By Asia Nail
The Truth Reporter
Every now and then, you witness a moment so powerful that it feels like lightning striking—bright, unforgettable, and full of energy. The 2025 YWCA Milestones: A Tribute to Women event was one of those moments.
The room was alive with excitement as the audience gathered to celebrate eight extraordinary women making their mark on the world. These honorees aren’t just leaders in their fields—they’re trailblazers, each one carving out a path for others to follow.
As each of the 2025 honorees prepared to take the stage, a vibrant procession of past awardees emerged, exuding energy and unity. Adorned in matching scarves of persimmon—the YWCA’s signature orange hue —they embodied the organization’s enduring spirit and commitment. This heartfelt display set the tone for an afternoon dedicated to celebrating resilience, passion, and the transformative power of dedication.
Welcome & Introduction: A Celebration of Leadership
The afternoon began with an uplifting welcome from Kristian Brown, esteemed 13abc News Anchor and Milestones Emcee, setting the tone for an event that honored the power, perseverance, and leadership of extraordinary women. Her warm presence and enthusiasm energized the audience, reminding everyone of the importance of celebrating women who inspire us.
Following the welcome, Kristi K. Hoffman, YWCA Development Chair and 2023 Volunteerism Honoree, introduced the Y Women Leadership Circle, a network dedicated to empowering and supporting women leaders. She highlighted the impact of collective strength and the vital role of mentorship in shaping future generations.
Lisa McDuffie, president and CEO of YWCA of Northwest Ohio and 2011 Woman of Distinction Honoree, then took the stage to deliver heartfelt greetings and acknowledgements. She expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of the community and the honorees’ remarkable contributions, reinforcing the YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
During the Mission Moment, Rhonda Sewell, a Dedicated Board Member (1996) and 2017 Volunteerism Honoree, made a compelling appeal for continued support, encouraging supporters to contribute. She underscored the importance of sustaining the YWCA’s mission, ensuring that vital programs continue to uplift and serve those most in need.
With the stage set for inspiration, Kristian Brown returned to introduce the honorees. Before each woman delivered her speech, the audience watched a moving video interview conducted by supportive female journalists from 13abc, offering an intimate glimpse into each recipient’s journey, achievements, and impact.
Art: A Visionary Who Brings Art to Life
First to be honored was Jori Lynch Jex, a visionary whose dedication to the arts has transformed communities. For Jori, the arts aren’t just performances on a stage or paintings on a wall—they’re a powerful force for connection, inclusion, and change.
Throughout her 40-year career, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that art is accessible to everyone. From expanding educational programs at the Valentine Theatre to securing funding so students from Title 1 schools could experience live performances, she has made it her mission to remove barriers and open doors.
“You don’t have to be an artist to feel the magic of the arts,” she shared. “It belongs to all of us.”
With that, Jori reminded us that the true power of the arts isn’t just in what we see or hear—it’s in how it makes us feel and the way it brings us together.
Business: A Visionary with a Heart of Gold
Next, Olivia Holden took the stage to be honored for her contributions to business.
As the executive director of ASSETS Toledo for over two decades, she has trained thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs, equipping them with the tools and mentorship needed to thrive.
If leadership were a nurturing garden, Miss Olivia would be the steady hand tending to every bloom—cultivating growth, offering guidance, and ensuring that each entrepreneur has the support to flourish. She’s not just helping people build companies; she’s helping them build legacies.
“Success isn’t just about making money,” she said. “It’s about making a difference.”
Holden’s work proves that business isn’t just about profit—it’s about purpose.
Education: The Educator Who Builds Futures
Next was Kim Grilliot, a woman who has spent her life shaping young minds. If education were a canvas, Grilliot would be the artist, carefully crafting the strokes that bring each student’s potential to life.
As the first lay president of Notre Dame Academy, she has led with heart and strategy—expanding scholarships, modernizing facilities, and strengthening the school’s endowment by over 300%. Her leadership ensures that future generations have access to a learning environment that fosters respect, creativity, and curiosity.
“Every student has a light inside them,” she said. “Our job is to help them shine.”
Grilliot’s impact stretches far beyond the classroom, shaping futures with every student she inspires.
Government: A Fighter for the People
Next was Lisa A. Sobecki, honored for her work in civic leadership. If public service were a fire, Sobecki would be the one keeping it burning—ensuring that no one is left out in the cold. From serving as the first female fire safety instructor in the U.S. Navy to shaping policies as a State Representative and now as a Lucas County Commissioner, she has dedicated her career to serving others.
