Women of Achievement 2026

The YWCA Greater Cleveland Women of Achievement Awards is our signature annual fundraiser and one of the most anticipated gatherings in our community. Each year, we honor a distinguished group of extraordinary women whose leadership, vision, and dedication have created meaningful change in their fields and access for women and girls. 

A diverse group of women in colorful professional attire poses on steps inside a modern, wooden, multi-level office or conference space with large windows and natural light.

These honorees embody the spirit of YWCA Greater Cleveland’s mission by championing leadership, opportunity, and initiatives that promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. The event brings together hundreds of community leaders, corporate partners, advocates, and supporters for an inspiring celebration that recognizes remarkable achievements while reaffirming our collective commitment to the important work still ahead 

More than just a celebration, the Women of Achievement Awards is our largest fundraiser, providing critical support for our programs and services. 

2026 Women of Achievement Honorees

A woman with blonde hair, wearing a white blazer and magenta top, standing behind a table with her hands resting on it, in a brightly lit room with yellow and white walls.

Laura Chalker 
Chief Operating Officer,
Greater Cleveland Works

An elderly woman wearing glasses with a blue pattern, a purple blazer, and a colorful scarf, smiling and standing with her hands folded on a reflective surface.

Jane Christyson 
Chief Executive Officer, 
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio 

A woman with blonde hair wearing a white shirt and a magenta blazer standing in an indoor setting with blurred background.

Sarah Flannery 
Partner,
Thompson Hine LLP

A smiling woman dressed in a red suit with pearl jewelry and earrings, standing in a brightly lit room with yellow walls and large windows, with her hands resting on a dark polished table.

Alberta Lee
Executive Vice President &
Chief People & Culture Officer,
Cleveland Cavaliers Rock Entertainment Group 

A woman with short, platinum blonde hair wearing a bright pink suit and matching top, smiling while standing at a counter in a well-lit, modern indoor space.

Nicole McKinney-Johnson 
President & Chief Executive Officer,
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center

A middle-aged woman with short brown hair, blue eyes, and wearing a blue button-up shirt, sitting at a reflective table with her hands clasped, smiling at the camera. The background is bright and out of focus.

Jill Rizika 
President & Chief Executive Officer of Towards Employment

A woman in a blue dress smiling with her hands resting on a desk in an office setting, with bookshelves in the background.

Dr. Michele Scott Taylor
President & Chief Executive Officer,
College Now 

A woman with blonde hair, blue eyes, and light skin, wearing a purple jacket, white skirt, pearl necklace, and smartwatch, standing with her arms crossed in front of a blurred modern kitchen background.

Patricia Sharpnack 
Dean & Strawbridge Professor,
Breen School of Nursing & Health Professions Ursuline College

Cover of Achieve Magazine 2026 featuring diverse women standing on a wooden staircase in an indoor setting, with text indicating the magazine is presented by KeyBank and emphasizes that YWCA is on a mission.
A confident woman with short curly hair, wearing a mustard yellow dress with white accents and pearl necklace, standing with hands on a dark glossy table in a bright, modern office setting.

Meredith Turner
Councilwoman,
Cuyahoga County Council

A woman with blonde hair and blue eyes wearing a blue blazer and a pearl necklace standing behind a reflective table in a modern office or conference room.

Sonia Winner
Former President and CEO, Cleveland Museum of Natural History

ACHIEVE MAGAZINE

See details about each of the 2026 Women of Achievement honorees, Women of Professional Excellence, our sponsors, our programs, and so much more!

Learn more
MEET THE 2026 HONOREES VIEW VIDEO

Relive the Magic of Helen Forbes Field’s Women of Achievement 2026 Speech

READ HERE

Thank You to our Sponsors

This event is made possible by the support of our sponsors and partners. Thank you!

Sponsor list is current as of May 12, 2026.

Logos and names of various sponsors organized into categories: presenting sponsor KeyBank with a red key logo, achievement sponsor Cleveland Clinic, peace sponsors Puerto Corporation and Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, justice sponsors Goldfarb Weber Creative Media and Westfield, freedom sponsors Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland State University, and others, media partners Ike, WKYC Studios, Cleveland Scene, Lamar Advertising, Cleveland's Star Radio, and 102.1, dignity sponsors Benesch, Bill Pavonis, Cleveland Foundation, and others, community partners Allegro, Ann Zoller, Citrin Cooperman, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, Greater Cleveland Works, College NOW, and more.

For more information, email events @ywcaofcleveland.org.

