mary Werner
Government: Perlean Griffin
Sciences: Dr. Joan Duggan
Social Services: Robin Sulier Charney
Volunteerism: Juanita Greene
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Suzanne Rorick
Linda Mansour-Ismail, Esq.
Clara L. Petty
Judge Nicole Hayes Khoury
Michele Knox, Ph.D.
Shantae S. Brownlee
Susan Carter
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Patricia Levey
Amy Hall
Sharon Gaber
Hon. Connie Zemmelman
Dr. Amanda Bryant-Friedrich
Wendi Huntley
Mona Al-Hayani
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Jean Holden
Suzette Cowell
Lynn Fisher
Justice Judith Ann Lanzinger
Mary Fedderke
Robin Reese
Lexi Hayman-Staples
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Cynthia Thompson
Debra Monagan
WilliAnn Moore
Denise Cubbon
Randa Monsour-Shousher
Jan Ruma
Sarah Skow