Special to The Truth
Scharita Barry Lacey, a native of Toledo, Ohio, was honored with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award issued by President Joseph R. Biden in recognition of over 20 years of public service, volunteerism, and community impact.
A 1999 honors graduate of Jesup W. Scott High School, Scharita left an indelible mark, being crowned Homecoming Queen (1998) and Miss Debutante 1999 in the Cotillion Ball. She earned a full academic scholarship to Central State University, graduating cum laude in 2003 with a degree in Business Administration (Management & Marketing). She was also honored to serve as the 55th Miss Central State University Queen (2002-2003). She earned her MBA from the University of Phoenix in 2008 and is set to graduate with a second master’s degree in Human Services Counseling from Liberty University in May 2025.
Scharita has worked for more than two decades in the federal government, including roles as Budget Officer and Comptroller, managing multi-billion-dollar budgets, working overseas while living in Europe with the Department of Defense, and currently working with the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C.
Scharita is a licensed and ordained minister of the Gospel since 2002 and travels the nation sharing a message of hope, healing, and empowerment. Through her nonprofit, Ignite Hope, she has supported parents and caregivers raising children on the autism spectrum. Scharita is touched personally by this experience, as her son is diagnosed on the spectrum.
Through her organization, the Virtuous Women’s Network, she has provided assistance to women in crisis and transition, including military veterans and spouses, and survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence and breast cancer. Each year, VWN celebrates the achievements of women in business, ministry, and community leadership around the globe and has also awarded scholarships to deserving teen girls.
The Virtuous Women’s Network has received City Proclamations from the Mayors of Houston, Texas and Springfield, Ohio. Scharita also founded and leads the Miss Central State University Legacy Queens Organization, whose mission is to empower the current Miss CSU Queen through scholarship, mentorship, coaching, and advocacy from Alumni Queens.
Scharita gives all glory to God and honors her entire family, especially her mother, Patricia Barry, for her resilience and steadfast love and support, and her late grandmother, Marguerite Hueston Barry, for instilling values of faith and service. She is the proud mother of Sidney and Michael, whom she calls the greatest blessings of her life.
Scharita was presented with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award during a private celebration gala in Fairfax, Virginia on April 26 with close family and friends present to celebrate her.
For more on her global organization, visit www.SLEGlobal.com
Toledo, join us in congratulating one of our own Scharita Barry Lacey! A woman of distinction, purpose and excellence in her service to humanity.