By Asia Nail
The Truth Reporter
Picture an energetic room full of women and allies laughing and sharing stories, applauding achievements, and dreaming together. That’s exactly how the Women of Toledo (WOT) 10th Anniversary Celebration: The Status of Women felt this past Thursday. What started as a few focus groups in 2013, has grown into a thriving movement that actively engages thousands of women and girls across Northwest Ohio.
It all began with 18 women, guided by community leader and researcher Nina Corder and her beloved co-founder, the late Michelle Ansara.
These community leading women all came together to talk about diversity in networking, but what started as research quickly sparked something bigger. The group realized that both women of color and multicultural women often faced invisible barriers—cultural expectations, workplace habits, and a lack of representation that kept them on the sidelines.
“We didn’t just need a seat at the table,” Corder recalls to the audience. “We had to create a table of our own.” That table became Women of Toledo, a hub of mentorship, leadership, and empowerment.
Building a Movement
By 2014 WOT had officially developed with a mission to: Educate, Engage, and Empower—the 3E Model. The group’s first ever public conversation, Humans of Toledo, introduced a series designed to connect women of all ages, backgrounds and professions. The organization enacted a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement, indicating that all programs would strive to be welcoming regardless of race, identity, or background.
Event co-chairs Mona Shousher and Maria Arcocha White played crucial roles on this journey. Shousher, a new board member, said, “Being part of Women of Toledo feels like home. The sense of empowerment, joy and purpose here speaks to who I am.”
White, the creator of Inclusity, said: “I have spent decades in the diversity space. WOT’s mission of connection and inclusion really speaks to me. Together we make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Honoring Leaders and Champions
The anniversary celebration paid tribute to current and former leaders who have contributed to WOT. Michelle Ansara, co-founder and past president, was inducted posthumously for her efforts in raising over $100,000 for Women of Toledo initiatives. Previous presidents Audrey Johnson, Kathryn Tucker and Sabrina Weaver were also honored for their relentless work in advancing equity.
Nina Corder, executive director, highlighted the web of leadership that makes WOT strong. “Every woman in this space is a piece of a puzzle. Each piece matters, and only together do we see the full, beautiful picture.”
Individual Champions like Erin Baker, Sara Best, Diana Patton, Debby Peters, Chuck Stocking, and keynote speaker Dr. Soon-Young Yoon were recognized for their dedication. Partner Champions were also honored for their commitment to equity and inclusion.
GirlsHub: Empowering the Next Generation
A shining part of the celebration was the spotlight on youth programs, especially GirlsHub. Focused on middle and high school girls, it offers real-world experiences in leadership, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), financial literacy, and community involvement. The program builds confidence, collaboration, and grit, giving girls the tools to step boldly into leadership roles.
Three teenage leaders shared their experiences at GirlsHub, explaining how the program helped them open up, build confidence, form new friendships, and grow into young female changemakers within our community.
The program has also been recognized internationally. Dr. Soon-Young Yoon, keynote speaker and UN representative, invited GirlsHub to showcase its work as part of the Cities for CEDAW 10th Anniversary and Action Day for a Culture of Peace.
“GirlsHub demonstrates that empowering young women creates ripple effects that reach families, schools, and entire communities,” Yoon said.
A Celebration Full of Voices
The celebration was full of energy and gratitude. Amanda Fay, WTOL anchor and the event’s host, said: “Women of Toledo demonstrates what happens when stories turn into action — and when action becomes a movement.”
Sponsors and Partners Driving Change
The gala also honored sponsors and partners that champion WOT’s mission:
- AAUW Toledo Branch, led by President Mickey Radtkin, has been advocating for women and girls since 1881.
- Anne Grady Services, led by Shyam Suchak, empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities through dignity and inclusion.
- Edward Jones, with financial advisor Lori M. Cannon, focuses on equity and financial empowerment.
- City of Toledo Human Relations Commission, chaired by Caryn Maloney, fosters inclusion and diversity in the community.
- Engage Studio Architects, led by Erin Curley, designs spaces with equity and advocacy in mind.
- Inclusity, led by Maria Arcocha White, builds collaborative cultures that connect people.
- KeyBank, with Dan Dower as Market President, champions inclusion as a core business strategy.
- Metroparks Toledo, led by Matt Killam, strengthens community engagement and unique outdoor experiences.
- SSOE, through Director of DEI Candice Harrison, supports mentorship and cross-cultural learning.
- Taylor Automotive Family, led by Steve Taylor Jr. and represented at the event by Terry Crosby, develops programs that foster mentorship, inclusion, and opportunities for all.
These partners, along with hundreds of community members, power Women of Toledo’s high-impact work. Their partnership enables them to reach thousands of women and girls every year providing opportunities, resources, and mentorship.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
Over the past ten years, Women of Toledo has delivered more than 407 programs and served nearly 9,500 participants, including 197 women-owned businesses featured on HerHub. WOT also empowers an average of 120 women in transition and 65 young women in leadership programs annually.
The organization’s work is grounded in three key strategic priorities:
- Invest in Youth – Scale GirlsHub and LeadHerWay to benefit more young women and give them the skills to lead.
- Remove Barriers to Economic Equity – Offer mentorship, workforce readiness, and access to all women, especially those underrepresented.
- Strengthen Partnerships — Develop a network of allies, institutions, and organizations united to advance equity.
As Nina Corder explained, “Empowering women is like planting seeds. We nurture them, and they grow into something amazing. One empowered girl today can change her community tomorrow.”
The celebration was made even more special as Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur presented an award to Nina Corder, honoring her leadership and vision. State Representative Erica D. White also took the stage to deliver a proclamation recognizing Women of Toledo’s decade of impact and dedication to empowering women and girls, work that has earned national acclaim.
A Legacy of Courage and Connection
As previously stated, Women of Toledo is more than an organization, it’s a movement. It shows that when everyday women come together with intention, spirit and purpose, they can do incredible things.
As the celebration drew to a close, the sound of clapping, laughter and memories filled the room. The “Happy 10 Year Birthday energy” was contagious! Women shared how WOT had changed their lives, inspired them to lead, and shown them that they belonged in every room they entered.
As Nina said, “Together, we build bridges. Together, we lift voices. Together, we create a world where every woman and girl can thrive.”
And with that, Women of Toledo stands ready to keep building tables, planting seeds, and empowering generations to come.