YWCA says three women leaders 'On the Rise'

The YWCA of Northwest Ohio will honor three Toledo women as 2024 “On The Rise Honorees.”

At a Friday morning news conference, YWCA president Lisa McDuffie announced this year's honorees: Amanda Kato, personal trainer and restaurateur; Jennifer Strauss, executive director of Nationwide Children’s Hospital Toledo; and Nina Corder, founder of the nonprofit Women of Toledo.

“This award is to recognize and give accolades to three phenomenal women who are doing amazing things in our community,” Ms. McDuffie said.

The Women on the Rise Awards recognize emerging leaders in Toledo who align with YWCA’s mission: “eliminating racism, empowering women.” Honorees were first nominated by members of the community. The award ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. on Aug. 8 at the Fifth Third Center at One SeaGate.

Because the YWCA is currently under renovation, Friday’s news conference took place at Nationwide Children’s Hospital Toledo, where Mrs. Strauss serves as executive director and vice president. Mrs. Strauss has worked in health care her entire career and has worked at Nationwide Children’s Hospital Toledo since the hospital opened in 2022.

“Being able to work with children, have an impact on their lives, and help lift them up and their families is really energizing,” Mrs. Strauss said. “It’s inspiring.”

Mrs. Strauss added that she enjoys partnering with the YWCA and other nonprofits working to improve child health.

Ms. Corder is originally from Malaysia and moved to Toledo around 20 years ago to attend the University of Toledo, first earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology and then a master’s degree in education. She also has a doctorate of education from Northcentral University.

When Ms. Corder first moved to Toledo, living in a foreign country without her family was challenging. But Ms. Corder found that after finding women mentors, she was able to find a home in the city.

She founded the nonprofit Women of Toledo to help young women like herself navigate higher education and the workplace.

“We have a lot of women like me, who come from different countries and don't have a network of family here,” Ms. Corder said. “They’re trying to navigate connection and belonging.”

Women of Toledo works closely with international student services at UT to help connect international students with the local community.

“I founded the organization so young women like me could choose Toledo as home,” Ms. Corder said.

Ms. Kato, a lifelong Toledo resident, was honored for her work as owner of Cbk Boutique Fitness and director of operations at Kengo restaurants.

At Cbk Boutique Fitness, Ms. Kato provides private personal training services across the Toledo area.

“Being able to help individuals with different goals — like older people chasing after their grandchildren, the postpartum mother — and helping people feel better has always been a passion of mine,” Mrs. Kato said.