Congratulations to Our 2023 She Elevates Award Winners!”

She Elevates Award  

Staci PurPose Kirk

The recipient of this award demonstrates professional excellence and improves quality of life for others within her community. She is a role model and mentor who inspires woman in realizing their full leadership potential. Nominees must have a business located in Northeast Ohio.

Staci PurPose Kirk known to many as ‘The Coaches Coach’ or ‘Warrior Coach’, is a woman purposed to not only be a changemaker in her community and those she touches on her various platforms daily, but also to the thousands of women she consistently pours into through coaching, leadership, small business courses, and healthcare self-advocacy. Coach Staci is a 5-time cancer warrior who has dedicated her life to supporting women in their life’s journey to walk fully and boldly in their purpose. Her ability to motivate people in spite of their circumstances to create the life they desire through intense inner work, harnessing their niche or area of expertise, and crafting a sound brand strategy, has transformed countless women into becoming exactly who they are meant to be while providing additional streams of income or a means to remove their need for a 9-5 job altogether if they so desire.

Serving over 20 years as a Corporate Executive was her catalyst to successfully creating a leading-edge coaching certification program, a women-led online community of over 1500 women, as well as a Group Coaching program for women in business. Through her own life, health, and workforce traumas Staci was able to overcome and transform her mindset and actions to walk in her God-given giftings in a way she had never imagined for herself. Having created strategic plans to not only make but save millions ofdollars for billion-dollar corporations to now being able to share those same
strategies with women everywhere, Staci PurPose Kirk is joyously living her destiny every day. Her drive to celebrate, support, and serve her sisterhood
(which has no geographical bounds), is unmatched and contagious!

Congratulations Staci on receiving the She Elevates Award.

Rising Star Award

Khloe Williams

This young lady between the ages of 8-18 has goals in entrepreneurship. She is a role model to her peers, demonstrates strong leadership skills, academically successful and involved in volunteering in her community.

She Elevates Alumni Khloe Williams is an extraordinary 8-year-old hailing from Canton, and the reigning 2023 Little Miss Ohio. With a passion for pageantry ignited at just one year old, Khloe has consistently competed at local, state, and international levels, showcasing her dazzling talents. Beyond the stage, Khloe embodies a heart of compassion, gracing others with her boundless positivity. Engaging in a multitude of activities from being a Girl Scout to excelling in violin, ballet, gymnastics, and cheer, Khloe’s radiant personality never fails to uplift those around her.

Stepping into the world of scholarship pageantry in 2021, Khloe earned the title of 2022 USA National Miss Ohio Princess, a pivotal moment in her journey. Empowered by this achievement, she initiated her own platform, “Kindness with Khloe.” This endeavor revolves around three pillars: extending kindness to others, cultivating self-kindness, and fostering environmental kindness. Khloe serves as a beacon of inspiration, advocating for acts of goodwill, community service, and the power of positive words. Her dedication to sharing the message of kindness extends to school classrooms, urging individuals of all ages to embrace this virtue. Moreover, Khloe actively champions environmental responsibility, advocating for recycling and promoting eco-consciousness.

Khloe’s commitment to her community is truly exceptional, as she devotes countless hours to various charitable initiatives. Engaging in neighborhood clean-ups, supporting local shelters and animal sanctuaries, and volunteering at the local diaper bank and salvation army, Khloe’s impact is tangible. A highlight of her community service is her collaboration with the “Stark Blessing Box Initiative,” where she established a food and essentials box to aid those in need. Her dedication to service remains unwavering as she prepares to compete again, aiming to represent Canton, OH, and hopefully secure the title of 2024 Elementary Ohio 4th Grade, advancing to the National stage in June 2024 for Elementary America 4th Grade.
As Khloe continues to shine her light, she reminds us all of the simple yet profound truth: “Be kind, spread love! The world is counting on us.” Congratulations to Khloe on receiving the She Elevates Rising Star Award.

Rising Courage Award

Micayla Dovie McCarter

This young lady between the ages of 8-18 has displayed exceptional courage in a powerful way. She has succeeded against all odds, remaining a positive force in the face of adversity; an outstanding role model in her community.

She Elevates Alumni Micayla Dovie McCarter is the owner of Dovie’s Treasure Chest. She began her entrepreneurial journey at the age of 9 by teaching herself how to sew on a sewing machine. At that time, she fulfilled a need by sewing face masks. Micayla has since expanded her business by customizing t-shirts, drink ware, and stationery items. Unfortunately, Micayla experienced the sudden tragic loss of her father at age 10.

