YSU STUDENTS TAKE FIRST PLACE: Six students in Youngstown State University’s department of communication won first place for Top Undergraduate Research Paper from the Ohio Communication Association.

Students Kalli Bucci of Vienna, Audrey Kali and Katherine Stinson of Hubbard, Grace Venturella of New Middletown, Caitlyn Jones of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Aicha Sawaneh of Freetown, Sierra Leone, wrote the winning paper, titled “Put that Phone Down!: Amplifying the Impact of Technology on Childhood Development.”

After winning the award, Jones, Sawaneh and Stinson presented the findings of the research project at the 2024 Ohio Communication Association conference Oct. 4-5 at Cleveland State University.

FOUNDATION TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR LEADERSHIP GROUP: The Raymond John Wean Foundation is accepting applications for its Nonprofit Leadership Cohort.

Over eight months, beginning in early 2025, up to 10 mid-career nonprofit professionals will be provided with coaching, peer-to-peer learning and opportunities to implement skills learned within their organizations. The program is open to those employed at Wean Foundation grantees or potential grantees whose work aligns with its strategic priorities, with an emphasis on the under-resourced, including black and Hispanic / Latinx leaders. The program is free.

The cohort will focus on several key competencies, including transformational and inclusive leadership skills, strategic thinking and planning, financial management and fundraising, team building and cohesion, and board governance and compliance.

Upon completion, cohort members’ organizations may apply for a Strategic Partners Fellowship, which enables individuals to grow within their organization and ensures they are fairly and appropriately compensated for their advancement.

Applications are being accepted until Nov. 1. Selected participants will be notified in early December. Contact Victor Ruiz at victor@

gradientthinktank.com or Fallon Peterson fpeterson@weanfoundation.org with questions or for more information.

HEALTH CARE PROVIDER RECOGNIZED: Bon Secours Mercy Health has received two national recognitions for its commitment to empowering the careers of women leaders and supporting and developing multicultural women leaders throughout its health system.

It was recognized by Seramount, a strategic professional services and research firm dedicated to supporting high-performing, inclusive workplaces, as a Top Company for Executive Women and a Best Company for Multicultural Women.

Mercy Health-Youngstown is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health and locally serves the Mahoning Valley.

DEALER LAUNCHES FOOD DRIVE: Greenwood Chevrolet in Austintown has launched a “2500 or $25,000 Challenge,” which is designed to help collect donations of nonperishable food items for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Mahoning Valley.

Donations will be taken until Nov. 15 and can be dropped off at the dealership, 4695 Mahoning Avenue, Austintown, during regular business hours.

The campaign will feature a competition between the sales, service and collision departments to collect the most food items. Customers are encouraged to bring their own donations to help their favorite department earn the victory.

The items will be added to the beds of three pickup trucks on display in each department. Once the trucks are filled, Greenwood will make an additional $25,000 donation to go along with the food items.

COMPANY MARKS MILESTONE: Fyda Freightliner is celebrating its 70th anniversary. Since opening in 1954, the company has grown from one location to a network of seven dealerships across the region.

Walter F. Fyda founded The Fyda White Truck Co. in October 1954 in Youngstown.

His son, Bob, began working at the company in 1974 and became president in 1977. A decade later, Walter’s son Tim Fyda joined the company, and was named president in 1997. The company became Fyda Freightliner in 1990.

It operates dealerships in Youngstown, Columbus, Zanesville, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Barkeyville, Pa., and Walton, Kentucky.

ACADEMY GRADUATE: Nick Lehner, marketing manager for Trumbull County Tourism, recently graduated from the Ohio Tourism Leadership Academy.

The achievement marks a milestone in his career in the travel industry and underscores his commitment to advancing the travel industry in Trumbull County and the region.

It is in addition to completing the professional in destination marketing certification he received in 2023.

The academy provides education, resources and networks to develop travel professionals across the state.