The 1st Annual W.I.S.E Pathways Excellence Awards marked a powerful milestone for HHW Ohio—one that not only celebrated the achievements of women in the skilled trades, but also reinforced the impact and necessity of the work we do every day. Despite a tornado warning and torrential rain, the room was filled with energy, pride, and unwavering support. Honorees, their families, employer partners, and community members showed up fully—smiling, engaged, and ready to celebrate. That level of commitment alone spoke volumes.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening was hearing from our keynote speaker, April Lanier, a W.I.S.E Pathways alum and current employee at Lincoln Electric. As she reflected on her journey and the role her mother played in encouraging her to take that first step, she stood surrounded by her family—confident, accomplished, and deeply grounded in her story. It was a full-circle moment that captured exactly what this program is about.
The evening was also a rare and meaningful opportunity to reconnect with women we hadn’t seen in over a year. To hear their progress, see them thriving, and witness their continued growth was both affirming and emotional. One standout moment was celebrating Fatima, now a full-time employee at Saint-Gobain, who began her journey with W.I.S.E Pathways in 2025. Since completing the program, she has increased her annual income by over $14,000—allowing her to purchase a reliable vehicle and support her family in significant ways. Watching her beam with pride, surrounded by her team, was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when opportunity meets support.
This event was the result of months of intentional planning, outreach, and care. As a first-time effort of this scale, there was uncertainty—but the feedback made it clear: attendees felt the love, investment, and purpose behind every detail. That validation matters.
None of this would be possible without the foundational support that made the W.I.S.E Pathways program itself possible. With funding secured through New Growth Group, HHW Ohio has been able to implement a robust workforce development model focused on women in Cleveland’s most economically impacted neighborhoods. This includes critical components like childcare support—often a barrier that prevents women from accessing training and employment opportunities in the first place.
The W.I.S.E Excellence Awards were more than a celebration—they were proof of concept. Proof that when women are given access, resources, and support, they don’t just participate—they excel. And behind that success is the strategic partnership and funding support that helps bring programs like this to life.
