Celebrate Women conference celebrates 16 years with excellent speakers, large crowds

Celebrate Women celebrated its 16th year recently with a return to in-person programming at Ohio University Lancaster. The conference was attended by more than 300 community members.

Celebrate Women has devoted 16 years to providing community and business leaders, campus and community members, and students with the opportunity to learn, share ideas and network with one another. Over 40 speakers shared their experiences and knowledge throughout the daylong event.

Paralympian gold medalist, ESPN host and Dancing With the Stars alum Victoria Arlen served as the conference’s keynote speaker. Arlen shared her story of overcoming adversity and reaching her goals.

“We want to thank each and every one of you who assisted with Celebrate Women for your efforts this year,” Celebrate Women Co-Chair Pam Kaylor said. “It truly takes a village to put on such a large event with limited resources. Thank you all for your contributions beyond the normal day to day activities on campus. The event could not happen without the direction and hard work of the CW Steering Committee.  Each of them has been working on CW since October.”

Following the keynote address was the luncheon and awards ceremony hosted by past Jane Johnsen Vision for Women award recipient Angela Krile.

This year, the Jane Johnsen Vision for Women Award was awarded to two local leaders, Laurie Lach and Amy Eyman.

Laurie Lach is a dedicated member of the Ohio University staff where she serves as Director of Regional Campus Development and Alumni Engagement. During her time at OHIO, she has dedicated countless hours to serving on committees to increase awareness of women’s issues and to encourage young women in their career pursuits.

Amy Eyman is the executive director of the Fairfield County Foundation. She is a passionate advocate for securing resources to assist non-profit organizations in their efforts to help women. As a result of her efforts, countless women have been able to finance their education, and many Fairfield County nonprofits have been able to support causes that impact women. She has a huge heart and a passion for giving back, and these qualities inspired her to launch the “Women’s Giving Circle” – a volunteer-led and member-managed giving circle whose main purpose it to connect, invest and inspire hope for youth and women in Fairfield County.

Four students were selected to win the Outstanding Female Student Leader Award: McKenzie Taylor, Samantha Lowe, Maciee Adams, and Ellianna Paine. The Outstanding Female Student Leader awards were designed to recognize women at Ohio University Lancaster for their academic excellence and their leadership contributions to their campus and to their community.  Students are nominated by faculty and staff.