Akron, OH (July 1, 2024) – The Women’s Network Leadership Institute (WNLI), a program of the Greater Akron Chamber, is pleased to announce the award recipients for its annual Women of Achievement event, to be held on Thursday, August 29, 2024. The event will feature a conversation with Claudia Cividino, President of Jared, the full-service accessible luxury jeweler, which is part of Signet Jewelers, the world’s largest retailer of diamond jewelry. This conversation will be facilitated by Dr. Jennifer Savitski, Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Medical Director, PATH Center; and Chair of the Women’s Network Leadership Institute.
This annual event recognizes exemplary leadership, community impact, and a steadfast commitment to gender equity and diversity in the workplace. Three awards will be given– two to individuals and one to an organization. Honorees were nominated by their peers and selected by a diverse panel of business and community leaders.
Congratulations to the 2024 award recipients:
Woman of Achievement Award: Jennifer D. Towell, Judge, General Division, Summit County Court of Common Pleas
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 supporting the progress of women.
Laura Allio Emerging Leader Award: Marcela Castaño, Principal Applied Researcher Sustainable Materials and Circular Economy, Bridgestone Americas, Inc.
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: Summa Health
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.
“Our region is rich with female leadership and this event provides us with the opportunity to recognize and honor those women who are driving impact in their communities and organizations, all while making it a priority to reach while they climb.” states Dr. Jennifer Savitski, Chair, Department of OB/GYN at Cleveland Clinic Akron General and Chair of the WNLI Advisory Council. “Greater Akron’s strength relies on that of its leaders but also of the organizations that support them. We are so proud to be able to showcase things that organizations are doing to drive gender equity and diversity in the workplace. I am honored and excited to celebrate these winners and all they’ve done for our region.”
“Each year, the number of nominees for these awards grows, which is testament to the incredible leadership from women and organizations in our community,” states Brynn Popa, Senior Vice President, Greater Akron Chamber. “The WNLI is focused on creating opportunities that strengthen networks, increasing the visibility of female leaders in our region, and promoting gender equity and diversity in the workplace. This annual event allows us to do each of these and leverage this platform to raise awareness about this important work.”
This year’s Women of Achievement Awards Luncheon will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls, 1989 Front St. Tickets are $55 for members and $65 for non-members, which can be purchased on the Greater Akron Chamber’s website members.greaterakronchamber.org/events or directly on the event page. Sponsorships are still available.
To learn more about the Women’s Network, please visit greaterakronchamber.org/WNLI.
For more information on the Greater Akron Chamber, visit greaterakronchamber.org.
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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.