October 11 was International Day of the Girl, and we want to highlight one of our returning Young Women of Toledo. We give our Young Women a platform to tell their stories - we want to introduce Deanna, and this is #HerStory.
Nearly six years ago, my journey started at Women of Toledo; at the time, I was a college sophomore who simply wanted a fun way to meet other women my age and get involved in her community. Now, as a 25-year-old who has decided to move back home to Toledo, I’ve taken the time to reflect on the immense impact this organization has had on my ability to advocate and empower myself not only in my career but also in my personal life—from holding my head high while negotiating a salary to embracing change and new opportunities.
Women of Toledo became much more than an organization. It became an extension of my home and adulthood.
In early 2019, I started by attending the monthly Young Women of Toledo (YWOT) "Chat and Chew" Circle program, where I met an inspiring group of women deeply passionate about advocacy and women's rights. At these gatherings, I encountered some of the most influential women in my life—women whose words of encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue my path. I quickly fell in love with the values and mission of WOT and, eager to get more involved, reached out to see how I could help. With the support of the staff team, I took on the role of co-chair for YWOT, bringing together a small group of college-aged women to volunteer, meet regularly, and inspire one another.
From co-chairing YWOT to participating in speed mentoring sessions, attending advocacy activities, and having emotional conversations with mentors, I recognized the privilege it was to be a part of such a dynamic group. Watching organizational leaders advocate for women’s rights with grace and determination, I was filled with inspiration, and the simple moments—like blowing up balloons for the Women’s Empowerment Summit, brought along some of my most cherished memories.
In early September of this year, after more than two years away, I made the decision to return back to Northwest Ohio. Excited to be back home, I was anxious to reconnect with my friends and network at Women of Toledo to see the tremendous strides made. The moment I walked through the office doors, I was welcomed by the familiar, vibrant office and the smiling faces of the task force. I sat down with my dear mentor, Nina Corder, who walked me through the exciting new initiatives and offered invaluable advice for the journey ahead. As I sat in that familiar office, I was reminded of the nervous 19-year-old college student on the cusp of adulthood who was determining her path in life.
Thanks to the encouragement of the amazing women at WOT, I developed the strength to search for my purpose with the knowledge that I’ll always have a home with my family at Women of Toledo.
Deanna is generously volunteering her time every Monday to support Women of Toledo's task team, contributing to the organization’s efforts in empowering women and fostering community impact.
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