Howland woman reaps 2025 ATHENA honor

CANFIELD -- A Howland woman is being recognized for spearheading the rapid expansion of a Catholic charitable organization that helps break the cycle of poverty in the Mahoning Valley.

Darlene Jones, chief executive officer for St. Vincent de Paul Society, Northeast Ohio District Council, received the ATHENA Award on Thursday during a dinner at Waypoint 4180.

She told the panel of nominees she shares the honor with each of them, saying, "Every single woman here is transforming our community."

The event, co-sponsored by the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber and The Vindicator, recognized 33 women at the 32nd annual event. The evening, attended by about 750 people, included a cocktail reception, dinner and program of speakers.

Jones is credited with turning around the organization, which was on the verge of closing in 2018 because of lack of resources and infrastructure.

Since then, its annual budget has grown to nearly $2 million and staff increased from two people to 19. The number of meals served each year exploded, from 30,000 to 118,000, as did the number of people served, from 800 each year to 9,466.

The society's annual thrift store sales increased from $68,000 per year to $623,000, and, under her leadership, services expanded into Portage and Ashtabula counties.

The organization also added much-needed programs for housing and utility assistance, and added a pet food pantry and programs for the homeless.

Jones also launched a Ready2Work program to provide skills and support for those rejoining the workforce.

She also is credited for mentoring other women and promoting volunteerism in the community.

The ATHENA Award honors women who achieve the highest level of professional accomplishment, excel in their field, give back to the community and pave the way for other women.

The selection committee was made up of prominent business leaders and past ATHENA recipients.

"What truly impressed me about Darlene Jones was how she initially stepped into the role of CEO on a pro bono basis -- and then took an organization that was on the brink of closing its doors and not only kept it alive but rebuilt it from the ground up with a stronger foundation for the future," said Kim Calvert, executive vice president, Membership, Events, MarComm, for the Regional Chamber. "Her work at St. Vincent de Paul impacts the community and its most vulnerable populations in so many important ways, as does her commitment to community and empowering other women. She truly represents everything the ATHENA Award program stands for."

Calvert said nominees were being celebrated for their excellence, vision and impact, calling all of them "difference makers."

Last year's recipient, Dr. Nicolette W. Powe, a public health scientist and associate professor in Youngstown State University's Department of Graduate Studies, encouraged the crowd to "think about how you will make a difference."

Jones' volunteer efforts have included the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life and the American Heart Association's Heart Walk. She's also been involved with Blessed Sacrament Church and Boy Scout Troop 101.

Other affiliations include Down Syndrome Association of the Valley and Warren Rotary Club.

Jones was born and raised in Dover, has a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration from Wittenberg University and completed coursework in professional development from Kent State University.

She said a future goal is to build a community resource center to offer in-house dining, teaching and training facilities to reduce food insecurity and provide job skills to help the most vulnerable in the community.

"The Vindicator has been proud to be a partner of this event since its inception along with the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber. We at The Vindicator would like to commend the 2025 ATHENA recipient and all the nominees for the important and lasting impact their work has made on the lives of countless individuals in the Mahoning Valley," said Angela M. Kellar, advertising director for The Vindicator and Tribune Chronicle newspapers.

Three local students also were recognized during the dinner. Ki'Mari Hall-Williams, a junior at Kent State University Trumbull, was the ATHENA Scholarship recipient. Amanda Hamilton, a Western Reserve senior, received the Anthem Scholarship, as did Samantha Severn, a senior at Fitch.

2025 ATHENA Award

nominees

The 2025 nominees are:

Amanda Archer, Youngstown market director, JPMorgan Chase.

Paula Baco, director, Trumbull Career and Technical Center.

Denise Glinatsis Bayer, vice president, senior trust officer, Premier Bank.

Andrea Mahone Blackmon, CEO, Just in Time Employment Agency and Andrea Mahone Foundation.

Mallory Capretta, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC, pediatric nurse practitioner, Akron Children's Hospital Mahoning Valley.

Sarah Chill, education program director, Ursuline Sisters Mission.

Melissa Crown, COO, Guidelight Financial Group.

Alexandra DeVengencie-Bush, human resource and risk management director, Trumbull County commissioners.

Rachael Dobson, director, The Rich Center for Autism at Youngstown State University.

Dionne Dowdy-Lacey, executive director, United Returning Citizens.

Tery Ely, executive director, Veterans' Outreach.

Jennifer Frank, professor of fashion merchandising, Youngstown State University.

Heather Fronk, president, Clothed In Strength.

Charlotte Gardiner, DNP, RN, MBA, president, Mercy Health -- St. Joseph Warren Hospital.

Deborah Grinstein, community development new business trust officer, Farmers Trust Company.

Darlene Jones, CEO, Society of St. Vincent de Paul Northeast Ohio District Council.

Kristen Kotheimer, LCSW, LISW-S, school and family solutions coordinator for PCM PsyCare.

Tifinie LaComb, vice president -- regional banking relationship, Huntington Bank.

Traci Miller, owner /president, Color 3 Embroidery.

Ashley Morrow, human resources / payroll / grants / safety, Livi Steel Inc.

Morgan O'Brien, director of operations, Cornerstone Caregiving.

LeeAnn Oros, founder / owner / professional makeup artist, Permanent Beauty by LeeAnn.

Karlene Pappada, welcome center manager / CNA instructor / case manager supervisor, Flying HIGH Inc.

Pamela Ramsey, clinical director, Community Corrections Association Inc.

Nicole Ranttila, Psy.D, owner / licensed clinical psychologist.

Heather Sahli, general manager, Mahoning Valley Scrappers.

Beth Scheller, president / CEO, YMCA of Youngstown.

Stephanie Shapiro, managing partner/owner, Sherman Creative.

Trinette Simon, director, inclusion and equity, Cohen & Co.

Patricia Summers, founder, president and CEO, Youngstown Blue Coats.

Dr. Vasilia Vamvakis, family physician, Mercy Health.

Vicki Vicars, vice president of operations, Thrive Mahoning Valley.

Dr. Vanessa Jones Washington, CEO, New Beginnings Residential Treatment Center.