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Warren Today
By the People, for the People
Third Women's LeadHERship Summit draws sold-out crowd
Valley Partners hosts annual event celebrating female leaders in the Mahoning Valley
Mar. 20, 2026 at 4:18am
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The third-annual Women's LeadHERship Summit hosted by Valley Partners in Niles, Ohio drew around 700 attendees for an evening celebration of female leaders in the Mahoning Valley. The sold-out event, held in recognition of National Women's History Month, brought together professionals, entrepreneurs, community leaders and aspiring changemakers for an inspiring program focused on empowerment, collaboration and leadership development.
Why it matters
The Women's LeadHERship Summit has grown significantly since its launch, evolving from an initial vision of a modest gathering to a premier regional event. The summit aims to provide inspiration and support for the next generation of women leaders in the Mahoning Valley, a region that has historically faced economic challenges.
The details
The free event, made possible through sponsorships, featured a dinner, networking opportunities, live entertainment, and interactive elements such as a Mentor Marketplace, a wine pop-up shop, a 360 photo booth, and reflective stations. The program included remarks from Valley Partners leadership, the Ohio Department of Development, and Youngstown's mayor, as well as a keynote address from entrepreneur and CEO Marisa Sergi-Schumann.
- The third-annual Women's LeadHERship Summit was held on Thursday, March 20, 2026.
- Valley Partners has hosted the summit annually since its launch.
The players
Valley Partners
A nonprofit organization that provides access to capital, small business loans, training and technical assistance to entrepreneurs across the Mahoning Valley.
TaMyah Petty
Valley Partners' office and events manager, who highlighted the event's growth and components.
Marisa Sergi-Schumann
An entrepreneur and CEO of beverage brands including L'uva Bella Winery, The Brew Kettle and Hartzler Cocktails, who delivered the keynote address. She is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree recognized for modernizing the regional beverage industry, empowering women in wine and business, and elevating Midwest products nationally.
Rosalyn Hill
The owner of 5 Grands Boutique in downtown Warren, a 15-year participant who described the event as 'more than amazing' and praised the gathering of successful women.
Derek McDowell
The mayor of Youngstown, who spoke at the event and thanked surrounding communities for supporting the region's progress.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee
The takeaway
The Women's LeadHERship Summit highlights the growth and impact of female leaders in the Mahoning Valley, providing inspiration and support for the next generation of women entrepreneurs and changemakers in the region.