Remarkably, Micayla has continued to perform well academically, earning the Principal’s List and Honor Roll each quarter. She enjoys playing on the volleyball team and will pursue track and cheer. She also loves spending time with her family and 2 dogs. Currently, Micayla is restructuring her business goals with the focus still on inspiring other girls to be creative and confident. She plans to include various media platforms to provide crafting tutorials and give back to her local community. Micayla would like to thank She Elevates for the knowledge and training on building a business and their ongoing encouragement. Congratulations Micayla on receiving the She Elevates Rising Courage Award.

Community Elevates Award

Betty Smith

The recipient of this award assists or leads an organization that is committed to elevating her community. She demonstrates unparalleled passion and dedication for her particular cause, utilizing resources to grow and expand her purpose. Nominees must have a direct affiliation with a non-profit which is headquartered in Northeast Ohio.

Betty’s journey is a tapestry of remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication. In 1958 Betty graduated from Logansport Indiana High School. In 1976 she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Administration from Northeastern Illinois University. She also participated in special studies at Mundelein, DePaul, and Notre Dame Universities.
Her career started at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, where she spearheaded programs for youth and families. Her most significant accomplishment was founding Forever Free, a recovery home aiding women and women with children battling addiction.

In Chicago, Betty’s musical talents shone as she served for three decades as an organist and choir director at the Apostolic Church of God. Her creative spirit led her to establish ventures like Joyful Noise Christian Entertainment Center and Stretchnastics Aerobic exercise studio, where she recorded the Christian Aerobics Album “Do Your Heart A Favor.”

Betty married the late Pastor Mark Smith and relocated to Canton in 1998 and her impact only grew stronger. In 1999, she founded Multi-Development Services of Stark County (MDS), an initiative that crafted vital programs, from homeless shelters and transitional housing to parenting classes and neighborhood revitalization efforts. Her dedication to community enrichment extended to producing cultural events like Canton Idol and Gospel Joins Symphony, as well as hosting “On Track with Betty Mac” for Canton City Schools TV channel.

A pinnacle of Betty’s achievements arrived in 2012 when she co-founded and became Executive Director of EN-RICH-MENT, a transformative program offering free music lessons, education, and a range of creative activities for underserved urban youth.

Betty’s accolades form a constellation of recognition, including induction into the Senior Olympics Hall of Fame, the Woman’s Legacy Award for Education, and the United Way Gold Key Award. As the author of “Unexpected Blessings in the Midst of my Pain” and “Bishop Arthur M Brazier, Man with a Vision,” Betty’s life is a testament to her unwavering belief that “With God, all things are possible.” Congratulations Betty on receiving She Elevates’ Community Elevates Award.

Women Leadership Award

Brook Harless

This woman encourages the empowerment of female leaders. She promotes positive relations and networking opportunities within her community. She appreciates the profound role played by a woman as leaders and decision makers. She embodies the qualities of leadership.

Brook’s journey has been marked by a steadfast commitment to both personal growth and community service. Following her medical retirement from the Army, she embarked on a path of leadership development, graduating from a series of distinguished Leadership Academies, including the Stark County Signature Program and the Stark County Government Leadership Academy. Her thirst for knowledge led her to become part of the esteemed Leadership Ohio program, a testament to her dedication to continuous growth.

Educationally accomplished, Brook holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and History from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, along with an Associate degree from Central Texas College. Her roots trace back to East Canton High School, where she graduated in 1994. Her accolades are a testament to her exceptional contributions: she’s an inductee into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame, received the United Way’s Volunteer of the Year award, and was honored as one of Stark County’s 20 under 40. Her recognition has only grown with recent inductions into the YWCA Women’s Hall of Fame, as Ohio’s Mother of the Year and National Military Mother of the Year.

Brook’s service to her community is awe-inspiring. With roles ranging from Concerned Veterans of America’s Strike Team Leader to Plain Township Trustee, she leaves no stone unturned in her dedication. She’s been a driving force in the Rotary Club of Plain Township, American Legion 44, and Military Women Across the Nation Unit 21 Executive Board, to name just a few. Her involvement extends even further, reaching into vital organizations like the American Red Cross and Stark County Hunger Task Force Board of Directors. Amidst all of this, Brook remains devoted to her family, raising her three boys – Mason, Brantley, and Weston – alongside her husband, Steve.

