The Women United Woman of Achievement Celebration reverberated with empowerment and solidarity as executive director Deb Dingus reiterated a poignant quote: “Where there’s a need, women will lead.” This sentiment encapsulated the essence of the annual event, which shone a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of women across Licking County.

On the evening of March 8th, attendees gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day, commemorating the resilience and contributions of women worldwide. The festivities were complemented by a delightful “desert dash,” where guests generously donated to bid on their dessert of choice, resulting in over $2500 raised to support vital community initiatives. Additionally, the event featured a “Rosie the Riveter” themed beverage, paying homage to the iconic symbol of women’s strength and determination.

Throughout the evening, it became evident that the most impactful leaders in Licking County are often women. This sentiment was exemplified by the recognition of Connie Hogue, who was bestowed with the 2024 Woman of Achievement Award. Hogue, Vice President of Human Resources at The Energy Cooperative, was honored for her unwavering commitment to effecting positive change in the community. Her leadership roles in organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Licking and Perry Counties, Licking County Aging Partners, and Habitat for Humanity, among others, serve as an inspiration to all. It was delightful to watch her be recognized and have this award serve as a reminder that her work does not go unseen.

A highlight of this year’s ceremony was the introduction of the Junior Woman of Achievement Award, presented to Meera Biswa of Watkins Memorial High School. Outside of Biswa’s remarkable academics as an AP Scholar and National Honor Society member, she is a member of her school’s marching band. Biswa was recognized for her humanitarian work with the Bhutanese Community of Central Ohio, where she provided aid to resettling refugee populations through Medicaid and food assistance. Biswa also assisted in organizing a groundbreaking mental health conference for immigrant youth. Biswa is a leading example of the great strides young women are taking to benefit their community.

After many remarkable achievements that night, words of encouragement were spread by keynote speaker, Madison Miller, a Coshocton native who was crowned Miss Ohio 2023. Her main mission is to provide a voice for veterans along with mental health awareness and women’s advocacy. She was initially inspired to audition for Miss Ohio from an Instagram post by Miss Ohio 2018. Miller proclaims herself to “live a life of why nots” which proved true as she worked tirelessly through multiple attempts to become Miss Ohio. She illustrates the four points on her pageant crown which represent service, style, scholarship, and success. Through her trials and tribulations of becoming Miss Ohio, she states “The sisterhood is what kept me coming back” about the fifth invisible point on her crown. The closing quote by Miller is the reason so many remarkable women showed up that night. She powerfully explains, “I’m an empowered woman and we are empowered women because tonight we are surrounded by them” proving even more that women will always lead.

Written by Daranii Asoba, United Way of Licking County volunteer and journalism student at The Ohio State University