Columbus Women of Achievment

YWCA Columbus

Nomination Criteria

To be considered as a Woman of Achievement, the nominee must demonstrate the following:

  • The YWCA vision of the elimination of racism and the empowerment of women
  • Giving back to the community through her time, talent and/or resources
  • Helping women and girls achieve their goals
  • Leadership in her profession and/or community

Get sponsorship or ticket information. (Kelli Porter - 614-627-1224 or kporter@ywcacolumbus.org)

Official YWCA Women of Achievement site

Nominate someone for next year’s awards online

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The Women of Achievement Awards

The YWCA invites you to attend central Ohio's premiere event -- the 24th annual Women of Achievement Luncheon. Help us celebrate six extraordinary women who demonstrate a commitment to the YWCA's mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Greater Columbus Convention Center
Exhibit Hall E
11:30 a.m. Registration
12:00* - 1:15 p.m. Awards Presentation

* This program is broadcasted live by the Ohio News Network.


2009 Honorees

Almeta E. Cooper

Almeta E. Cooper

VIDEO from ONN: Profile of Almeta E. Cooper

Inspired by her parents who were social workers, Almeta Cooper is a compassionate leader who takes great initiative to better her community. She is the Associate General Counsel for Health Sciences at The Ohio State University Medical Center and in 2003, she became the first African American woman president of the American Health Lawyers Association. Almeta’s community initiatives include leadership roles with the Columbus Chapter of Links Incorporated and their diabetes prevention program, and The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio.

Judith E. Fisher

Judith E. Fisher

VIDEO from ONN: Profile of Judith E. Fisher

Judy Fisher's life has been dedicated to promoting women in politics and creating social justice. This passion brought her talents to the YWCA, where she has been instrumental in bringing to life the YWCA’s Family Center and the Woman to Woman Luncheon. Judy is a counselor, an executive coach, and a divorce and family mediator. She serves on the board of the Jewish Family Services and the YWCA Endowment Board, and she is a member of the Columbus Bar Association Ethics Commission.

Ida L. Copenhaver

Ida L. Copenhaver

VIDEO from ONN: Profile of Ida L. Copenhaver

Whether supporting programs that help adults learn to read or fundraising for gifted and talented urban middle school students to attend the Ohio Wesleyan Junior League Summer Camp, Ida Copenhaver has volunteered her time and leadership skills with programs that serve the needs of women and minorities. She is currently the Director of Editorial Coordination at Chemical Abstracts Services and she generously shares her technical skills as a scientist and manager with numerous civic organizations including Columbus Junior League, Columbus Literacy Council, United Way of Central Ohio and the Columbus Zoo.

Karen Susan Days

Karen Susan Days

VIDEO from ONN: Profile of Karen Susan Days

As President of the Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence, Karen Days empowers women by creating a community culture that does not tolerate family violence. Karen has developed award winning educational programs for the business and faith based communities, emergency rooms, and university students about recognizing and responding to violence within relationships. She has also been a driving force on several community boards including the United Way of Central Ohio, Mount Carmel Hospital Foundation, and the Center for Child and Family Advocacy.

Elfi Di Bella

Elfi Di Bella

VIDEO from ONN: Profile of Elfi Di Bella

Elfi Di Bella is a Senior Vice President and Director of Community Affairs for Huntington Bancshares Incorporated and President of the Huntington Foundation, where she has provided crucial guidance for creating new opportunities for Huntington to make a difference in our community. Originally from Idar-Oberstein, Germany, Elfi inspires young, single mothers with her story of raising a family alone, in a foreign country while attending college at night. Her passion for community service has led her to work tirelessly as a board member for the Community Shelter Board, Columbus Community Relations Commission and Mid-Ohio Food Bank.

Nannette Maciejunes

Nannette Maciejunes

VIDEO from ONN: Profile of Nannette Maciejunes

As Executive Director of the Columbus Museum of Art, Nannette Maciejunes is passionate about creating a place where all visitors see themselves reflected in the artwork and programming. She was instrumental in the Museum acquiring the Photo League Collection and the Schiller Collection of Art and Social Conscience. Nannette shares her visionary talents with the Southside Settlement House, Creative Columbus Policy Steering Committee, and Columbus Cultural Leaders Consortium.