Brook’s story is one of tireless service, remarkable leadership, and boundless dedication to creating a better community for all. Congratulations Brook on receiving the She Elevates Women’s Leadership Award.

Founders Award

Dan Dreiling

Dan was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, growing up with two older sisters. He graduated with an accounting degree from John Carroll University in 1986 and has worked in the Cleveland area since then. Dan and his wife Stephanie live in Strongsville, where they raised their children Kaitlin, Danny and Casey.

As an owner of North Point Portfolio Managers Dan uses his experience in tax, financial and investment planning to manage investment portfolios that meet his client’s lifetime needs and create legacy plans for his client’s family and philanthropic interests. Through North Point Dan takes a Top-Down approach to creating Real Wealth, one conversation at a time.

Dan created CBA Partners to support his interest in making a difference in the lives of others. CBA Partners uses a Bottom-Up approach to creating Real Wealth by connecting, collaborating, and celebrating individuals and organizations who equip and empower our young people to make good decisions today: creating a positive personal future and by extension a better world for all of us to live in.

As a Platform for Good, CBA Partners increased its “investment” in three Non-Profit Partners of Excellence in 2020: She Elevates; Coach Sam’s Scholars; and First Tee – Cleveland, adding John Carroll University’s Social Innovation Fellows program in 2021. Through the collective efforts of its “Partners for Good”, CBA Partners is realizing a positive Return on Impact from its investment in others.

This quote from Daniel Burnham inspires Dan to make a difference in the lives of people he knows, people he meets and people he may never have the privilege of meeting: “Make no small plans for they have no ability to stir men’s souls… and likely will never be done anyways. Dare to dream big and your children will accomplish things we could never imagine.” Congratulations Dan and CBA Partners on receiving the She Elevates Founder’s Award.

Congratulations to Our 2022 She Elevates Award Winners!”

She Elevates Award  

Allison Sholley

The recipient of this award demonstrates professional excellence and improves quality of life for others within her community. She is a role model and mentor who inspires woman in realizing their full leadership potential. Nominees must have a business located in Northeast Ohio.

In one year, she built the program for over 30 students, which led to the opening of a small studio space where she trained kids, masters athletes, and other clients.  Her business continued to grow, and after signing the lease on the space at Stark State, she spent the summer of 2019 singlehandedly building the gym from the ground up.

RTC has grown steadily since then, with more expanded space, a full staff of certified coaches, a varied schedule of classes, nutrition, and personal training services, and a very successful CrossFit Kids program.

Allie, who grew up in Copley, OH, earned her business degree in 2010 from the University of Colorado.  She’s a self-proclaimed foodie who loves to travel and learn new things.  Allie’s vision is to have a significant whole-life health and wellness impact on the local community and to continue promoting female entrepreneurship.

Sandy is a member of the United Way Alexis de Tocqueville Society, Lake Cable  Women’s Club, Shady Hollow Country Club, and St. Michael the Archangel  Church. She resides in Jackson Township with her husband, Jeff, and her 17-year-old daughter, Chloe. She also has a grown son Nick and a dog named Daisy.

Rising Star Award

McVehil Bell

This young lady between the ages of 8-18 has goals in entrepreneurship. She is a role model to her peers, demonstrates strong leadership skills, academically successful and involved in volunteering in her community.

She is a straight-A student who excels in the classroom, this year, she has started taking high school classes as an 8th grader.  She has wanted to be a doctor since she was 3 years old after witnessing her brother go through countless surgeries and medical complications – it inspired her to want to be part of the medical community, and she has NEVER swayed from this dream.

She is starting her college visits this year!  She has enjoyed starting businesses like Crafts for Kids and Sibling Assist through her time with She Elevates and the mentors in the program.  McVehil is always looking for ways in which to help others.

Most recently, McVehil put together a group of students her own age for “Project Ukraine,” a mission to find small ways to raise money to be part of a big impact in Ukraine.  In just 2 projects, the group has raised nearly $2,000. Her goal is to help Ukraine while mobilizing teens to get involved and make a positive impact together.  McVehil is a LEADER!

When not in school or working on her businesses, McVehil can be found spending time with her family and friends.  She enjoys babysitting, dog-sitting, playing volleyball, youth group, and volunteering at her church and in the community with projects like feeding the homeless and helping to prepare over 25,000 meal kits for those in need.

