Staff report

The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber and The Vindicator continue their tradition of honoring the Valley’s accomplished women professionals when they present the 33rd annual ATHENA Award Dinner in May.

Thirty-one nominees will be recognized at the ceremony. The ATHENA Award honors women who strive toward the highest levels of professional accomplishment: those who excel in their chosen field, devote time and energy to their community in a meaningful way and open doors so that others may follow in their path.

“Each year, this group of nominees reminds us how much talent, dedication and quiet influence exists across our region,” said Kim Calvert, Regional Chamber executive vice president of Membership, Events & MarComm. “As we mark the 33rd year of the ATHENA Award in the Valley, it is a privilege to recognize women whose leadership strengthens our organizations, our neighborhoods and the next generation they inspire.”

Angela M. Kellar, advertising director of The Vindicator and Tribune Chronicle, said the newspaper is proud to be a program partner.

“The ATHENA program has honored several hundred deserving women over the past 33 years,” she said. “This year’s class of nominees features another group of hard-working individuals who make a difference for their companies and in the community every day.”

The program begins with a cocktail reception at 5:15 p.m., with dinner and the program to follow, May 14 at Waypoint 4180 in Canfield. The cost is $125 per person.

To register, visit regionalchamber.com.

The 2026 nominees are:

• Amanda Banner, vice president and senior trust adviser, Huntington National Bank.

• Amber Bodrick, chief operating officer, QUICKmed Urgent Care.

• Lauren Butka, marketing director, ECMSI.

• Valarie Campbell, chief financial officer, Covelli Enterprises.

• Beth Carmichael, executive director, Trumbull County Tourism Bureau.

• Tina Chance, director of resource development, United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley.

• Jamie Demain, director of volunteer and visitor services, Akron Children’s Mahoning Valley.

• Amanda Fluck, marketing director, Window World PennOhio.

• Gina Govojdean, vice president of sales and supply, Howmet Aerospace.

• Elizabeth Hartwig, vice president of investments, Stifel.

• Aspasia Lyras-Bernacki, co-owner, Penguin City Brewing Co.

• Amy Less Shope, managing partner, Lehner Shope Wealth Group, and founder and director of Dylan’s House.

• Luann Maynard, senior director of development, Akron Children’s Mahoning Valley.

• Heather McCowin, DNP, chief nursing officer, St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital.

• Melinda Miletta-Miller, CEO, Bolt Construction Inc.

• Alicia Miller, senior vice president, segment marketing leader, WesBanco.

• Julie Needs, executive director, Sustainable Opportunities Development Center.

• Markisha Parker, owner, Parker Family Urban Farms LLC, and executive director, Farm & Family Alliance Inc.

• Erin Phemester, chief experience officer, Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County.

• Dorothy Powell, owner and baker, Ginger Bread Bakery.

• Megan Roberts, chief operating officer, HD Growth Partners.

• Crystal Siembida Boggs, president, Siembida & Boggs Philanthropic Foundation, and event manager, GCXC Racing.

• Tiffany Sokol, housing director, Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp.

• Susan Sutton, founder, The Ember Project.

• Amanda Thiry, vice president and business banking relationship manager, PNC Bank.

• Candace Turpak, senior wealth adviser and vice president, Huntington Bank.

• Jill Uberti-Stefanucci, D.O., vice president of medical affairs, St. Joseph Warren Hospital.

• Samantha Villella-Thomas, account executive, Lamar Advertising.

• Latisha Weaver, owner and operator, La La’s Daycare and Nursery.

• Belinda Weiss, museum director, National McKinley Birthplace Memorial Museum.

• Tanisha Wheeler, regional director, YBI/Minority Business Assistance Center.