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Omega News
Hundreds gather to honor Dayton Women of Influence;
YWCA achievement program in its ninth year
By Laura Dempsey ldempsey@DaytonDailyNews.com
More than 1,000 people packed the main hall at the Dayton Convention Center
to honor this year's YWCA Dayton Women of Influence.
Maureen T. Patterson, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, and seven
others were feted at a luncheon that's become the area's largest daytime event,
according to mistress of ceremonies Sharon Howard.
The awards, now in their ninth year, were given based on the women's
community contributions and their personal embodiment of the YWCA's mission to eliminate racism and empower women.
The honorees each spoke briefly, reflecting on what they've learned and their
individual reasons for serving the community:
- Lynda A. Cohen, early childhood educator: "Influence comes from listening.
Listen to them and help them sort out thoughts and ideas. ... Accept individuals
as they are, be it in a power suit or an Earth Day T-shirt."
- Reba Gaston, community volunteer: "When my grandson calls from Atlanta to
ask questions of his 90-year-old grandmother - now that is an award."
- Lynnette M. Heard, executive director of the office of the president at the
University of Dayton: "If you look to the good in humankind, it will come back
to you."
- Meredith Moss Levinson, Dayton Daily News columnist: "People who don't
volunteer at least a few hours once in a while are missing one of the most
wonderful things about life."
- Patricia Rider, vice president, the Rider Group: "I'm a doer; I'm hands-on.
... Find out what you're good at and do it. Find out what you're not good at and
don't do it."
- Vanessa Oliver Ward, copastor, OmegaBaptistChurch: "I like life! I like
the rebirthing of life that is God's injection of a yes when the rest of the
world says no."
- Susanne A. Weaver, owner, Mousaian Oriental Rugs: "The art of giving back
was demonstrated daily" by her parents, both Turkish immigrants who were "so
proud to be citizens of this country."
- Maureen T. Patterson, honored for her years of commitment to the YWCA
Dayton: "Thank you to the YWCA - you are my heart and soul and you make me very, very proud today."
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