By Dawn Scotland
The Truth Reporter
The Glass City Gems Women’s Empowerment Brunch & Awards was held Saturday, April 11, at The Summit to celebrate the impact and legacy of local women leaders. The event- hosted by Toledo native Scharita Barry Lacey – featured a panel, giveaways, awards ceremony and live entertainment.
Scharita Barry Lacey, recipient of the 2025 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award presented by President Joseph R. Biden, brought together individuals across government, business, education and nonprofit leadership Saturday morning.
“She is here to celebrate the city,” stated Tammy Green, Executive Administration Lead of SLG Global (NJ) “she loves to empower women…and she decided to come home to Toledo and empower the women that shaped her and molded her into whom she is today.”
Lacey has hosted the event across the country for many years in places such as Houston and Atlanta and has now brought that same energy to the Glass City.
The theme for Toledo’s inaugural Glass City Gem’s Empowerment Bruch and Awards was Every Woman is a Gem. Every Story Deserves Honor.
Inaugural awardees included:
- Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur
- Council President Vanice Williams
- Avie Dixon
- Former Councilwoman June Boyd
- Henrietta Savage Armstrong
- Doris Greer
- WilliAnn Moore
- Dr. Tia Daniels
- Ambrea Mikolajczyk
- Linda Ransey (Posthumous)
Presented by Ignite Hope NJ and The Virtuous Women’s Network Global, the afternoon highlighted local Black-owned businesses and presented nearly $4000 in scholarships to local organizations including Mom’s House, Isaiah 1:17 House and the Finnegan Family Autism Center to support their missions.
The organization also announced the launch of the June Boyd Legacy Scholarship, celebrating her decades of public service to the community. The $1000 scholarship was awarded to City Council President Vanice Williams signifying a continuation of that legacy of service.
She is a graduate of Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, where she was crowned Miss Central State University (2002–2003) and is a 1999 honors graduate of Jesup W. Scott High School. Lacey is the founder of SLE Global Enterprises.
Ignite Hope A NJ Nonprofit is a global organization dedicated to charitable, educational, and humanitarian outreach that transforms lives and strengthens communities around the world. Through comprehensive programming and global initiatives, the organization provides autism family advocacy and support; women’s development and leadership training; outreach to women in crisis or transition; mentorship and scholarships for college-aged women; mental health support for veteran women and military spouses; international missions through Ignite Hope Global Mission Teams; and community outreach initiatives through the creative arts. ONE Mission: Reach – Respond – Restore.
Led by its Founder & Visionary Leader – Scharita (Barry) Lacey THE VIRTUOUS WOMEN’S NETWORK is a faith based International Women’s Empowerment Organization Founded in May 2011. The Virtuous Women’s Network is comprised of hundreds of women across the U.S.A. and Europe. The organization inspires women into their next level of GREATNESS no matter their age, socio-economic status, background. Giving them the courage and tools to dream and live again.
To learn more visit: http://www.sleglobal.net/Ignite-Hope