Breaking into the trucking and construction business never is a small feat. But it gets significantly more difficult when you’re a 25-year-old woman.

As you’ll see by the story on today’s front page, Dawn Ochman, president / CEO of Warren-based Dawn Incorporated, managed to do just that, starting her company as a dump hauler with just one truck.

Despite 28 years of challenges since then that every business faces, not to mention overcoming operating in an industry where women comprise a very small percentage of the workforce, Ochman was able to persevere in business while also demonstrating a record of community service.

Ochman on Thursday evening was named recipient of the 2022 ATHENA Award during a banquet at Waypoint 4180 in Canfield. She was selected from among 30 women nominated in the program, held to celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding professional women in the Mahoning Valley.

The program, presented by the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber in partnership with The Vindicator, honors individuals who strive toward the highest levels of professional accomplishment: women who excel in their chosen field, have devoted time and energy to their community in a meaningful way and also open doors so that others may follow in their path.

We are certain the decision to choose Ochman as this year’s winner could not have been easy. The 30 nominees represent the best of our Valley’s business and organizational leaders who also are women.

Each nominee met the specific rigorous qualifications by demonstrating significant and measurable achievements that have produced exceptional impact on their organizations.

But it doesn’t end there. Each also must have demonstrated valuable leadership service to the community and also must have exhibited active support for and involvement in the goals of professional women. The nominations are reviewed by a selection committee comprised of prominent local business leaders and past ATHENA recipients.

The shoes to fill are huge, as last year’s recipient was the Honorable Theresa Dellick, Mahoning County Juvenile Court judge. Described as a “visionary” who has created opportunities for young people, Dellick has 20 years of experience in her field. Under her leadership, the court has gained a national and state reputation for being a leader in juvenile justice.

Ochman has said it took more than a decade for her to realize and appreciate the incredible positive impact that she had on other women business owners.

“Another woman business owner, after hearing my story, thanked me for putting in the work to get my business recognized as socially disadvantaged, making certification more widely attainable for similarly situated businesses like hers,” Ochman said.

Now, Ochman serves as a professional mentor to other women-owned businesses in the federal program, but she considers her most rewarding experience as a mentor demonstrating to her daughter the dedication it takes to be a leader.

Once when country music icon and philanthropist Dolly Parton was asked to define leadership, she said this: “If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, to learn more, to do more and become more, then you are an excellent leader.”

That is the perfect definition of the 30 incredible women from our Mahoning Valley who were recognized Thursday evening — and especially of 2022 ATHENA Award recipient Dawn Ochman.

May we all be inspired by these incredible women to do more and to become more.

Congratulations to each of them.

editorial@vindy.com