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.
Heather Fronk
As founder and president of Clothed in Strength, it’s Heather Fronk’s mission to empower and support single mothers.
Launched in 2023, the organization has helped more than 250 women, provided thousands of dollars in assistance and expanded its reach to eight counties in Ohio and two in Pennsylvania. It’s Heather’s goal to expand the mission statewide to help women across Ohio on their healing journey.
Heather, who has a bachelor’s degree in general studies from Youngstown State University and is a former business banker with Huntington Bank, was named Miss Ohio America in 2016 and then became co-director of the program.
She has volunteered for various organizations, including United Way, the Rescue Mission, Salvation Army and Relay For Life. She is also past president of Austintown Rotary.
Heather Sahli
Heather Sahli has blazed a trail in the male-dominated field of professional baseball. As general manager of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers since 2023, her efforts have resulted in revenue and attendance increases and the creation of Minor League Baseball’s first sensory suites for fans with autism.
A mentor to women in sports, Heather has recommended countless mentees to positions in MLB, NFL, and NBA teams. She began her career in marketing and game operations and rose through leadership roles. Her contributions have led the Scrappers to charitable giving leadership within the league the past 10 seasons.
In 2016, Heather was named the New York-Penn League Female Executive of the Year. Her impact is measured not only in team success—but in the doors she’s opened for others.
Denise Glinatsis Bayer
Denise Glinatsis Bayer, Vice President and Senior Trust Officer at Premier Bank, manages more than $250 million in trust and investment assets. She’s achieved top performer awards, exceeding business development goals by 400% in 2023 and 2024. Denise has a bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University and a Juris Doctor from Case Western University School of Law, and she’s contributed expert insights to national legal and financial platforms.
She serves on multiple boards, including the Lucy R. Buechner Corporation’s Board of Trustees, Western Reserve Health Foundation, YSU Foundation, Opera Western Reserve and Tod Homestead Cemetery Association. She is passionate about mentorship and promoting women’s leadership and helped her 13-year-old daughter start a successful business selling crocheted stuffed animals and accessories, inspiring ethical leadership and impact for the next generation.
Source: Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber
