YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The League of Women Voters of Greater Youngstown will host its annual Hall of Fame celebration March 27 at the Jewish Community Center of Youngstown. 

Doors will open at 5 p.m., and the dinner and program will begin at 5:30 p.m. 

Since 2016, the Hall of Fame has honored women in the Mahoning Valley who make significant impact in empowering and educating voters, protecting democracy, encouraging civic engagement, creating opportunities so all can reach their potential, ensuring community or promoting community health.

This year’s seven honorees are:

  • Carole Safier Weimer, retired educator and community volunteer.
  • Cryshanna Jackson Leftwich, professor of public affairs and politics at Youngstown State University.
  • Traci Hostetler, superintendent of the Educational Services Center of Eastern Ohio.
  • Honeye Price, founder and director of SWAG Sisters and a member of Warren City Council.
  • Tina Chance, director of resource development at the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley.
  • Debbie McBride Woodford, owner of 4S Fabricators and an administrative assistant to the Mahoning County auditor. 
  • JoAnn Johntony is being honored posthumously. At the time of her death in 2023, she was president emeritus of OAPSE/AFSCME Local 4.

In addition to celebrating the honorees, the Distinguished Service Award, bestowed on a woman whose impact extends beyond the Valley, will be presented to Maureen O’Connor, former chief justice of the Ohio Supreme Court, in recognition of her leadership in the 2024 Citizens Not Politicians Campaign.

To purchase tickets or to sponsor the event, visit the League of Women Voters of Greater Youngstown’s website. The sponsorship deadline is March 1. For information about sponsorships, call Suzanne Barbati at 330 207 0437.

Proceeds from the celebration will be used to fund the League of Women Voters’ nonpartisan voter education and outreach efforts. This year, efforts will be focused on the importance of local elections.

The League of Women Voters was founded in 1920 by the National American Woman Suffrage Association. It began as a “mighty political experiment” designed to help 20 million women carry out their new responsibilities as voters. The nonpartisan political organization’s mission is to empower voters and defend democracy. The Greater Youngstown chapter is in its 102nd year of serving voters in the Valley.