YWCA Dayton Names Seven 2027 Women of Influence
Honorees include leaders in health, education, business and nonprofit work, and Elizabeth Smart will keynote the March 4, 2027 event.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Women’s Issues
YWCA Dayton has named seven women as 2027 Women of Influence honorees, with one also receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award. The celebration takes place March 4, 2027, at the Dayton Convention Center.
Why it matters
The awards recognize women whose work spans health, education, business and community service across the Dayton area. Their recognition highlights local leadership in areas that affect families and neighborhoods throughout the city and the wider Miami Valley.
YWCA Dayton has announced seven 2027 Women of Influence honorees, one of whom will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award. The source does not state how many nominations were submitted for consideration.
The players
YWCA Dayton
YWCA Dayton is a local chapter of the national YWCA organization that works on women's empowerment and social justice in the Dayton area.
Elizabeth Smart
Elizabeth Smart is an advocate for missing children and survivors of abduction who has spoken widely about her experiences and about child safety.
Dr. Susan Edwards
Dr. Susan Edwards is president of Wright State University, a public university in Dayton, Ohio.
Crystal Allen
Crystal Allen is president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Dayton, a youth development organization serving the Dayton community.
The details
The honorees were named by YWCA Dayton and will be celebrated at an annual luncheon. Profiles of the honorees, including Lisa Coker, Jessica Salem, Crystal Allen, Susan Edwards and Nikol Miller, are provided by the organization. Co-chairs RoNita Hawes-Saunders and Donnica Hawes-Saunders lead the 2027 luncheon.
Timeline
March 4, 2027: Women of Influence celebration at the Dayton Convention Center, with Elizabeth Smart as keynote speaker.
Season Trajectory
The Women of Influence awards are part of the YWCA's longstanding annual recognition of women leaders across chapters. The 2027 class extends that tradition by spotlighting Dayton-area leaders in health, education and business.
Residents interested in attending the March 4, 2027 luncheon can look for event details through YWCA Dayton. The keynote by Elizabeth Smart is expected to draw attention to child safety and community advocacy.
The takeaway
Recognizing local women leaders in health, education and business highlights the range of community work happening across Dayton. Readers interested in similar leadership can look to the honorees' organizations for ways to get involved.
What happens next
The Women of Influence celebration is scheduled for March 4, 2027, at the Dayton Convention Center.
Further reading
Explore more women's issues coverage from across the region.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Dayton Daily News.