McVehil is ALWAYS up for Starbucks, a good homemade facial, and a chance to get a little crazy. As you can imagine, McVehil brings a smile everywhere she turns.

Rising Courage Award

Logan Williams

This young lady between the ages of 8-18 has displayed exceptional courage in a powerful way. She has succeeded against all odds, remaining a positive force in the face of adversity; an outstanding role model in her community.

Eleven-year-old Logan, a sixth grader at Wade Park School, is prominently featured as an Outstanding Youth Philanthropist in The Soul of Philanthropy Cleveland (TSOPCLE) Celebrate Those Who Give Black™. This inaugural Cleveland exhibition is a collection of historic and contemporary stories and images about Black philanthropy in our region.

Logan created a program called blanket blessings. In her first major program, she collected over 300 blankets to give to homeless adults.  She personally handed out the blankets. She keeps care bags in her Mom’s car to give out to homeless people randomly on the streets. Logan has chosen to celebrate her birthday by raising money and collecting items to give to homeless adults and children.

Community Elevates Award

Mary Beddell

The recipient of this award assists or leads an organization that is committed to elevating her community. She demonstrates unparalleled passion and dedication for her particular cause, utilizing resources to grow and expand her purpose. Nominees must have a direct affiliation with a non-profit which is headquartered in Northeast Ohio.

While sharing the amazing stories of our schools for the Plain Local community drives Mary, her true passion is in fundraising and helping others. Mary founded the Josette Beddell Memorial Foundation in 2009 with the help of family and friends in memory of her mother, Josette, who passed away from breast cancer in 2002. The mission of the Josette Beddell Memorial Foundation is to help better the lives of families in Ohio affected by breast cancer by providing direct financial assistance to families in need.

To date, the foundation has offered assistance to over 700 breast cancer patients and their families and has awarded over $750,000 in short-term financial grants.

Mary has received the following recognitions, the 2010 Frieda G Shapira Community Service Award, Stark Twenty under 40 winner (2014), Kent State University Recent Graduate Award (2015), United Way Golden Key Award (2017), Canton Repository People’s Champion (2018).

Women Leadership Award

Sandra Doll

This woman encourages the empowerment of female leaders. She promotes positive relations and networking opportunities within her community. She appreciates the profound role played by a woman as leaders and decision makers. She embodies the qualities of leadership.

Sandy Doll is a community volunteer and owner of Social at the Stone House in  Massillon. She was born and raised in the Cleveland suburb of Parma. She graduated from Valley Forge High School and has an A.A.B in Business  Management and an A.A.B in Marketing from Cuyahoga Community College.

In 2019, Sandy opened an event center, Social at the Stone House. She was presented with a Business of the Year 2019  award from Mayor Kathy Catazaro-Perry, Mayor of Massillon. In July 2021, Social at the Stone House opened as a full-service restaurant. It has been featured in the Independent, the Repository, Akron Life, and New Day Cleveland.

Sandy volunteers, past and present, with many local charities and organizations.  She volunteered with the American Heart Association, co-chairing Circle of Red and chairing the Decorations Committee for the annual Heart Ball. She has been a member of the Aultman Women’s Board since 2011 and has been involved in many aspects, including Program chair, Decorations chair for Angel Auctions and  Fashion Shows, served on Ad-Hoc & Strategic Planning Committees,  Nominating Committee chair and co-chaired the Angel Auction in 2017 raising over $530,000. Sandy has also volunteered in many forms with the Canton  Museum of Art, Canton Central Catholic High School, Cleveland Clinic Blood  Disease & Cancer Research, Domestic Violence Project, JRC, Meals on Wheels,  Quest Recovery & Prevention Services, Refuge of Hope, Shared Blessings, St.  Michael the Archangel School, United Way Power of the Purse and Whispering  Grace Horses.

Sandy is a member of the United Way Alexis de Tocqueville Society, Lake Cable  Women’s Club, Shady Hollow Country Club, and St. Michael the Archangel  Church. She resides in Jackson Township with her husband, Jeff, and her 17-year-old daughter, Chloe. She also has a grown son Nick and a dog named Daisy.

She Elevates Award

Rebecca Wolfe
 

She Elevates Award is for a woman who has helped their community in a significant way. This award is given to a woman who has elevated others without expecting any return from the community.  She is a role model for our organization.

