'We want to lift women up.' Women's Impact to honor 5 for contributions in Stark County
More often than not, women who contribute to the betterment of their communities are unsung heroes.
A local nonprofit is working to change that. Women's Impact will host the 2025 Women's Impact Awards at 9:30 a.m. May 3 at the Prestwick Country Club at 375 Glen Eagles Blvd. in Green.
The goal of Women's Impact is to "help women unleash their power and realize their potential," Executive Director Stephanie Cargill said.
"This year, we had 23 nominations for the awards," she said. "Oftentimes, you know, recognition is given kind of a bad rap. For someone to be recognized, it's almost as if, 'Well, why would you be recognized for what you're doing?' But in our case, we want to lift women up, recognize them for what they do and help them inspire others to do good work in the community as well."
The awards brunch will recognize five professionals for their work for the advancement of women in the workplace and in the community. They are:
Legacy Award honoree Kay Reynolds Flood, formerly of Plain Township, is a retired educator and community leader who has been an advocate and mentor for more than 50 years. She is being recognized for her years of dedication to the advancement of women in the workplace and for her continued commitment to accompanying women on their career and life journeys.
In addition to her career, which spanned education, literacy and career services for women, Flood has volunteered and served with the Aultman Women's Board, JRC and Catholic Diocese of Youngstown. For nearly 40 years, she has coordinated the Stark County Help Guide, which offers information about wraparound and social services for the underserved.
"I didn't expect to get (an award). It's very nice," Flood said. "A number of years ago, I decided I would focus on women and girls. I had a lot of good mentors, including teachers, Girl Scout leaders and nuns."
Flood said she also was inspired by her parents, who volunteered in her native Zanesville.
"They gave me a good example of giving back," she said.
Connection Award honoree Sue Grabowski of Lake Township has made a career out of empowering others and fostering collaboration.
She is the CEO of Desidara, a marketing firm that serves regional, national and international clients, and serves on the boards of Malone University, Cleveland Chapter of the Entrepreneurs' Organization, Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and ArtsinStark.
Recognition Award honoree Shelley Schweitzer is executive director emerita of Women's Impact. As a professional youth worker for the Union for Reform Judaism, she taught and mentored thousands of high school-age students. Schweitzer, a resident of North Canton, has been inducted into the YWCA Women's Hall of Fame, named Ad Person of the Year, and Leadership Stark County Alumni of the Year.
"While I know there are many deserving of this award, I have learned from Women's Impact to say 'thank you' when another thinks you are deserving of their praise," Schweitzer said. "I am honored to have been nominated and selected by a group of women from whom I have learned so much, who have become my mentors and friends, and who allow me to be a part of their personal and professional journeys as well."
Rising Star honoree Miracle Walker of Canton works as teacher in Cleveland. She's also a professional, and community advocate committed to empowering young people through education, mentorship, and visual storytelling.
With a background in digital media production and more than three years of experience working with middle school students in urban settings, she works at fostering growth, resilience and leadership among the next generation.
Education Award honoree Kathy Yaros is an accomplished professional with a strong background in community engagement, education and nonprofit leadership. As a family support specialist in North Canton City Schools through the Stark County Educational Service Center, she works with students, parents and school personnel to address non-academic barriers to student success, playing a crucial role in connecting families and students to essential resources and fostering a positive school environment.
Cargill said she's been encouraged and mentored by a number of women, including Paula Mastroianni, who invited her to join the nonprofit, and Schweitzer, who retired as executive director last year.
Schweitzer said Women's Impact offers diversity, enrichment and a safe space for women to be their authentic selves while building relationships that lead to personal and professional growth.
"I think a key to the organization's success is the shared understanding that we all benefit when one of us rises, and that the converse is also true if one of us is held down," she said. "I have never experienced a professional organization where there is so little competition and drama. Truly the women in the organization are there because they want to share their gifts to give others a hand up while accepting the gifts that those same people give to them."
Tickets to the awards event are $55. To purchase or for more information, visit https://www.womensimpactinc.com/impact-awards.
Reach Charita at charita.goshay@cantonrep.com.
Past Women's Impact Honorees
Here's a look at women who were honored by Women's Impact over the years:
2017: Kay Feagles, Merle Griff, Taryn Heath, Sue Ramsey and The Women's Fund Endowment of Stark Community Foundation
2018: Barbara Hammontree Bennett, Girls on the Run East Central Ohio, Maria Heege and Judith E. Barnes Lancaster
2019: Andrea Capuano, Michelle Cordova, Rebeca Crowl, Luke Durudogan, Helen Garofalo and Kari Groh
2020: Domestic Violence Project Inc., Shannon English Hexamer, DeLores Pressley, Mary Regula, Joyce Rodek and Dina Rooney
2022: CSE Federal Credit Union, Margaret DeLillo-Story, Elizabeth K. Hand, Barb Minney Schweier and Denise A. Seachrist
2023: Kahiniwalla, Summer Montabone, Gloria Pope and the Women's Board of Aultman Hospital
2024: Lynne Dragomier, Serena Draper Hendershot, Paula Mastroianni, Laurie Moline and Lisa Waite
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Women's Impact honoring 5 women for contributions in Stark County
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