{"id":17124,"date":"2025-09-04T19:17:16","date_gmt":"2025-09-04T19:17:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/?p=17124"},"modified":"2025-09-04T19:17:16","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T19:17:16","slug":"women-of-toledo-celebrates-10-years-of-empowering-women-and-girls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/2025\/09\/04\/women-of-toledo-celebrates-10-years-of-empowering-women-and-girls\/","title":{"rendered":"Women of Toledo Celebrates 10 Years of Empowering Women and Girls"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"By Asia Nail<\/em>
\nThe Truth Reporter<\/em><\/p>\n

Picture an energetic room full of women and allies laughing and sharing stories, applauding achievements, and dreaming together. That\u2019s exactly how the Women of Toledo<\/em><\/strong> (WOT) 10th Anniversary Celebration: The Status of Women<\/strong><\/em> 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.<\/p>\n

It all began with 18 women, guided by community leader and researcher Nina Corder<\/strong> and her beloved co-founder, the late Michelle Ansara<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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\u2014cultural expectations, workplace habits, and a lack of representation that kept them on the sidelines.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe didn\u2019t just need a seat at the table,\u201d Corder recalls to the audience. \u201cWe had to create a table of our own.\u201d That table became Women of Toledo<\/strong>, a hub of mentorship, leadership, and empowerment.<\/p>\n

Building a Movement<\/strong><\/p>\n

By 2014 WOT<\/em> had officially developed with a mission to: Educate<\/strong>, Engage<\/strong>, and Empower<\/strong>\u2014the 3E Model. The group\u2019s first ever public conversation, Humans of Toledo<\/em><\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

Event co-chairs Mona Shousher<\/strong> and Maria Arcocha White<\/strong> played crucial roles on this journey. Shousher, a new board member, said, \u201cBeing part of Women of Toledo feels like home. The sense of empowerment, joy and purpose here speaks to who I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

White, the creator of Inclusity<\/strong>, said: \u201cI have spent decades in the diversity space. WOT\u2019s mission of connection and inclusion really speaks to me. Together we make a real difference in people\u2019s lives.\u201d<\/p>\n

Honoring Leaders and Champions<\/strong><\/p>\n

The anniversary celebration paid tribute to current and former leaders who have contributed to WOT. Michelle Ansara<\/strong>, co-founder and past president<\/em>, was inducted posthumously for her efforts in raising over $100,000 for Women of Toledo <\/em>initiatives. Previous<\/em> presidents<\/em> Audrey Johnson<\/strong>, Kathryn Tucker<\/strong> and Sabrina Weaver <\/strong>were also honored for their relentless work in advancing equity.<\/p>\n

Nina Corder<\/strong>, executive director<\/em>, highlighted the web of leadership that makes WOT strong. \u201cEvery woman in this space is a piece of a puzzle. Each piece matters, and only together do we see the full, beautiful picture.\u201d<\/p>\n

Individual Champions like Erin Baker<\/strong>, Sara Best<\/strong>, Diana Patton<\/strong>, Debby Peters<\/strong>, Chuck Stocking<\/strong>, and keynote speaker <\/em>Dr. Soon-Young Yoon <\/strong>were recognized for their dedication. Partner Champions were also honored for their commitment to equity and inclusion.<\/p>\n

GirlsHub: Empowering the Next Generation<\/strong><\/p>\n

A shining part of the celebration was the spotlight on youth programs, especially GirlsHub<\/strong>. Focused on middle and high school girls, it offers real-world experiences in leadership<\/strong>, STEAM<\/strong> (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), financial literacy<\/strong>, and community involvement<\/strong>. The program builds confidence, collaboration, and grit, giving girls the tools to step boldly into leadership roles.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The program has also been recognized internationally. Dr. Soon-Young Yoon<\/strong>, keynote speaker <\/em>and UN representative<\/em>, invited GirlsHub to showcase its work as part of the Cities for CEDAW<\/em><\/strong> 10th Anniversary and Action Day for a Culture of Peace<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cGirlsHub demonstrates that empowering young women creates ripple effects that reach families, schools, and entire communities,\u201d Yoon said.<\/p>\n

A Celebration Full of Voices<\/strong><\/p>\n

The celebration was full of energy and gratitude. Amanda Fay<\/strong>, WTOL<\/strong> anchor<\/em> and the event\u2019s host<\/em>, said: “<\/em>Women of Toledo demonstrates what happens when stories turn into action \u2014 and when action becomes a movement.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sponsors and Partners Driving Change<\/strong><\/p>\n

The gala also honored sponsors and partners that champion WOT\u2019s mission:<\/p>\n