Spanning the Need is proud to honor the outstanding women nominated for the 2025 Athena Nominees in the Mahoning Valley—trailblazers whose leadership, dedication, and community impact iSpanning 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.
Charlotte Gardiner
Her dedication and passion for the wellness of others, as well as her desire to succeed, has propelled Charlotte Gardiner to leadership positions in healthcare.
Charlotte, president of Mercy Health St. Joseph Warren Hospital, who began her career in medicine as a surgical intensive care nurse 30 years ago, is a strong believer in developing great leaders, and she finds fulfillment through mentoring and helping others achieve success.
The current Leadership Mahoning Valley Class member received the Mercy Health Leadership Award in 2022. She is also a member of the Kent State University at Trumbull advisory board and serves on the Lorain County Community College Foundation and Lorain County Workforce Development boards.
Charlotte’s academic credentials span multiple degrees, including an MBA and a Doctor of Nursing Practice.
Beth Scheller
Beth Scheller began lifeguarding at the YMCA during college and climbed the ranks to become the first female president/CEO in the organization’s 140-year history. Under her leadership, the YMCA of Youngstown, including the central branch and Boardman and North Springfield, Pa., locations, has increased quality of services for more than 12,000 members, 4,000 program participants and 12,000 campers.
Beth led efforts to earn Praesidium Accreditation for child abuse prevention—the YMCA of Youngstown was just the second YMCA in Ohio and 18th of 756 nationally to achieve this distinction. She hopes to restore the Central YMCA’s upper floors to house youth aging out of foster care and connect them with education and job training. Described as action-driven, Beth leads with purpose—growing both an institution and the individuals who make it thrive.
Ashley Morrow
Ashley Morrow wears many hats at Livi (Lee-Vee) Steel, Inc., managing HR, payroll, grants and safety—yet her impact reaches beyond the workplace.
Known for her drive and dedication, she connects students with career opportunities and promotes workforce development through career fairs, whether with Livi Steel or other companies.
Outside the office, Morrow founded and leads the Wild Ones Youngstown Area Chapter and promotes literacy through a Giving Box and Little Free Library. As a passionate conservationist, she collaborates with organizations dedicated to environmental conservation, including seed libraries and pollinator groups.
Passionate about environmental and mushroom education, she established The Spore Sisterhood and The Spore Sorority to encourage native plant preservation. And, through Ashley’s Peer Recovery Services, LLC, she uplifts women pursuing personal and professional growth.
Source: Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber
