Join the Fund For Women & Girls in celebrating the incredible work of women to make the Mahoning Valley a better place! This annual celebration puts a spotlight on the unsung and often underappreciated work of everyday women in the workplace, at home and in the community.

The event is free and open to the public.

The Fund For Women & Girls is also accepting nominations for the award. Honorees are selected by the Fund For Women & Girls Guiding Circle and will be given the chance to talk about their work and the crucial work women play in transforming the Valley. The deadline for nominations is September 20.

The 2023 Gems of the Valley were:

• Lynn Anderson, activist and organizer for Sustainable Youngstown
• Meghan DeGregory, director of operations for Thrive 10:10
• Jennifer Evans, housing program manager for Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp.
• Allison Smith, artist and founder of Outreach Quilt and Artist Guild
• Dee Traylor, manager of the Resource Mothers program at Mercy Health

As a community-led fund, each donor to the Fund for Women & Girls has a say in how grants from the fund are awarded and the Guiding Circle, comprised of local women, works to develop the fund and set focus areas for it. In May, the Fund awarded three grants to local organizations whose programs work directly with young women. For more information on the Fund for Women & Girls or to donate visit CFMV.org/fund-for-women-girls.