Women of Achievement Academy

  • 2025 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley
    Trina Bediako 
    Shontel Brown 
    Michelle Hereford 
    Kelly Lamirand 
    Deborah Lindway 
    Jazmin Long 
    Claire Rosacco 
    Renee Willis, PhD 

    2024 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    India Birdsong Terry
    Dr. Laura Bloomberg
    Jenice Contreras
    Vickie Eaton Johnson
    Lillian Kuri
    Jeneen Marziani
    A'Shira Nelson
    Dr. Airica Steed
    Bonita G. Teeuwen

    2023 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Margaret Bernstein
    Dr. Jacklyn Chisholm
    Heidi Gartland
    Angela Mago
    Marcia Moreno
    Tracy Oliver
    Aseelah Shareef

    2022 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Miranda Creel
    Robyn N. Gordon
    Pastor Courtney Clayton Jenkins
    Ann V. Klotz
    Sandra Madison
    Sondra Miller
    Rosanne Potter
    Renee Richard

    2021 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Carrie Carpenter
    Gladisa Guadalupe
    Kathryn M. Hall
    Ariane Kirkpatrick
    Susanna Krey
    Marsha A. Mockabee
    Vanessa Whiting
    Lorna Wisham

    2020 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Heather E. Burton, PhD.
    Suzanne Day
    Mary Kim Elkins
    Constance Hill-Johnson
    Stamy Paul
    Patricia A. Shlonsky

  • 2010 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    April M. Boise
    Tara Broderick
    Catherine M. Kilbane
    Janice G. Murphy
    Geralyn M. Presti

    2011 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Linda Bluso
    Pamela B. Davis
    Carol Latham
    Ramona Robinson
    Eileen Saffran

    2012 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Lifetime Achievement Award
    Barbara J. Danforth

    Nan Cohen
    Diane M. Downing
    Lisa A. Rose
    Debra A. Simmons
    Sharon Sobol Jordan

    2013 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Virginia Benjamin
    Kim Bixenstine
    Constance Harper
    Lisa J. Oliver
    Clara T. Rankin
    Lauren Rich Fine

    2014 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Lifetime Achievement Award
    Judge Jean Murrell Capers

    Kristen Baird Adams
    Jennifer Bell
    Sheryl King Benford
    Jodi Berg
    Beth Wain Brandon
    Denise San Antonio Zeman

    2015 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Julie Boland
    Linda Bradley, M.D.
    Katrina (Trina) Evans
    Sally Wertheim
    Sonali Bustamante Wilson

    2016 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Micki Byrnes
    Kathryn “Kit” Jensen
    Kym Sellers
    Robyn Minter Smyers
    Maryrose Sylvester
    Nancy Tinsley
    Sue Tyler

    2017 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Lifetime Achievement Award
    Carole F. Hoover

    Emily Drake
    Anita Gray
    Kerin Lyn Kaminski
    Patricia Motta
    Teresa Metcalf Beasley
    Evalyn Gates Ph.D
    Ann Zoller

    2018 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Lifetime Achievement Award
    Congresswoman Marcia Fudge

    Beth Mooney
    Sandra Pianalto
    Mary Verdi-Fletcher

    2019 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Deb Donley
    Heidi Friedman
    Lee Ann Howard
    Marilyn Mobley
    Tari Rivera
    Enid Rosenberg

  • 2009 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

    Stephanie Tubbs Jones

    Women of Achievement

    Virginia Albanese
    Judith Feniger
    Gena C. Lovett
    Maria J. Pujana, M.D.
    Marcia J. Wexberg

    2008 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Linda M. Kane
    Natalie A. Leek-Nelson
    Stephanie McHenry
    Beth E. Mooney
    Rita N. Singh

    2007 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Linda Abraham-Silver
    Caprice Bragg
    Tracey Lind
    Denise Reading
    Wendy Shiba

    2006 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Jeanne Hauer
    Deborah Z. Read
    Diana Stano
    Bang-Huei Yu

    2005 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Elizabeth K. Balraj
    Martha F. Brooks
    Sari Feldman
    Patricia Kennedy-Scott
    Cynthia V. Schulz

    2004 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Patricia A. Blackmon
    Kathleen B. Burke
    Olga Gonzalez-Sanabria
    Joy A. Jordan
    Helen R. Marter
    Sandra Pianalto

    2003 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Lillian W. Burke
    Adele Malley
    Ellen S. Mavec
    Marilyn McGrath
    Cynthia Moore-Hardy
    Karen Sweeney
    Rosalind Thompson

