By Dawn Scotland
The Truth Reporter
The YWCA of Northwest Ohio held a press conference Tuesday, December 17 at the Nexxus Health Center announcing its 2025 Milestone Honorees. The upcoming annual event will be celebrating 30 years in 2025 recognizing eight outstanding women in the community who have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities and contributed to the empowerment of women.
Lisa McDuffie, YWCA President and CEO, announced the 2025 Honorees for the YWCA Milestones: A Tribute to Women Annual Awards Event. “The members of the YWCA and I are honored to recognize these outstanding women with this prestigious award,” said McDuffie. “We invite the community to join us and help pay tribute to this year’s Milestones Honorees.”
The 2025 YWCA of Northwest Ohio Milestone Award Honorees are:
- 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
The YWCA 30th Annual Milestones: A Tribute to Women Awards will be held at the Glass City Center on Thursday, March 21, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. with program beginning at 12:00 p.m. Event registration will be available in January.
Honoree bios and photos will be made available at www.ywcanwo.org in the coming weeks. The major Milestones 2025 sponsor is KeyBank.
YWCA Mission
The YWCA of Northwest Ohio is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
About the Milestones Awards
The Milestones Awards was established in 1996 to recognize women of Northwest Ohio for outstanding accomplishments and contributions. One honoree is selected in each of the following (8) areas of focus: Arts, Business, Education, Government, Sciences, Social Services, Volunteerism, and Woman on the Rise. The purpose is to honor Northwest Ohio women who have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities and who, through their efforts and accomplishments, have opened doors for other women to achieve their potential.
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.
To learn more about the YWCA of Northwest Ohio visit www.ywcanwo.org.