Rebecca Wolfe is a wife, mom of two boys, Physician Assistant for the last thirteen years, a writer and business owner.  She and her husband own Hall of Fame Party Rentals, a party rental company in Canton, Ohio and have been serving the community since 2016. Becky also writes to inspire and motivate women and men through her blog, Simply Intentional Life. Rebecca joined Tiqvah- Hands of Hope in late 2018 and serves as a board member for the organization.  Tiqvah is an after school ministry for the inner city kids of Canton and they currently serve grades K-8. They provide a safe environment for students to walk with Christ while gaining the necessary skills to succeed in life and school.  Their mission is to impact kids mind, body and soul and ultimately end the cycle of poverty. Rebecca is passionate about her community and loves being involved.  She and her husband, Greg, have been active with the Refuge of Hope, a meal ministry and homeless shelter in downtown Canton, for the past 4 years and Greg currently serves as the Board President. Rebecca will be serving in the She Elevates Academy to help support
young female entrepreneurs. Rebecca, Greg and their boys reside in Plain Township and love spending their evenings at sporting events for the kids.  Their kids
love baseball and Tae Kwon Do.

Women Leadership Award  

Cheli Curran

The Women Leadership Award recognizes and appreciates the profound role played by a woman as leader, executioner, and decision maker, in shaping the future of the organization and region. She embodies the qualities of leadership in displaying active, creative, and integrative efforts in achieving the best possible results in the community development plans.

Before becoming Domestic Violence Project, Inc.’s Executive Director/CEO, Cheli Curran was the Director of the Children’s Network from 2011 to 2014. Cheli earned both her B.A. in Business Administration and her M.B.A in Management from Walsh University. Cheli was inducted by YWCA Stark County to the Stark County
Women’s Hall of Fame in 2014, was a 2011 Twenty Under 40 winner, a 2010 Stigma Buster of the Year through the National Alliance on Mental Illness and was featured in the Downtown Movers and Shakers article in About Stark County Magazine in 2013. When Cheli is not at work or serving her community, she enjoys frequenting downtown Canton events with her daughter, Connor Curran and husband, John Curran.

First Woman Award

Octavia C. Stokes

The First Woman Award is given to a woman who works either in public service, corporate or is a business owner, who has achieved her success and become one of the first women to accomplish a groundbreaking achievement. She has broken all glass ceilings, she worked hard to remove barriers for other women and she has broken established industry norms through innovation. 

Octavia C. Stokes is a saved, spirit-filled and anointed young woman of God. She has been set aside to minister to and encourage the youth in her community. She is the epitome of a young professional that is highly ambitious, determined and gifted! She has a style of grace and respect that outshines young women her same age. Although she was diagnosed with narcolepsy and cataplexy in 2011 and was told she would never drive a car or handle a knife to work in a kitchen, she declared she shall live and not die! She stands for family, community and positivity as she keeps Christ first in everything she does. She loves having fun as she tries new things, meets new people, elevates others and creates new ideas. She is a leader among her peers and possesses high standards, morals and
values. Octavia graduated with honors from Glenoak High School in 2015 and during high school participated in Jackson High School’s Culinary Arts Program for two years. She was also the team captain for the Culinary Competition Team. Octavia graduated from Stark State College with an Associate’s Degree in Sociology in 2018. She is currently pursing her Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology. She has had the opportunity to study abroad for one semester in Costa Rica and took a missions trip to Dominican Republic. She is fluent in Spanish. Octavia has given of herself to serve the community in various volunteer activities that promote harmony among diverse groups of people. Some of the activities include: Exceptional Olympics, being a leader at her church Faith Family, Stark County Teen Court
Program, Ohio Model United Nations Program, International and Key Clubs, Volunteer at Multicounty Juvenile Center and Safety City for Plain Local Fire Department. She also facilitates a women’s bible study group at her home, at Lake High School and a youth bible study group at Akron University. Octavia has made many accomplishments at such a young age and received many awards, including: a nomination for the teen category for the YWCA Women’s Hall of Fame, 4-year Academic Letterman at Glenoak High School, Regional and State Essay Contest Winner, a recipient of the Glenoak High School Trustworthiness Award and the
Stark County Phenomenal Woman Award. She also lettered in the Lacrosse sport while at Glenoak High School.

Woman of Courage Award

Kelli Viscounte

The Woman of Courage award recognizes a woman who has displayed exceptional courage in a powerful way. She is a woman who has succeeded against all odds. She has championed for women and girl empowerment.

