Women's Hall of Fame
The League of Women Voters of Greater Youngstown is excited to celebrate women who have empowered, educated, engaged, and advocated for the people in our Valley; who made an enduring local impact; and have fought to uphold the values of our democracy.
Specifically women considered for the Hall of Fame are those who make significant contributions in Empowering Voters, Strengthening Democracy, or Building Community in one or more of the following categories:
- Encouraging informed and active participation in civic life
- Protection of voter rights
- Addressing structural problems in democracy (e.g., gerrymandering)
- Non-partisan voter education
- Increasing understanding of public policy issues
- Creating opportunities so all can achieve their potential
- Ensuring community safety
- Promoting community health
Nominations must be submitted no later than January 31, 2025 by 5:00 PM to be considered for the Women's Hall of Fame. Please request permission from your nominee before submitting. If responses exceed the word limit, the selection committee will only read up to the maximum word limit. Supporting documents may be attached below or emailed to lwvgyo@gmail.com.
Make your nomination here: https://bit.ly/HOFNominate2025.
A ceremony honoring these outstanding women takes place in March during Women's History Month. The women are also recognized on the League's Facebook page during the month of March.
The 2025 Women's Hall of Fame will be held on March 27, 2025.
Questions about the Women's Hall of Fame should be directed to its Chairwoman, Suzyn Schwebel Epstein.
Purchase tickets to the Women's Hall of Fame here.
Find out about sponsorship opportunities here.
Past Honorees and Inductees
2024
Paige Fortner
Kathie Chaffee Gaige
Shari Harrell
Lisa Resnick
Dr. Alexis Smith
Ra'Cole Taltoan
Samie Winick
2023
Nominees
Suzanne Barbati
Anne Harpman
Roxann Sebest
Sarah Grinstein Wilschek
Honorees
Bonnie Deutsch Burdman
Lashale Pugh
Vickie Vicars
Distinguished Service Award
Dr. Amy Acton
2022
Nominees
Kim Akins
Marcy Angelo
Leigh Greene
Dawn Turnage
Cassandra Valentini
Inductees
Dionne Dowdy
Gwendolyn Fish
Dr. Kellie Kirksey
Leah Sakacs
2021
Susie Beiersdorfer
Sophia Buggs
Deborah Cunningham
Stephanie Gilchrirst
Shay Kahani
Becky Keck
Shannon Lehn
Sarah Lowry
Leah Merritt
Lisa Ramsey
Denise Rising
Patricia Sweeney
2019
Reverend Gayle Catinella
Dorothy Kane
Sister Ann McManamon
Mildred Delgado Pierce
2018
Elder Rosetta Carter
Lola Armanda Simmons
Judith Stanger
2017
Norma Coe Anderson
Jaladah Aslam
Barbara Brothers
Monica Craven
Marion Gillette
Mary Lour Reyes
Carol Rimedio Righetti
2016
Detrinalyn Benson
Joyce Kale-Pesta
Suzyn Schwebel Epstein
Cheryl L. Waite
Penny Wells