YWCA of Northwest Ohio is celebrating 30 years of honoring women leading with impact in northwest Ohio.
The Milestones, A Tribute to Women, awards luncheon is set for Thursday, March 27, at the Glass City Center.
The YWCA hosts its annual signature event during women’s history month to recognize the work that women in the community have been doing to create change and expand opportunities in the area.
The award honors eight women and their accomplishments through their careers, community service, leadership and dedication to YWCA’s mission.
Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. and programming will begin at noon.
Tickets and more can be found at ywcanwo.org/mile stones.
The following honorees will be recognized in their respective categories: Jori Lynch Jex, arts; Olivia Holden, business; Kim Grilliot, education; Lisa A. Sobecki, government; Kaylee Halko, sciences; Alicia M. Smith, social services; Diane Friedman, volunteerism and Ebony Carter, Woman on the Rise.
Community Coming Together To Impact Lasting Change
The Milestones awards luncheon has evolved into YWCA’s largest fund-raising event, sponsored by local companies and organizations each year.
Established to increase community awareness and appreciation for the diverse contributions of women leaders in northwest Ohio, this luncheon has honored more than 200 women over the last 30 years.
Friends and supporters who believe in organization’s dedication to providing dignity for all, come together to invest in the safety, hope and healing of those served by organization’s critical programs.
All proceeds go directly to YWCA of Northwest Ohio to ensure the continuation of services to those in need.
Honorees Jori Lynch Jex, arts
Former executive director at the Valentine Theatre, Jex has been a leader in the Toledo arts community for 40 years. She led the theatre from 2010 until her retirement in 2023.
Olivia Holden, business Dedicated to mentorship, Holden has served as the executive director of ASSETS Toledo since 2002. She has trained thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs throughout northwest Ohio on how to start and run a small business.
Kim Grilliot, education Grilliot has been a servant leader in education for her entire 40-plus year career. She has served as Notre Dame Academy’s first lay vice principal and principal, and first lay president– serving in these capacities for 21-plus years.
Lisa Sobecki, government
After instructing in the U.S. Navy, Sobecki later served as school board member for Toledo Public Schools for eight years. She was first elected to the Ohio House in 2018 and served four years as state representative. She now serves as the president of Lucas County Commissioners.
Kaylee Halko, sciences For two decades, Halko has dedicated herself to helping future generations in the name of science and research to identify treatments for Progeria. Majoring in psychology, she also aspires to help others by becoming a guidance counselor. Alicia M. Smith, social services
As the executive director of the Junction Coalition since 2014, Smith has been at the forefront of their efforts to create a viable, safe and sustainable community for everyone living in the Junction neighborhood of Toledo.
Diane Friedman, volunteerism
As YWCA board chair, Friedman encouraged the board to initiate a capital campaign to renovate the facility. She passionately advocated for creating a more dignified space for the community to heal, learn, and grow. Her leadership was instrumental in the campaign’s success.
Ebony Carter, Woman on the Rise
Carter has been with the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce since 2020, first as a financial counselor with the Small Business Development Center and then becoming the vice president of Minority Business Services and director of the Minority Business Assistance Center.
