Correspondent photo / Chris McBride Shaundretta Boykins, manager of business development and entrepreneurship for the Minority Business Development Division at the Ohio Department of Development, addresses attendees at the Women’s LeadHERship Summit in Niles.

NILES — Valley Partners hosted their third-annual Women’s LeadHERship Summit on Thursday drawing around 700 attendees to the Eastwood Event Center in Niles for an evening celebration of female leaders in the Mahoning Valley.

The sold-out event, held in recognition of National Women’s History Month, brought together professionals, entrepreneurs, community leaders and aspiring changemakers for an inspiring program focused on empowerment, collaboration and leadership development.

TaMyah Petty, Valley Partners’ office and events manager, highlighted the event’s growth and components, noting excitement over the continued expansion and community support.

She hoped young professionals would gain inspiration from seeing women in similar positions advancing and carrying forward the mantle of leadership.

Petty said that since its launch, the summit has grown significantly, evolving from an initial vision of a modest gathering of about 150 people to a premier regional event.

This year’s theme, #LeadHERforward, emphasized propelling the next generation of women leaders. The free event was made possible through sponsorships, including from the Caparo Foundation, Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI) and NHD Growth Partners.

Attendees enjoyed a dinner, networking opportunities, live entertainment and interactive elements such as a Mentor Marketplace featuring more than 20 women-owned businesses from the Mahoning Valley, a wine pop-up shop from keynote speaker Marisa Sergi-Schumann’s L’uva Bella Winery brand, a 360 photo booth, balloon art decor and reflective stations including letters to future selves and a vision wall.

The program opened with welcomes and introductions, including remarks from event hosts Ashley Vidale and Terrill Vidale.

Valley Partners Board President Sam Houston and Executive Director Teresa Miller introduced the organization’s mission as a nonprofit providing access to capital, small business loans, training and technical assistance to entrepreneurs across the Mahoning Valley. Miller noted that the organization served over 300 entrepreneurs in the prior year, many of them women launching businesses and creating jobs.

In a surprise presentation, Houston honored Miller with the 2026 Legacy Award for her 20 years of dedication to Valley Partners and the community. Miller, who marked two decades with the organization the following month, expressed gratitude to her team and expressed hope to continue the work for another 20 years.

Shaundretta Boykins, manager of business development entrepreneurship for the Minority Business Development Division at the Ohio Department of Development, delivered remarks praising the region’s women leaders and Valley Partners’ impact, including deploying $10 million in loans since early 2023, which outpaced larger national counterparts in some metrics.

She highlighted historical trailblazing women from Trumbull County, such as suffrage leader Taylor Upton and others, and recognized current Athena Award nominees.

Youngstown Mayor Derek McDowell spoke, thanking surrounding communities for supporting the region’s progress and sharing a personal tribute to his late mother as a hero who shielded him from life’s hardships.

The keynote address came from Marisa Sergi-Schumann, an entrepreneur and CEO of beverage brands including L’uva Bella Winery, The Brew Kettle and Hartzler Cocktails. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, she is recognized for modernizing the regional beverage industry, empowering women in wine and business and elevating Midwest products nationally through innovation, authenticity and community focus.

Vendor Rosalyn Hill of 5 Grands Boutique in downtown Warren, a 15-year participant, described the event as “more than amazing” and praised the gathering of successful women.