Kelli Viscounte loves Jesus and she loves people. It is her mission to love and serve like Jesus in everything that she does. She is the heart and soul of Love Our Community in Lake Township where love, hope, encouragement and a vision to connect people in deep relationship was born. Love Our Community started with an Easter Egg Hunt in 2016 and quickly became a place where true collaboration among businesses, schools, churches and neighbors came together. Since 2016 there
have been summer meals, a clothing closet, Christmas events, a new building and many families that were homeless and found support, clothing, shelter and love. Her passion for making her own community better is going to spark a movement in other communities. She says the mission field is in our own backyard and she is doing something about it.

Kelli completed her undergraduate in Comprehensive Communications at BGSU and her master’s in Education Administration at the University of Akron. Prior to becoming the Executive Director of Love Our Community, she was the Outreach Director at RiverTree Lake Church. Having grown up in Columbus, she lives in Uniontown with her husband of 26 years, Ron who is a teacher and coach at Lake Local Schools. They have 6 children and 1 grandchild and attend RiverTree Lake Church. When she’s not directing volunteers, giving interview or presentations, raising money or going out to the clothing closet in the middle of the night to give someone what they need, Kelli likes to visit the beach and spend time with her family. Above all else, it is her desire to leave this world better than she found it, teach and show others to love their neighbor as themselves and help us all to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Rising Star Award

Madilynn Stevens

Madilynn Stephens is an advanced nine year old and third grade student. She has spent her entire academic career on the honor roll in Coventry Local Schools. Madilynn is not your average third grader. Some people would say she is an “old soul” – wise beyond her years. She is a kind, loving and compassionate person. After spending just a few minutes around her she inspires you to want to be a better person and has encouraged her entire town to be a little kinder. She
is living proof that discrimination is a learned behavior, compassion can heal and love is the greatest gift you can give. She knows that if you don’t like something you must actively take steps to change it. She says “if you’re not willing to put in the hard work to make a change then you must not care that much about it”. She is
determined to change the world one act of kindness at a time. Madilynn is President of PLX Angels in the Lakes- a local nonprofit corporation. PLX Angels is a demand driven community organization, which focuses on connecting resources within PLX to fill the needs in the community by creating a safer, more supportive and positive community connection. PLX Angel’s host events that promote community involvement to form a strong community bond. Madilynn has a talent for discovering the needs in the community and actively working with the community to create and implement programs and services to fill the needs by utilizing resources available in the community. She wants to create a self-sustaining community through a neighbor helping neighbor idea with the mindset
of “It takes a village!” And she recently started giving out awards to people in our community to recognize their acts of kindness. She hopes that by showcasing these people it will inspire others to be more kind and the response has been overwhelming. She funds her nonprofit by making and selling hand painted t-shirts, bags, signs, etc. and 100% is donated back into the community. She has a stocked a donation room in her home and has collected & organized clothing, shoes, furniture and other household items for various giving projects she has created. She started a hygiene locker at her brother’s school stocking it with travel size toothbrush, soaps, deodorant, etc. so no one is embarrassed to come to school. Over the past year she has successfully helped pay a utility bill when a
woman lost her job, organized a back to school drive, organized a Christmas drive, a fundraiser and recently started a scholarship to help pay for kids to play sports. The nonprofit has been evolving over the past two years and will continue to make necessary adjustments to better benefit the PLX community.

Margaret W. Wong

Margaret W. Wong & Associates

Founder and Head Attorney

Immigration Attorney

She Elevates Award is for a woman who has helped their community in a significant way. This award is given to a woman who has elevated others without expecting any return from the community.  She is a role model for our organization.

Author of the book The Immigrant’s Way, which is available in English, Chinese, Korean, and Spanish; on Kindle and in paperback, and with more than 40,000 copies in print, Margaret Wong built her immigration law firm from one desk and no secretary. 

Adjunct professor of immigration law at Case Western Reserve University Law School, Margaret Wong is also National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) Trailblazer, was listed in US News & World Reports’ Best Lawyers, enjoys a “Preeminent AV” rating by Martindale Hubbell, and was appointed by The Ohio Supreme Court as charter member of the Continuing Legal Education Commission for Attorneys. 

