YWCA honors 9 for accomplishments

Sister Ann Francis Klimkowski, president emerita, Lourdes College.

Nine women who have made their mark on the arts, education, business, and other facets of life in northwest Ohio have been named winners of the 2005 Milestones Awards by the YWCA of Greater Toledo.

This is the 10th anniversary of the awards, which recognize local women for accomplishments and contributions in seven categories. Including this year's class of honorees, about 60 women have won Milestones Awards since the program was established in 1996. All will be recognized at the annual awards luncheon March 24 at SeaGate Convention Centre.

The event also raises funds for YWCA social service programs.

The 2005 winners, announced yesterday, are:

●Arts: Kathleen Carroll, executive vice president of development for the Toledo Symphony;

●Business: Linda Fayerweather and Linda Everhardt Kardux, co-executive directors of the Women's Entrepreneurial Network;

●Education: Sister Ann Francis Klimkowski, president emerita, Lourdes College, and Edna Robertson, retired school administrator and immediate past president, the Toledo Chapter of the Links, Inc.;

●Government: Wilma Brown, Toledo city councilman, District One;

●Sciences: Dr. Kathy Carlson, president of Toledo Children's Hospital;

●Social services: Barbie Harrison, executive director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio;

●Volunteerism: Alice Weber, chairman, Toledo Humane Society.

"The nine women we will recognize this year are impressive reminders of the far-reaching influence the women of northwest Ohio have," Lisa McDuffie, chief executive officer of the YWCA of Greater Toledo, said in a prepared statement.

The honorees were selected by a panel of 10 men and women.

Tickets to the Milestones luncheon are $40. Reservations must be made by March 11. Information: 419-241-3235.