    2002 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

    Farah M. Walters

    Women of Achievement

    Mary Ann Corrigan-Davis
    Marcia L. Fudge
    Janette M. Louard
    Nancy McCann
    Janet L. Miller
    Lauren Wolf

    2001 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Inajo D. Chappell
    Nancy Cronin
    Heather R. Ettinger
    Phyllis Seltzer

    2000 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Daisy Alford-Smith
    Katherine Brandt
    Jennie S. Hwang

  • 1999 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Goldie K. Alvis
    Jo Ann Charleston
    E.P. Degenfelder
    Susan L. Eagan
    Mareyjoyce Green
    Laura K. Hong
    Lolita M. McDavid
    Madeline A. Sivak
    Wilma Smith
    Mary Verdi-Fletcher
    JoAnn White

    1998 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Carol DiLillo-Kenney
    Rocky Hwasta
    Dolores K. Minter
    Edwina H. Moss
    Myrtle I. Muntz
    Jean Salmon-Campbell
    Mary Lou V. Stricklin
    Ruby L. Terry
    Claire A. Van Ummersen
    Farah M. Walters

    1997 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Margot Copeland
    Nancy S. Dye|
    Alyson Y. Ownes
    Onelida Santiago
    Patricia M. Sweet
    Pauline H. Tarver
    Mylion D. Waite
    Margaret W. Wong

    1996 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Ione M. Biggs
    Mary G. Bounds
    Carolyn Buhl
    Cheryl Goggans
    Joan Lamson
    Yvonne Pointer
    Virginia G. Saha Roberta Steinbacher
    Jerry Sue Thorton

    1995 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

    Jacqueline F. Woods

    Women of Achievement

    Mary H. Ashbrook
    Carol A. Cartwright
    Sister Maureen Doyle O.S.U.
    Doris A. Evans
    Jean B. Gaede
    Adrienne Lash-Jones
    Rubie J. McCullough
    Chris Trepal
    Lesley B. Wells

    1994 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Artha W. Lubaugh
    Gail Long

    1993 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

    Zelma Watson George

    Women of Achievement

    Jane L. Campbell
    Marguerite I. Harkness
    Magnolia Jackson
    Frances P. Taft

    1992 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Barbara Galloway
    Catharine M. Lewis
    Marla Loehr
    Donna K. Rego
    Carol Rivchun

    1991 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Mary Bill
    Mary Boyle
    Janet Bullard
    Margaret L. Murphy
    Billie K. Rawot
    Karen W. Spero
    Rose Wong

    1990 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Alexandria J. Boone
    Helen Brown
    Janice G. Douglas
    Sally Gries
    Sally K. Griswold
    Florence Hangach
    Mary Rose Oakar

  • 1989 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Betsy Alexander
    Wilma Bergfeld
    Monica Crespo
    Donna L. Cummings
    Denise M. Fugo
    Dorothy Fuldheim
    Kathryn Karipides
    Janice Nelson-Neville
    Mary M. Smith
    Lynn Wolfram
    Stella Zannoni

    1988 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Victoria Cargill
    Peggy Z. Fisher
    Gloria Pace King
    Anne McManamon
    Patricia Mead
    Lizabeth A. Moody
    Barbara S. Robinson
    Linda Rocker
    Jana Van Vliet
    Farah M. Walters

    1987 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Betty Eschuk
    Carol Frankel
    Bernadine Healy
    Sandra Johnson
    Denise Knecht
    Miriam G. Lugo
    Patricia W. Nobili
    Eunice Podis

    1986 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Lynne B. Alfred
    Martha Cathcart
    Ann Dunning
    V. Latrelle Hogg
    Martha Joseph
    Edith Paetow
    Mary M. Reinhard
    Beryl E. Rothschild
    June Vereeke-Hutt

    1985 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Grace C. Brown

    1982 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Marjorie Hall-Ellis

    1981 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Barbara Brown-Daniels
    Mary Fabish
    Marie Wing
    Peggy Yohner

    1980 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Jeanette G. Brown
    Carole F. Hoover
    Eleanor B. Schwartz

  • 1979 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Dorothy Chlad
    Joan Campbell
    Ranelle Gamble
    J. Helen Slough
    Pauline Smith
    Joyce Whitley

    1978 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Alicia Alvarado
    Betty Del Duca
    Mary C. Guzman
    Joan Kriikku
    Sarah Marcus
    Lois McGuire
    Mary A. Mendelson

    1977 AWARD RECIPIENTS

    Rena Blumberg
    June Kirk
    Jean Krizman
    Joan P. Lambros
    Beverly Pyle