UA to honor the women who make a difference

The University of Akron News

09/11/2014

The University of Akron will host its annual Women Trailblazers event to honor distinguished female leaders in Northeast Ohio and around the country on Thursday, Sept. 25, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., on the fifth floor of InfoCision Stadium. These are individuals who have proven to be trailblazers in their respective fields, as well as demonstrating overall excellence.

Opening remarks will be made by President Scott L. Scarborough, who also will present the Honoree Awards. The moderator is Candace Campbell Jackson, vice president for student success and vice provost for academic success.

Sponsored by the Women's & Gender Resource Center and Women's Studies Program, the event is free and open to the public. Hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and a cash bar will be provided. Those attending are asked to make a reservation online by Friday, Sept. 19.

"The Women's Trailblazers is a signature event here at the University," notes Dr. Rosa Githiora, associate director of multicultural programs. "We are showcasing women's excellence and accomplishments in a variety of disciplines, while providing true role models for our women students."

Honorees are:

Tracy L. Carter, MHSA System director, government affairs and health policy, Summa Health System;
Vanita Oelschlager, former teacher, author and founder of VanitaBooks, LLC;
Rev. Dr. Diana L. Swoope, senior pastor, Arlington Church of God;
Dr. Adis Maria Vila, former White House Fellow, and chief diversity officer, U.S. Air Force Academy; and
Dr. Julie Yuhua Zhao, director, Increasing Diversity in Engineering Academics (IDEAs) Program in UA’s College of Engineering.

Rising Star Trailblazers (recognizing upcoming women and their achievements) are:

Margo Sommerville, Ward-3 Akron City councilwoman; and
Jasmine Simmons, 2013 Sofia Deaflympian, USA Deaf Sports Federation and UA outstanding speech language pathology scholar.

Visit Women Trailblazers online to learn more.