Professional group announces Woman of the Year recipient

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – The Youngstown Business and Professional Women group announced on Wednesday 2024’s Woman of the Year is a “champion for local businesswomen” and a strong supporter of the special needs community.

Amy Less Shope, Managing Partner at the Lehner Shope Wealth Group, will be honored as Woman of the Year on October 22 at the Lake Club in Poland. The event takes place during National Business Women’s Week.

Proceeds from the Woman of the Year event help fund scholarships for women pursuing higher education in the greater Youngstown area. Tickets are $60.

Shope has worked in finance for over 25 years since graduating from Kent State University. The Lehner Shope Wealth Group she currently manages offers financial services with locations in Canfield, Canton and Perrysburg.

At the Canfield location, she started a “Women’s Power Lunch” series where like-minded
women can network and collaborate. She also hosts a workshop series entitled “Health & Wealth: Invest in Yourself.”

In addition to finance, Shope is passionate about supporting the special needs community. She previously served on the board of the Autism Society of Mahoning Valley and she currently serves on the Advisory Board of Spectrum Education Center at Mount Union University.

Shope and her husband also founded a nonprofit called Dylan’s House after their son, which works to improve the lives of young adults with autism.

Shope, her husband, Kevin, and daughter, Anderson, currently live in Canfield. Their grown son, Dylan, who is on the autism spectrum, lives in a new home supported by Purple Cat.

“Amy has created a safe space for women to collaborate and support each other. That, coupled with her commitment to the special needs community in Youngstown, make her the perfect recipient for our Woman of the Year honor,” said Dr. Erinn Vranches, YBPW President.

For more information about YBPW or to make reservations for the Woman of the Year event, contact LaDonna Thomas, YBPW Treasurer, at ybpwboard4@gmail.com.

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