Akron, OH (September 11, 2023) – The Women’s Network Leadership Institute (WNLI) is pleased to announce this year’s award recipients for its annual Women of Achievement event set for Thursday, October 19 at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn. The event will also feature a keynote conversation with Rita McNeil Danish, CEO of Signal Ohio.
This annual event recognizes leadership, impact and an extraordinary commitment to gender equity and diversity in the workplace. Three awards will be given – two to individuals and one to an organization. Award recipients were nominated by their peers and selected by a diverse group of business and community leaders.
Congratulations to the 2023 award recipients:
Woman of Achievement Award: Montrella S. Jackson, Esq. CCE, Chief Executive Officer/Court Administrator, Akron Municipal Court
This award honors an exceptional professional woman selected for her history of going beyond her own personal and career accomplishments to encourage success among women, breaking down barriers, mentoring others, taking risks to overcome obstacles and support the progress of women.
Laura Allio Emerging Leader Award: Lauren M. Zidones, Attorney, Roetzel & Andress, LPA
This award honors a young professional woman, age 25-39, whose contributions have impacted her industry and her community, who is a trendsetter and encourages success among women.
Dorothy O. Jackson Award: Kent State University
This award honors an area business or organization that has demonstrated excellence and leadership in their commitment to the empowerment of women and promotion of diversity in the workplace.
“This year, we were honored to receive a record number of nominees in every category,” states Dr. Jennifer Savitski, Chair, Department of OB/GYN at Cleveland Clinic Akron General and Chair of the WNLI Advisory Council. “This is testament to the sheer number of women and organizations we have in Greater Akron who are doing incredible things, making notable impact, and advocating for diversity in all areas of our work and community.”
“These winners represent the power of strong networks, access to opportunity, and the impact that women have as leaders in organizations, in businesses and on boards,” states Brynn Popa, Senior Vice President, Greater Akron Chamber. “We are so excited to bring the stories and successes these recipients have created to the forefront at this event and celebrate their continued work to advance gender equity and diversity in the workplace.
This year’s Women of Achievement Awards Luncheon will be held from 8-10 a.m. at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn, 3180 W. Market Street. Tickets are $55 each and can be purchased on the Greater Akron Chamber’s website members.greaterakronchamber.org/events or directly on the event page here. Sponsorships are still available.
To learn more about the Women’s Network, please visit greaterakronchamber.org/WNLI.
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About the Women’s Network Leadership Institute
The Women’s Network Leadership Institute (WNLI), a program of the Greater Akron Chamber, promotes gender equity, drives female leadership, and supports the growth and connectivity of professional women in the workplace.
About the Greater Akron Chamber
The Greater Akron Chamber is a business membership organization serving Summit, Medina, and Portage counties. The Greater Akron Chamber drives economic growth and prosperity for the region by supporting the success of the business community and acting as a convener of stakeholders on key issues facing Greater Akron.