Her leadership has left an indelible mark on Toledo Public Schools, overseeing the creation of 44 new schools, the renovation of two historic high schools, and the implementation of a transformative strategic plan that has redefined education in the district. In the Ohio House, she championed workforce development, fair school funding, and critical infrastructure projects, always putting working families first.
“Leadership isn’t about standing in the spotlight,” she said. “It’s about shining that light on the people who need it most.”
Her words serve as a powerful reminder that the government should always be driven by service—listening, fighting for what’s right, and never forgetting those who place their trust in public servants to lead with integrity and compassion.
Science: A Young Woman’s Unstoppable Spirit
Next came Kaylee Halko, a young woman who has turned her rare genetic condition into a powerful force for scientific advancement. Diagnosed with progeria at two, Halko has spent her life helping researchers, becoming the first person to enter clinical trials for a potential cure. Her contributions to the National Institutes of Health and Boston Children’s Hospital have led to groundbreaking treatments, including a pioneering open-heart surgery now available to others with the condition.
Now 21, she continues her research and studies psychology, aspiring to become a guidance counselor. Despite her challenges, she remains an inspiration, showing that true strength comes from using one’s experiences to make a difference.
“You don’t have to be the strongest person in the room to make the biggest impact,” she said.
Kaylee proves that science is about transforming lives, and as she and her progeria friends prove, calling each other “P-Dogs,” that laughter and strength go hand in hand in overcoming challenges.
Social Services: A Champion of Change
Next was Alicia M. Smith, honored for her work in social services. If justice were a river, Smith would be the one ensuring it flows to every corner, reaching those who need it most.
As the executive director of the Junction Coalition, Alicia has worked tirelessly since 2014 to create a sustainable, safe, and thriving community for all, especially for underrepresented and underprivileged residents in the Junction neighborhood. Her commitment to social, economic, and environmental justice empowers voices and nurtures healthy relationships.
“Compassion isn’t just about feeling bad for someone,” she said. “It’s about standing beside them and saying, ‘I’m here to help.’”
More than just a leader, Alicia is a guiding force—showing us that true change begins with action, determination, and a dedication to justice.
Volunteerism: Rooted in Service
Then came Diane Packer Friedman, a woman whose dedication to volunteerism has made an indelible mark on the community. If kindness were a tree, Friedman would be its roots—steadfast and nurturing, giving life to everything she touches.
As a dedicated public-school teacher for 35 years, Diane’s influence in education has impacted more than 4,200 middle school students. After retiring, she expanded her reach, serving as chair of the YWCA board from 2017 to 2024, where she helped raise $18.6 million to renovate the YWCA facility, ensuring it would better serve the community for generations to come.
“We all have something to give,” she said, her voice warm and inviting. “And when we give, we make the world a little brighter.”
Diane’s legacy of service proves that the power of selflessness is boundless, and the simplest acts of kindness can lead to lasting change.
A Woman on the Rise
Ebony Carter, the final honoree of the afternoon, took the stage to accept the Woman on the Rise award. Since joining the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce in 2020, Ebony has empowered local minority entrepreneurs, providing thousands of hours of counseling and helping businesses obtain certifications that open doors to new opportunities.
As vice president of Minority Business Services and Director of the Minority Business Assistance Center, she’s worked tirelessly to close the wealth gap for minorities and women. Ebony is also a sought-after speaker, known for her impactful presentations like The Art of Scale Up and The Hidden Cost of Entrepreneurship.
Her heartfelt words thanking her best friend and colleagues left no dry eye in the room.
“You don’t have to wait for the perfect moment,” she said. “Sometimes, you just have to create it.”
Ebony is a rising star, already making a powerful impact on the community—a shining example of what happens when passion meets purpose.
An Event to Remember
As the ceremony came to a close, one thing was clear: these women were not just being honored for what they have done, but for what they continue to do.
Their stories were not just inspiring—they were calls to action, reminding everyone in the room that change doesn’t happen on its own. It happens because of women like them—people who refuse to stand still, who push forward, who light the way for others to follow.
And as the audience rose in applause, it was clear that this wasn’t just a celebration of past achievements. It was a promise for the future—a future shaped by vision, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of those ready to lead.
Donate to support YWCA’s mission here