NILES, Ohio – Valley Partners filled the room at its third annual Women’s LeadHERship Summit on Thursday at the Eastwood Event Centre.
The event, held in recognition of National Women’s History Month, celebrated the strength, influence and impact of female leaders across the region.
The summit brought together professionals, entrepreneurs, community leaders and changemakers for a program centered on empowerment, collaboration and leadership development.
“With the continued support of our generous sponsors, the Women’s LeadHERship Summit has evolved into one of the region’s most anticipated events celebrating women in leadership,” a news release from Valley Partners states. “Each year, we aim to create a space where women can connect, learn from one another and leave feeling inspired to lead boldly in their communities and careers.”
The event included dinner, live entertainment, networking opportunities, a vendor marketplace, a panel discussion featuring local leaders and a keynote address from Marisa Sergi-Schumann, CEO of L’uva Bella Winery, The Brew Kettle and Hartzler Cocktails.
Sergi-Schumann’s keynote highlighted her entrepreneurial journey and her perspective on leadership, resilience and innovation. Her message reinforced the summit’s mission to inspire women to lead boldly within their industries and communities.
Terrill and Ashley Vidale, CEOs of 2Deep Entertainment and Sapphire Aesthetics and Wellness, served as masters of ceremony for the event. The couple also participated in an on-stage interview where they shared their journey as an entrepreneurial duo in the region, offering attendees an additional perspective on leadership, partnership and business growth.
Participants in the panel discussion included Sarah Palmer, senior vice president and chief lending officer at Mercer County State Bank; Erin Houston, president and CEO of the Shenango Valley Urban League; Leah Merritt, president and CEO of YWCA Mahoning Valley; and Dr. Jazmine Oliver, associate professor of medicine at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine.
The panelists shared perspectives on leadership, equity and professional growth, offering attendees practical advice and personal experiences.
Pictured at top: From left are Terrill and Ashley Vidale; Teresa Miller, executive director of Valley Partners; and Sam Huston, Mahoning Valley market president and senior vice president at Huntington Bank.