YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber and The Vindicator on Monday announced the 31 nominees who will be recognized at the 33rd annual Athena Award Dinner.

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

The Athena Award honors women who excel in their chosen field, have devoted time and energy to their community in a meaningful way and open doors so that others can follow in their path.

The 2026 nominees are:

  • Amanda Banner, vice president, senior trust adviser, Huntington National Bank.
  • Amber Bodrick, chief operating officer, QuickMed Urgent Care.
  • Lauren Butka, marketing director, ECMSI.
  • Valarie Campbell, CFO, 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.
  • Amanda Fluck, marketing director, Window World PennOhio.
  • Gina Govojdean, vice president, sales and supply, Howmet Aerospace.
  • Elizabeth Hartwig, vice president, investments, Stifel.
  • Aspasia Lyras-Bernacki, co-owner, Penguin City Brewing Co.
  • Amy Less Shope, managing partner, Lehner Shope Wealth Group; founder and director, Dylan’s House.
  • Luann Maynard, senior director of development, Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley.
  • Heather McCowin, chief nursing officer, Mercy Health Youngstown, 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; executive director, Farm & Family Alliance Inc.
  • Erin Phemester, chief experience officer, Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County.
  • Dorothy Powell, owner/baker, Ginger Bread Bakery.
  • Megan Roberts, chief operating officer, HD Growth Partners.
  • Crystal Siembida Boggs, president, Siembida & Boggs Philanthropic Foundation; event manager, GCXC Racing.
  • Tiffany Sokol, housing director, Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp.
  • Susan Sutton, founder, The Ember Project.
  • Amanda Thiry, vice president, business banking relationship manager, PNC Bank.
  • Candace Turpak, senior wealth adviser, vice president, Huntington Bank.
  • Dr. Jill Uberti-Stefanucci, vice president of medical affairs, Mercy Health Youngstown, St. Joseph Warren Hospital.
  • Samantha Villella-Thomas, account executive, Lamar Advertising.
  • Latisha Weaver, owner/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.

“Each year, this group of nominees reminds us how much talent, dedication and quiet influence exists across our region,” said Kim Calvert, executive vice president of membership, events and marketing communications for the Regional Chamber. “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.”