Adjunct faculty member Jazmin Long (SAS/MNO '15) a recipient of YWCA's 2025 Women of Achievement Award

Honorees Left-Front to Back: Michelle Hereford, Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley, Claire Rosacco, and Kelly Lamirand, Right-Front to Back: Jazmin Long, Trina Bediako, Deborah Lindway, and Renee Willis (Center- Helen Forbes Fields)

Each year, the YWCA of Greater Cleveland presents their Woman of Achievement Award to a select group of Northeast Ohio women who have achieved extraordinary accomplishments through career success, community service, leadership, mentoring and dedication to YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. Boasting over 250 honorees, the Women of Achievement Academy is comprised of the most accomplished and esteemed leaders in Northeast Ohio.

Next summer, nine more outstanding women will join those ranks and be celebrated for their work in and for the community:

  • Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley: Former U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Malta & President Emeritus of the Middle East Policy Council
  • Trina Bediako: Chief Executive Officer, New Horizons Baking Company
  • Shontel Brown: Congresswoman, 11th Congressional District, United States House of Representatives
  • Michelle Hereford: System Chief Nurse Executive, Ethel Morikis Endowed Chair in Nursing Leadership, University Hospitals
  • Kelly Lamirand: Cleveland Market President, Key Bank
  • Deborah Lindway: Executive Vice President, Bank Security Officer & Technology Executive for Mergers and Acquisitions, PNC Bank
  • Jazmin Long (SAS '15, MNO '15): President and Chief Executive Officer, Birthing Beautiful Communities, and Adjunct Faculty Member, Mandel School [pictured front right]
  • Claire Rosacco: Vice President, Government Relations & Community Outreach, Cuyahoga Community College
  • Renee Willis: Executive Director, Martha Holden Jennings Foundation

This group of honorees represent organizations across Northeast Ohio who are committed to the betterment and progress of women and girls in our community.

The Woman of Achievement Award Celebration will be held on June 4, 2025, at Severance Music Center in University Circle.

Meet the Women of Achievement Class of 2025