She is life member of the Federal US 6th Circuit, 8th Judicial Ohio District, is a board member of the State of New York at Buffalo Foundation and the Law School Board, her alma mater, board member of the Cleveland State University Foundation, and of the Tri-C Foundation Board; and is a life member of the Ohio State Bar Foundation and the Federal Bar Association.  She sits on Senator Sherrod Brown’s Ad Hoc Committee on Selecting US Marshals and US Attorneys in the Southern District of Ohio.  She has helped hundreds and thousands of foreign born obtain their Green Cards and US citizenship, and fight deportation.  She is past President of the Federal Bar Association Northern District of Ohio.  

For decades, Margaret Wong has helped employers obtain work permits for their executives and has assisted thousands of people in coming to the United States to become permanent residents, advance their educations, work, and pursue opportunities. Her clients come from every country around the world, from every walk of life, and range from governmental and corporate to ordinary people. The law firm’s talented team handles every kind of immigration problem; its staff is multilingual, with proficiency in languages including Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Spanish, Russian and Albanian. Executives and large law firms seek her help when they have tough immigration problems. She is known for speed, quality, honesty and persistence.

She has won numerous awards, including two for philanthropy – the Margaret Ireland Award from the Cleveland Women’s City Club and the 1997 Creative Philanthropy Award from the Women’s Community Foundation. Crain’s Cleveland Business has named her to their “Women of Influence” list and Cleveland Magazine has included her with its “Most Interesting People.” Margaret Wong also received the highly coveted Ellis Island Medal of Honor in May 1998 for her outstanding achievements and contributions to the multicultural fabric of the United States. She was inducted into the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame in 2000. Other honors and awards include an Outstanding Alumni Award from State University of New York at Buffalo, Kent State University’s Social Responsibility Award, and the Leadership Award from the United Black Fund. Her work has also earned her recognition in books such as Profiles of Ohio Women 1803-2003 and People: Cleveland’s Most Valuable Resource, Millennium Edition. Margaret is also an Urban League Board Member and VP.

Margaret Wong is a civic leader who educates and inspires others. While she was serving as the first Asian-American president of the Cleveland Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, the Cleveland chapter won the coveted Chapter Activity Award. She has presented numerous seminars on immigration and naturalization law for bar associations and the public.

Committed to giving something back to the community and to mentoring young professionals, Ms. Wong has volunteered her time and expertise on boards of diverse organizations, including Notre Dame College, Cuyahoga Community College Foundation, Northeast Ohio Commission on Higher Education, Cleveland Bar Foundation, American Immigration Lawyers Association, Asian Bar Association, Town Hall, University Hospitals Health System, St. Vincent Hospital Health Care System, United Way Services, and the Cleveland State University and Case Western Reserve University Law School Advisory Boards. Ms. Wong is also a life member of both the Eighth Judicial District Court and the Federal Sixth Circuit Court.

Ms. Wong is admitted for practice in Ohio, New York, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, and North Carolina.

Dr. Jeanne M. Colleran

Interim President, John Carroll University

The Women Leadership Award recognizes and appreciates the profound role played by a woman as leader, executioner, and decision maker, in shaping the future of the organization and region. She embodies the qualities of leadership in displaying active, creative, and integrative efforts in achieving the best possible results in the community development plans.

Dr. Colleran, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a summa cum laude graduate of John Carroll University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English. She earned a master’s degree from Case Western Reserve University, and was awarded her doctorate from The Ohio State University. She served as dean of John Carroll’s College of Arts and Sciences from August 2010 until 2014, and has been a member of the University’s Department of English since 1987, where she also served as chair. As dean, Dr. Colleran established partnerships with local medical and law schools and strengthened the Pre- Health Professions Program, developing the biomedical humanities teaching partnership with the Lerner College of Medicine. She was the principal author of the McGregor Grant, a $250,000 grant that strengthened programs in the areas of globalization and humanitarian crisis. Dr. Colleran established the University’s program in Sports Studies, and helped build the Exercise Science and Counseling Programs. She assisted in developing the Post Doctoral Minority Teaching Fellowships Program, which was awarded a grant from the Cleveland Foundation. She also worked with the Mayo Society to establish scholarships for John Carroll students to study in Galway, Ireland.

In 2011, Dr. Colleran was honored as one of the prominent Irish educators in the United States by the Irish Voice newspaper’s “Irish Education 100.” She serves on the Board of Directors for Cleveland Clinic’s South Pointe Hospital, and on the Board of Saint Joseph Academy in Cleveland, Ohio.

Dr. Colleran is committed to fostering undergraduate experiential learning; she and her husband, Richard Weaver, a 1978 John Carroll graduate, have established the Colleran- Weaver Endowment to support undergraduate internships and research opportunities for the College of Arts and Sciences. The couple has two children, James and Julia.

