Staff photo / R. Michael Semple Darlene Jones, left, captured the 2025 ATHENA Award during ceremonies Thursday night at Waypoint 4180, Canfield. Jones serves as CEO of St. Vincent de Paul Society, Northeast Ohio District Council. She was among 33 nominees at the 32nd annual event, co-sponsored by The Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber and The Vindicator. One of her goals is to build a community resource for the society that offers in-house dining, teaching and training facilities, and program spaces.

CANFIELD — A Howland woman is being recognized for spearheading the rapid expansion of a Catholic charitable organization that helps break the cycle of poverty in the Mahoning Valley.

Darlene Jones, chief executive officer for St. Vincent de Paul Society, Northeast Ohio District Council, received the ATHENA Award on Thursday during a dinner at Waypoint 4180.

She told the panel of nominees she shares the honor with each of them, saying, “Every single woman here is transforming our community.”

The event, co-sponsored by the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber and The Vindicator, recognized 33 women at the 32nd annual event. The evening, attended by about 750 people, included a cocktail reception, dinner and program of speakers.

Jones is credited with turning around the organization, which was on the verge of closing in 2018 because of lack of resources and infrastructure.

Since then, its annual budget has grown to nearly $2 million and staff increased from two people to 19. The number of meals served each year exploded, from 30,000 to 118,000, as did the number of people served, from 800 each year to 9,466.

The society’s annual thrift store sales increased from $68,000 per year to $623,000, and, under her leadership, services expanded into Portage and Ashtabula counties.

The organization also added much-needed programs for housing and utility assistance, and added a pet food pantry and programs for the homeless.

Jones also launched a Ready2Work program to provide skills and support for those rejoining the workforce.

She also is credited for mentoring other women and promoting volunteerism in the community.

The ATHENA Award honors women who achieve the highest level of professional accomplishment, excel in their field, give back to the community and pave the way for other women.

The selection committee was made up of prominent business leaders and past ATHENA recipients.

“What truly impressed me about Darlene Jones was how she initially stepped into the role of CEO on a pro bono basis–and then took an organization that was on the brink of closing its doors and not only kept it alive but rebuilt it from the ground up with a stronger foundation for the future,” said Kim Calvert, executive vice president, Membership, Events, MarComm, for the Regional Chamber. “Her work at St. Vincent de Paul impacts the community and its most vulnerable populations in so many important ways, as does her commitment to community and empowering other women. She truly represents everything the ATHENA Award program stands for.”

Calvert said nominees were being celebrated for their excellence, vision and impact, calling all of them “difference makers.”

Last year’s recipient, Dr. Nicolette W. Powe, a public health scientist and associate professor in Youngstown State University’s Department of Graduate Studies, encouraged the crowd to “think about how you will make a difference.”

Jones’ volunteer efforts have included the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life and the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk. She’s also been involved with Blessed Sacrament Church and Boy Scout Troop 101.

Other affiliations include Down Syndrome Association of the Valley and Warren Rotary Club.

Jones was born and raised in Dover, has a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration from Wittenberg University and completed coursework in professional development from Kent State University.

She said a future goal is to build a community resource center to offer in-house dining, teaching and training facilities to reduce food insecurity and provide job skills to help the most vulnerable in the community.

“The Vindicator has been proud to be a partner of this event since its inception along with the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber. We at The Vindicator would like to commend the 2025 ATHENA recipient and all the nominees for the important and lasting impact their work has made on the lives of countless individuals in the Mahoning Valley,” said Angela M. Kellar, advertising director for The Vindicator and Tribune Chronicle newspapers.

Three local students were also recognized during the dinner. Ki’Mari Hall-Williams, a junior at Kent State University Trumbull, was the ATHENA Scholarship recipient. Amanda Hamilton, a Western Reserve senior, received the Anthem Scholarship, as did Samantha Severn, a senior at Fitch.

Other Nominees

2025 ATHENA AWARD

Amanda Archer, Youngstown market director, JPMorgan Chase

Paula Baco, director, Trumbull Career & Technical Center

Denise Glinatsis Bayer, vice president/senior trust officer, Premier Bank

Andrea Mahone Blackmon, CEO, Just in Time Employment Agency and Andrea Mahone Foundation

Mallory Capretta, pediatric nurse practitioner, Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley

Sarah Chill, education program director, Ursuline Sisters Mission

Melissa Crown, chief operating officer, Guidelight Financial Group

Alexandra DeVengencie-Bush, human resource and risk management director, Trumbull County Board of Commissioners

Rachael Dobson, director, Rich Center for Autism at Youngstown State University

Dionne Dowdy-Lacey, executive director, United Returning Citizens

Teri Ely, executive director, Veterans’ Outreach

Jennifer Frank, former professor of fashion merchandising, YSU

Heather Fronk, president, Clothed In Strength

Charlotte Gardiner, president, Mercy Health St. Joseph Warren Hospital

Deborah Grinstein, community development, new business trust officer, Farmers Trust Co.

Kristen Kotheimer, licensed independent social worker; supervising social worker; school and family solutions coordinator, PCM PsyCare

Tifinie LaComb, vice president, regional banking relationship, Huntington Bank

Traci Miller, owner and president, Color 3 Embroidery

Ashley Morrow, human resources/payroll/grants/safety, Livi Steel Inc

Morgan O’Brien, director of operations, Cornerstone Caregiving

LeeAnn Oros, founder/owner/professional makeup artist, Permanent Beauty by LeeAnn

Karlene Pappada, welcome center manager/CNA instructor/case manager supervisor, Flying High Inc.

Pamela Ramsey, clinical director, Community Corrections Association Inc.

Nicole Ranttila, owner/licensed clinical psychologist, Nicole Ranttila Inc. Psychological Services

Heather Sahli, general manager, Mahoning Valley Scrappers

Beth Scheller, president and CEO, YMCA of Youngstown

Stephanie Shapiro, managing partner/owner, Sherman Creative

Trinette Simon, director of inclusion and equity, Cohen & Co.

Patricia Summers, founder, president and CEO, Youngstown Blue Coats

Dr. Vasilia Vamvakis, family physician, Mercy Health

Vicki Vicars, vice president of operations, Thrive Mahoning Valley

Dr. Vanessa Jones Washington, CEO, New Beginnings Residential Treatment Center