YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Fund for Women & Girls, a community-led fund at the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, put the spotlight on the work of five incredible women at its Gems of the Valley event on Oct. 16.
The honor recognizes women doing important work to make the Valley a better place for all, especially when that work is overlooked or underappreciated.
Selected by the Fund for Women & Girls Guiding Circle, this year’s Gems are:
- Nikki Fields, Youngstown director of community, planning and economic development/Mayor’s chief of staff | Women of Worth program mentor
- Montez Lockett-Favors, founder of Evolve Mom 2 Mom Network | mentor
- Madeline Long, high school student | community volunteer
- Erica Putro, teacher | community organizer
- Susan Sutton, founder of The Ember Project | community volunteer
“As we looked at this year’s nominees for Gems of the Valley, what stood out to the Guiding Circle was how much these women had touched the lives of so many people in ways big and small. Every woman who calls our community home plays a role in making a better place, whether that work is recognized or not” says Samie Winick, a member of the Guiding Circle who helped organize the event. “We’re especially proud of Madeline, our first-ever high school Gem. Part of The Fund for Women & Girls’ mission is to support the next generation of women leaders in the Valley. She’s doing great work to support those around her and advocate for causes she cares about.”
At the event, each honoree spoke about their work and why uplifting other woman is important to them. The common theme from their reflections was the support they’ve received from other women and how they’ve continued that thread of support for others. When women support one another, everyone is better off for it they all agreed.
“The entire Community Foundation is impressed by this year’s group of nominees for Gems of the Valley. As the Guiding Circle looked through the submissions, it was clear the impact they have beyond just their work. The love, care and support they give to those around them is what makes them all Gems,” says Mae Medore, CFMV staff liaison for the Fund for Women & Girls. “The Mahoning Valley is lucky and honored to have this group of women call our community home.”
As a community-led fund, each donor to the Fund for Women & Girls has a say in how grants from the fund are awarded, while the Guiding Circle develops programs and events to support its mission. In May, the Fund awarded three grants to local organizations whose programs work directly with young women. For more information on the Fund for Women & Girls or to donate visit CFMV.org/fund-for-women-girls.
Pictured: The 2025 Gems of the Valley honorees are (left to right) Susan Sutton, Erica Putro, Madeline Long, Nikki Fields and Montez Lockett-Favors.