Latest news with #YoungLeaderAward
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Young Leader of the Year award finalists announced
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 Featured Local Savings
Associated Press
29-01-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Texas Women's Foundation Honors Leaders at its Leadership Forum & Awards Celebration on May 8
Texas Women's Foundation has announced details of its Leadership Forum & Awards Celebration on May 8, 2025, at the Omni Dallas Hotel. 'We invite you to join us as we pour into the next generation of leaders at #BESTSELF and then hear from our stellar slate of honorees who have dedicated themselves to uplifting women and girls.' — Texas Women's Foundation President and CEO Karen Hughes White DALLAS, TX, UNITED STATES, January 29, 2025 / / -- Texas Women's Foundation has announced details of its Leadership Forum & Awards Celebration on May 8, 2025, at the Omni Dallas Hotel (555 S. Lamar St., Dallas, TX 75202). The day begins with #BESTSELF, an event designed to empower teen girls to prioritize their health and wellbeing, develop strong communication and conflict resolution skills and lean into leadership opportunities. The evening dinner and Awards Celebration honors the 2025 Maura Women Helping Women and Young Leader recipients. Co-chairs for the event are business and community leaders Debbie Dennis, Chief Customer Officer and SVP Human Resources and Corporate Affairs at Oncor Electric Delivery, and Brooke Hopkins, Managing Director at Alvarez & Marsal. Texas Women's Foundation President and CEO Karen Hughes White said, 'We invite you to join us on May 8th as we pour into the next generation of leaders at #BESTSELF and then hear from our stellar slate of honorees who have dedicated themselves and their careers to uplifting women, girls and families to strengthen our communities.' Maura Women Helping Women Award: For 46 years, the Maura Women Helping Women Award has been presented to more than 230 courageous individuals who have catalyzed change for women and girls. Brenda Jackson, selection co-chair and former Maura Women Helping Women Award recipient, and Carrie Freeman Parsons, TXWF Board Chair and selection co-chair, led the committee to select the following honorees: Cynt Marshall, Marshalling Resources Founder and The Dallas Mavericks (retired CEO) Anne Chow, The Rewired CEO Founder Carine M. Feyten, Ph.D., Texas Woman's University Chancellor and President Jennifer Bartkowski, Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas CEO Nirupama 'Rupa' DeSilva, M.D., Parkland Health, UT Southwestern Medical Center Professor Young Leader Award: The Young Leader Award recognizes breakthrough leadership exhibited by a trailblazer who is achieving success in a field, initiative or sector, and creating a path of opportunity for other women to follow. This year's recipients: Haleigh Jones, Crawford, Wishnew & Lang Attorney Cristal Retana Lule, Children's Health Vice President of Community Relations To learn more about this event and purchase a sponsorship, visit For those interested in sponsorship, contact Joy Busch at [email protected] or 214-525-5321. About Texas Women's Foundation: One of the largest women's foundations in the country, Texas Women's Foundation (TXWF) knows that now more than ever is the time to create more equitable communities to build #StrongWomenBetterWorld. TXWF raises funds from a broad base of donors, including individuals, foundations and corporations. These resources support more than $6 million in investments each year that advance economic security and leadership for Texas women and girls through research, advocacy, grantmaking and strategic/educational initiatives. Since its inception in 1985, TXWF has invested nearly $85 million in Texas women and girls. The Foundation's statewide research on issues impacting Texas women and girls provides corporate, state and local decision-makers and lawmakers with critical data to inform policies, practices and programs across the state. Its advocacy, grantmaking and educational initiatives support solutions that help Texas women and girls survive and thrive. In addition, Texas Women's Foundation is an acknowledged leader and advocate in the gender lens investing movement, deploying 100 percent of its invested assets – endowments, operating investments and donor-advised funds – in a gendered impact portfolio that yields strong financial returns and social benefits to women and girls. For more information, visit Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram or donate now. Legal Disclaimer:
