EDUCATE
Recognizing individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication and excellence in the field of education, encompassing various domains such as higher education, adult vocational training, corporate training, or personal development.
Angie Jenkins, AurGroup Credit Union
As Corporate Development Manager at AurGroup Credit Union, Angie promotes financial literacy in Fairfield, Hamilton, and Butler Tech schools through monthly visits, helping students open bank accounts, and quarterly presentations. Her efforts have significantly enhanced financial awareness among students in the community.
Kylie Sweet, Fairfield City Schools
Kylie is a remarkable woman: a mother, wife, teacher, and entrepreneur. At Fairfield High School she teaches and advises ACT-SO, STEM, and Brothers & Sisters United clubs. She owns Sweetly Made Collections on Etsy and sells locally at events. ACT-SO, through the NAACP, and BSU promote African American culture.
Angela Vanoss, Fairfield City Schools
Angela, a dedicated 4th-grade teacher at Fairfield Compass Elementary, actively volunteers at Fairfield Schools, especially with Showchoir/Tempo Club. She teaches future educators at Cincinnati State and co-leads The Purple Monkey Project, organizing fundraisers for local youth. Her passion for teaching and community involvement is inspiring.
Sandra Whitley, House in a Box, LLC
Sandra moved from Georgia to educate her nieces and nephews in construction trades. Though not a traditional teacher, she empowers others to be self-sufficient. A company pillar is educating customers to handle home finish work themselves, prioritizing empowerment over profit. Sandra’s dedication to education is unparalleled.
EMPOWER
Celebrating individuals who show significant commitment to empowering women in the Fairfield/Fairfield Township community through various initiatives, including advocacy for women’s rights, creating leadership opportunities, providing training and job opportunities, and promoting active participation in government and community affairs.
Ryan Anderson, Cincinnati Insurance Companies
Ryan has been instrumental in the company’s DEI initiatives, benefiting over 5,400 associates. She helped establish five employee resource groups, including one for women, to foster inclusivity and visibility for underrepresented associates. Through the Cincinnati Chamber’s WE Lead leadership program, she gained insights from female professionals and applied them in our workplace.
Angela Lambert, AurGroup Credit Union
As Chief Development Officer at AurGroup Credit Union, Angela has led a culture of leaders that empower others and the community to take lead in their finances. Through her community involvements in various organizations, she continues to lead the way.
Miya Lee, God’s Harvest Church
Pastor Miya Lee, with 17 years in ministry, fosters personal and spiritual growth. Alongside her husband, she has fostered 19 children and supports women through counseling. As a caregiver for her mother, Miya empowers others via teaching, outreach, and initiatives like Love’s Kitchen and Toys for Tots.
Bianca Stout, Bianca Rose
Bianca, owner of The Bianca Rose Salon, empowers women and supports local businesses. Collaborating with organizations like The Caring Closet and the YWCA, her salon also aids community initiatives such as Ability to Thrive’s Adult Prom. Bianca mentors her staff, fostering their growth and embodying community service and entrepreneurship.
ELEVATE
Commending those who exhibit a strong commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents of Fairfield/Fairfield Township, focusing on areas such as healthcare, education, social services, cultural enrichment, and other relevant aspects.
Katie Braswell, Fairfield Community Foundation
Katie played a key role in the Fairfield Community Foundation’s successful transition, ensuring maximum community benefits. Under her leadership, the Foundation received over $2 million in under two years, facilitating transformative community gifts and building momentum for positive change in Fairfield.
Judge Joyce Campbell, Butler County
Judge Campbell established a mental health docket prioritizing treatment over incarceration. She assists other judges in implementing similar programs statewide. As the National NAMI board president, she elevates Fairfield’s reputation nationally, dedicating much of her free time to advocacy in Washington, D.C.
Ronda Croucher, Parachute
Ronda has served in key community roles, championing healthcare access in Fairfield schools at Primary Health Solutions and local investment as CEO of Fairfield Community Foundation. Now, at Parachute, she advocates for abused children, exemplifying her commitment to elevating others. Ronda’s dedication to community service is unparalleled.
Bonnie Nuxhall, The Nuxhall Foundation
Bonnie has enriched our community with her leadership and commitment. A former elementary counselor, she now leads at Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields, coordinating volunteers and managing school visits. Bonnie’s dedication honors Joe’s legacy and is integral to the mission and community.
Dr. Rebecca Salyers, Fairfield City Schools
Dr. Salyers is an exceptional administrator, dedicated to her students well beyond graduation. Always accessible and eager to offer advice, tips, or encouragement, she has inspired countless students to achieve their full potential. She truly goes above and beyond for everyone under her care.
Virginia Blauvelt Award
First, who was Virginia Gini Blauvelt? You can read all about her in the program, but she was a woman so dedicated to her love of her community and others that she spent her whole life working on projects like starting the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, being the face of the Welcome Wagon, and even ending up on Robert Schuler’s Hour of Power spreading a positive impact on those around her.
I wanted to create a special award that will be given to a woman who exemplifies these characteristics of serving the Chamber. So our first recipient of the Gini is someone who is ALWAYS ready to put in the work. She prefers to be in the background whether it is making sure you all had lunch today, organizing raffle items, helping at networking, or providing a truck for the Christmas parade. In the year and a half that I have been here, this woman has never said “no” even when she probably should.
And it’s not just the Fairfield Chamber. In addition to running their business, she volunteers for multiple organizations, schools, fairs and more.
In case you haven’t figured it out yet, our winner is Mary Ann Henninger.