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.
Dionne Dowdy-Lacey
Dionne Dowdy-Lacey is Executive Director of United Returning Citizens, where she helps formerly incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives. Under her leadership, URC grew from a shared space to an 11,000-square-foot facility offering housing, employment, workforce training, and financial literacy services. Dionne hopes to expand nationally and also launch a local Tiny Homes Project in the Valley.
A standout success for Dionne includes mentoring a former client who now leads her own nonprofit. Having worked with Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry and AmeriCorps, Dionne is a member of the Youngstown YMCA and Women’s League of Voters. She was inducted into the Youngstown Women’s Hall of Fame, and in 2024, she was recognized by the Regional Chamber as its Nonprofit Professional of the Year and also keynoted Legal Services Corp.’s 50th anniversary gala in Washington, D.C.
Deborah Grinstein
As Community Development New Business Trust Officer at Farmers Trust Company, Deborah Grinstein works with her clients to ensure their legacy wishes are fulfilled into the future.
An attorney with expertise in probate law and charitable giving, she previously served as endowment director for the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, for which she raised millions of dollars for basic human needs and services.
Debbi, who has a bachelor’s degree in political science, supports local nonprofits through volunteer service and board roles with organizations like the Red Cross, United Way, Interfaith Home Maintenance Services, Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation, Northeast Ohio Medical University Foundation and Temple El Emeth.
She has mentored women throughout her career, contributing to their growth and development, including beyond their daily/regular job responsibilities.
Darlene Jones
On the brink of closure in 2018, St. Vincent de Paul Society Northeast Ohio District Council found renewed purpose under the leadership of CEO Darlene Jones.
Darlene solidified the organization’s budget and increased staff from two to 19. The organization expanded into new counties, and new services, from housing and utility assistance to a pet food pantry, were introduced. Thrift store sales rose 90%; meals served increased by nearly 100,000; and the number of people helped increased more than 10 times to 9,466 individuals.
In addition to helping young women grow through skill-building and mental health support, Darlene, who has a business administration degree from Wittenberg University, devotes time to several organizations, including the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Blessed Sacrament Church, Boy Scouts and Warren Rotary Club.
Source: Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber
