SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO—County Executive Ilene Shapiro and County Council passed a resolution declaring March Women’s History Month and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. In the past year, women leaders have continued a legacy of public service in Summit County with the election of Council President Rita Darrow, District 1, the appointment of Rep. Veronica Sims, Ohio House District 33, and the appointment of Clerk of Courts Tavia Galonski. Furthermore, Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh retired from a distinguished career spanning over two decades serving the community. Executive Shapiro remains the only woman elected as County Executive in Ohio.
“Women have a long legacy of leadership and advocacy in Summit County,” said Executive Shapiro, “Nearly all of our countywide elected offices have been held by women and we continue to see women leaders of all backgrounds break down barriers in government, business, science, literature, the arts and beyond.”
In May, the Summit County community will celebrate the unveiling of Sojourner Truth Memorial Plaza in downtown Akron, achieving the longstanding mission of honoring the legendary abolitionist and women’s rights activist. Thanks to countless partners, including the Sojourner Truth Project, United Way of Summit & Medina, the City of Akron, the County of Summit and more, the Plaza will serve as an enduring symbol of Truth’s legacy.
March is also Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and the Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board (Summit DD) is leading the way in celebrating residents with developmental disabilities. Summit DD is encouraging residents and organizations to reaffirm their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility throughout the month and to wear orange on Inclusion Day, March 4, 2024. Residents can use the #IncludeME on social media and tag @summitdd to get involved!
Summit DD is also partnering with local organizations for additional events, including Inclusion Days at the Akron Zoo from March 2-4, where residents can receive free admission by wearing orange, and Summit Artspace’s first ArtWalk of the year, “A Vision of Empowerment” on March 8 from 5:00-9:00pm.
“Residents with developmental disabilities deserve a community that is committed to inclusivity and accessibility, and we are so fortunate to have community partners that strive every day to make Summit County a better place to live, work and play for all residents,” said Executive Shapiro, “Thank you to our friends at Summit DD and beyond for all your work, and don’t forget to wear orange!”
