The League of Women Voters of Greater Youngstown is excited to celebrate women who have empowered, educated, engaged and advocated for the people of our Valley; who make 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 that all can achieve their potential
- Ensuring community safety
- Promoting community health
A ceremony honoring these outstanding women takes place in March during Women's History Month. The women are also recognised on the League's Socail Media during the month of March.
The 2026 Women's Hall of Fame will be held on March xx, 2026
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
2025
Carole Safier Weimer
Dr. Cryshanna Jackson Leftwich
Dr. Traci Hostetler
Honeye Price
Tina Chance
Debbie McBride Woodford
JoAnn Johntony (posthumously)
Distinguished Service Award:
Former Chief Justice of Ohio Supreme Court Maureen O'Connor
2024
Paige Fortner
Kathie Chaffee Gaige
Shari Harrell
Lisa Resnick
Dr. Alexis Smith
Ra'Cole Taltoan
Samie Winick
2023
Nominees
Anne Harpman
Roxann Sebest
Sarah Grinstein Wilschek
Honorees
Suzanne Barbati
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