Norma Rist

President, Norma J. Rist CEO Consulting, Inc.

The First Woman Award is given to a woman who works either in public service, corporate or is a business owner, who has achieved her success and become one of the first women to accomplish a groundbreaking achievement. She has broken all glass ceilings, she worked hard to remove barriers for other women and she has broken established industry norms through innovation. 

As a no-nonsense business coach, Norma Rist works with business owners to analyze financial information, improve operational effectiveness, and assess new opportunities, helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses and improve profitability.

Norma Rist has been a role model, a mentor, an advocate and a supporter of women and entrepreneurs for several decades. In addition to one-on-one assistance, she has given literally hundreds of speeches and presentations to business groups, organizations, college seminars, government and nonprofit conferences. She has guided, taught, nurtured and inspired thousands in their careers and community service activities.

Norma is the author of two books:

—Small Business Savvy, published by Adams Media Corp. in 2002

— Personal Branding – A Woman’s Guide to Great Business Introductions in 2012

Norma Rist has served as a board member and officer on numerous boards, including:

–Chairman Board of Directors, ATHENA International;

–Board of Directors, National Adult Day Services Association;

–Chairman of Private Industry Council;

–Chairman of Tri-County Employee Assistance Agency;

–Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Akron General Medical Center;  

–Secretary, Edwin Shaw Hospital;

–Advancement Council, University of Akron, College of Business Administration;

–Trustee, Akron Regional Development Board;

–Great Trail Council, Boy Scouts of America; and

–Treasurer and Co-Founder, Women’s Endowment Fund of Akron Community Foundation;

Norma is Chairman Emeritus of ATHENA International, a worldwide organization that supports and honors women leaders. In 2015 she created the first ATHENA membership program and brought the first affiliate to Akron, Ohio. This ATHENA Akron model will be replicated around the world.  

A graduate of The University of Akron with a B.S. in business administration, she received the University’s Dr. L. Simonetti Award in 2015 as a Distinguished Business Alumna.

In addition, she has been honored as:

• National Leadership Award, ATHENA International, 2017;
• Distinguished Leader Award, Leadership Akron Alumni, 2016;
• ATHENA International recipient for women’s leadership in Northeast Ohio in 2003;
• Rainmaker by Northern Ohio Live in 2004;
• Top 10 Woman Business Owner of Northeast Ohio by National Association of Women Business Owners;
• Distinguished Sales and Marketing Award winner by Sales & Marketing Executives of Akron;
• “Woman in Business Advocate of the Year” by the U.S. Small Business Administration in Cleveland;
• Northern Ohio Live’s “Influential Business Woman” and
• Crain’s Cleveland Business “Woman of Influence.”

Corey Minor-Smith

General Counsel for Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority Canton City Council At Large

The Woman of Courage award recognizes a woman who has displayed exceptional courage in a powerful way. She is a woman who has succeeded against all odds. She has championed for women and girl empowerment.

Featured on television, radio and internet programs, Corey is a highly sought after thought leader on education, housing and mental health. Nationally, Corey presented for the Housing and Development Law Institute conference in Washington, DC. Internationally, Corey presented in Cape Town, South Africa during the Southern African Housing Foundation conference as a United States delegate.

Dedicated to community service, Corey is a board member of the Red Cross-Stark and Muskingum Lakes chapter and is a member of the Akron/Canton Barristers Association, the Honorable Judge Ira Turpin Scholars Recognition Committee and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated-Stark County Alumnae Chapter. After graduating from the Leadership Stark County Government Academy, Corey was the first African American female to be a candidate for Canton Municipal Court Judge. Subsequently, she was elected to the Canton City Schools Board of Education. Most recently, on November 7, 2017, Corey received the most votes out of six candidates and was elected to be a Canton City Council at Large member. She is the first African American to ever be elected to a city-wide race in Canton, OH.

.Corey received a number of awards throughout her career. Some include being named one of Stark County’s Twenty Under 40! and an ATHENA International Women’s Leadership Finalist. The Boy Scouts of America Buckeye Council honored Corey with the Spirit of Scouting Award, she was inducted into the Canton YWCA Women’s Hall of Fame, Class of 2016 and the Mary Church Terrell Federated Women’s Club awarded Corey with Paralee W. Compton’s Beautiful People Award.