Spanning the Need is proud to honor the outstanding women nominated for the 2025 Athena Nominees in the Mahoning Valley presented by the Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber and The Vindicator —trailblazers whose leadership, dedication, and community impact inspire all who know them. These remarkable individuals exemplify the spirit of the Athena by empowering others by professional excellence, community service, and dedication to empowering other women. Their achievements reflect the strength and resilience of the Mahoning Valley, and we celebrate their contributions to creating a more dynamic future for our region. Congratulations to each nominee.
Kristen Kotheimer
Kristen Kotheimer—a licensed independent social worker and supervising social worker—serves as school and family solutions coordinator for PCM PsyCare, where she provides counseling and crisis intervention while overseeing a large staff.
Named Social Worker of the Year for Region 4 by the National Association of Social Workers, Kristen also serves as a support mentor for the 910th Airlift Wing, provides trauma training for local schools and is a specialized trainer with Erika’s Lighthouse, a nonprofit that educates and raises awareness about adolescent depression.
Kristen, whose degrees include a master’s in social administration, is a leader outside of her profession, too, evidenced by her involvement with Girl Scouts, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Red Cross and Former Offenders Support and Education Network of the Mahoning Valley.
Karlene Pappada
Karlene Pappada, welcome center manager and CNA instructor at Flying HIGH Inc., is described by colleagues as a “silent hero.” With more than 20 years of nursing experience, Karlene uplifts job seekers, students, and coworkers daily.
She supervises case managers, oversees professional development centers, and trains aspiring healthcare professionals—instilling in them the importance of self-worth and compassionate care. A licensed practical nurse since 2000, she calls graduation day her most transformative moment.
Karlene mentors with a focus on personal growth and ethical decision-making, and she founded the Noble Wing Award to honor her coworkers’ achievements. Whether providing CPR classes or helping families in need during the holidays, Karlene’s legacy lies in the lives she touches and the nurses she inspires to carry on a tradition of integrity and compassion.
Jennifer Frank
Jennifer Frank, a former professor of fashion merchandising at Youngstown State University, is an advocate for body positivity. In fact, when she took over the EveryBODY fashion show in 2018, it grew each year, and one day she hopes to turn her passion for body-positive fashion into a nonprofit to raise funds to help women.
Jennifer’s influence also extends to organizations like the Youngstown Business and Professional Women Organization and Youngstown Area Federation of Women’s Clubs.
She has earned the Distinguished Professorship Award for Excellence in Teaching twice and Mentor of the Year, among other awards.
Jennifer, also a 2024 ATHENA Award nominee, has made a lasting impact on her former students, who often stay in touch, inviting her to share in life’s milestones.
Source: Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber
