The Women's Center at Lakeland Community College has announced the recipients of the 26th Annual Woman of Achievement awards. The award is given each year to women who exemplify the Women's Center's slogan, "Women Helping Women Succeed." Each of the women receiving this award consistently act on their personal commitment to help other women meet their goals. The recipients were honored in a ceremony held Sunday, March 25, at the college's Dr. Wayne L. Rodehorst Performing Arts Center.

"These women embody this year's theme of "Reach, Lift, Soar," said Gloria Lane, women's center manager. "Their selfless work has benefited women by helping them to rise above difficulties to succeed."

The 2018 Women of Achievement recipients are:

Nancy Fellows
Willoughby Hills
President, Willoughby Hills City Council and registered nurse

As a registered nurse for 45 years, Fellows has presented many educational lectures in the U.S. and other countries. Her professional efforts and popularity led the Ohio governor to appoint her to a second term to the Ohio State Board of Nursing where she helps administer and interpret nursing law. She has also been a member of the Willoughby Hills City Council for 17 years where she encourages other women to become involved in public service.

Kathy Leasure
Madison
Certified life recovery coach

Leasure has dedicated her life to help women who struggle with addiction. She is a Certified Life Recovery Coach who teaches a 12-step, faith-based recovery program at the Lake County Jail and at Lifeline Church in Madison. She volunteers with Forbes House, Oak House and Perry Community Action Team and participates in many other methods of assistance for women who are struggling. Her interactions with addicts have brought them encouragement and hope. Her energy, passion and perseverance have been key to maneuvering the current drug epidemic in the region.

Marietta Lipps
Concord
Retired Spanish teacher, currently a real estate agent with Howard Hanna

Whether caring for the elderly, heading a classroom or helping non-English speakers understand the process of buying a house, Lipps gives selflessly and guides lovingly. Marietta's fluency in Spanish allows her to work one day a week as a translator in Painesville Municipal Court. Perhaps the best example of her giving nature comes through her deep faith and service to the Catholic Church and its people.

Nicole Parker
Kirtland
Clinical instructor and field faculty advisor at Case Western Reserve University

Parker and her husband recently started a nonprofit, Dare 2 Care International, to assist orphans and at-risk children around the world. Whether she is with friends, family or orphans in Cameroon, Africa, she wants the people around her to soar and be successful. Parker truly wants to see those that she loves and cares about to be the best they can be and reach their full potential.

Terri Richards
Concord
Supervisor, Ohio Means Jobs - Lake County

Richards has spent her career lifting others up. When she commits to doing a task, believing in someone or identifying the right resource to solve a problem, she is "all in." Some of the organizations that have benefited from her commitment of time and talent are the Lake County Safety Council, Painesville ABLE Advisory Board, Suit Yourself, Lake Geauga United Headstart Board and Lifeline's Citizen Circle.

Elfie Roman
Mentor
Superintendent, Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities (LCBDD)

As the leader of LCBDD, Roman sets the stage for a positive environment and connections throughout the community. Her accomplishments at the Deepwood facility reflect her dedication and exemplary leadership. Many of her peers throughout the state consider her to be a leader of great vision and attitude.

Shanon Sterringer
Eastlake
Executive director, Hildegarden of Fairport Harbor

Sterringer's theological studies put her in touch with the 12th century nun and polymath, St. Hildegard of Bingen, whose life she has come to admire and whose character she has come to love. As a practical application of what she learned, she and her husband have established the Hildegarden, a nonprofit, non-denominational center for growing the mind, body and spirit.

Mary Velotta
Concord
Guest service, Heinen's

Recognized as a hidden hero by her son Angelo, Velotta's award represents the multiple things that are involved in being a mother. Her devoted care of her children and elderly mother are exemplary. She participates in her church and time and time again, she goes the extra mile in all her efforts coming up with new ideas and offering her help to all in need.

By: Jessica Novak