Young Leader of the Year award finalists announced

Yahoo

16-04-2025

Apr. 15—LIMA — Rylan Ward, Brianna Welch and Sydni Winkler are the finalists for the Lima/Allen Chamber of Commerce Young Leader of the Year Award.
Each member has devoted time to improving the quality of life of others, developed leadership skills and demonstrated growth toward future goals.
The winner will be announced at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8, during the Lima/Allen Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala at the University of Northwestern Ohio event center, 1450 N. Cable Road, Lima.
Rylan Ward
Ward, 27, serves as marketing manager at Thermal Gard Window and Door in Lima, where he leads a growing marketing team and commands social media efforts that have boosted the company's visibility to over 1 million impressions monthly.
His career began in 2018 after he left college to work at Brown Supply Company, where he developed a foundation in logistics and customer service. Ward later worked as a psychiatric attendant at Allen Oakwood Correctional Institution, an experience he credits with shaping his leadership and personal growth.
"This job catapulted my growth and development as a person and a leader," Ward said. "Going behind those walls requires a special kind of person."
Ward joined Thermal Gard in 2021, eventually stepping into a leadership role. Ward also works part-time with World Financial Group, serves as an ambassador for the Chamber, and volunteers with organizations including Business Network International, the West Ohio Christian Chamber, and Lima First Church.
"I am continually looking to get involved in my community anywhere that I can," he said. "I would not be the leader I am today without three very important key influences: my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, my wife and my friends."
Brianna Welch
Welch, 23, is the lead teacher and assistant director at Rhodes State College Early Learning Center. A self-starter with a passion for childhood education, she began working at the center in 2020 and quickly moved up the ranks.
In 2023, Welch was promoted to assistant director while continuing as lead pre-K teacher. Welch holds an associate degree in early childhood education with a 3.92 GPA and recently completed a bachelor's degree at the University of Cincinnati with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
"She is a remarkable lady, and I could only wish that there were more people like her," Brandy Theis, director of the Early Learning Center, said.
Welch has volunteered for numerous organizations, including Stone Bridge Church, Healthy Kids Day, and the American Legion. Welch has also taught dance and judged youth pageants.
"I feel I should be considered for the Young Leader Award because I'm that — a young leader," she said. "I am proud to be a leader and will continue to do my best and volunteer my time when possible."
Sydni Winkler
Winkler, 29, currently serves as external affairs representative for Enbridge Gas Ohio. Before joining the company in 2024, she held community-focused roles with the Black Swamp Area Council and the City of Lima, where she launched events like the Lima Women Have Heart luncheon and Mayor's Spring Cleanup.
"I agreed to more responsibility and accepted the challenge to be more involved with the city (of Lima) and community by creating new and growing our existing events," Winkler said.
"Each of these jobs and organizations came with their own opportunities for me to be creative and succeed."
Winkler coaches Lima middle school sports and volunteers at the St. Gerard's Festival, Allen County Fairgrounds, Shop with a Cop, ArtSpace, Downtown Lima Inc., and Allen Lima Leadership.
"She is a role model for other young adults and clearly demonstrates what it means to give back to our community," said Lima City Schools Superintendent Jill Ackerman.
Reach Cade Higgins at 567-242-0351
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