Women for Economic and Leadership Development - Columbus

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Women for Economic and Leadership Development - Columbus

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Women for Economic and Leadership Development (WELD Ohio) WELD provides women with specific tools and skills to enhance their individual economic status.

Our efforts help mobilize women to become more active participants in the leadership of area businesses, civic organizations and government.

10/27/2026

Meet Kelley Griesmer, JD, President and CEO of the Women's Fund of Central Ohio and a 2027 Women WELDing the Way® Calendar Honoree!

Kelley's leadership journey has been defined by bold decisions and a commitment to creating meaningful change.

After building a successful legal career, she helped launch Pelotonia, an initiative that grew into a nationally recognized movement supporting cancer research and raised more than $100 million during her tenure as Chief Operating Officer.

Today, she leads the Women's Fund of Central Ohio, championing opportunities, resources, and leadership pathways for women and girls.

Her philosophy? Assess the risk, make a plan, and move forward.

Join WELD as we celebrate Kelley and 11 other remarkable women at the 2027 Calendar Reveal Reception on November 5.

Register to attend: https://www.weldusa.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2071449&group=

10/27/2026

Stay connected. Stay informed. Stay ahead.

Join the WELD newsletter to get the latest on leadership programming, exclusive events, and insights designed to support women at every stage of their careers.

Be the first to know what’s coming—and how to get involved.

Sign up today and stay engaged with a community that’s committed to advancing women’s leadership.

SIGN UP BELOW 👇
https://www.weldusa.org/page/colnewsletter

10/25/2026

Meet Johnni Beckel, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at OhioHealth and a 2027 Women WELDing the Way® Calendar Honoree!

As a first-generation college graduate, Johnni built a remarkable leadership career grounded in determination, service, and the belief that every voice deserves to be heard.

Today, she supports a workforce of 35,000 associates at OhioHealth and has championed initiatives that strengthen representation, belonging, and opportunities for women in leadership.

Her commitment extends beyond organizational leadership, including her efforts to create a perinatal loss memorial garden offering remembrance and healing for families.

Johnni's journey demonstrates the power of turning empathy into action and using leadership to create lasting change.

Join us November 5 at The Ohio Statehouse Atrium as we recognize Johnni and the 2027 Calendar Honorees.

Register today: https://www.weldusa.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2071449&group=

10/22/2026

Meet Jennifer Walton, Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Sky Nile Consulting and a 2027 Women WELDing the Way® Calendar Honoree!

From corporate marketing leadership to entrepreneurship, Jennifer has built a career helping organizations and leaders transform the stories that shape their futures.

After holding leadership roles at Abbott Nutrition, Nationwide, and COTA, she founded Sky Nile Consulting, growing it into a multimillion-dollar consulting firm.

Beyond business, Jennifer serves as Board Chair of Zora's House and is committed to creating opportunities for women and underserved communities.

Her leadership is a reminder that meaningful change begins when we find the courage to challenge existing narratives and create new possibilities.

Join WELD on November 5 as we celebrate Jennifer and 11 other women who are WELDing the Way®.

Register to attend the 2027 Calendar Reveal Reception: https://www.weldusa.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2071449&group=

10/20/2026

Meet Erica Crawley, JD, MPA, Franklin County Commissioner and a 2027 Women WELDing the Way® Calendar Honoree!

As the first Black woman elected to the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, Erica has transformed personal experiences and challenges into meaningful advocacy for families and communities.

A U.S. Navy veteran, attorney, and public servant, she has championed initiatives supporting maternal health, affordable childcare, housing, and access to opportunity.

Her leadership has helped expand resources for working families, including the Franklin County RISE Child Care Initiative.

Erica's journey reminds us that courage often begins with one question: Why not you?

Join WELD as we celebrate Erica and the 2027 Calendar Honorees on Thursday, November 5, at The Ohio Statehouse Atrium.

Reserve your place: https://www.weldusa.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2071449&group=

10/19/2026

Inspiration is powerful—but turning it into action is where real change happens.

Join WELD for the October 2026 Tell It Like It Is Thursday® session, “Beyond Inspiration: Turning Insight Into Action,” featuring Megan Gilhooly, Sr. Director Global Content & Intelligence at OneTrust, and Valerie Kerns, Head of Strategic Product Initiatives at OneTrust.
Together, they’ll explore how to move from insight to implementation, create accountability structures that work, and turn big-picture inspiration into specific, achievable goals that lead to lasting change.

Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 PM EST | Zoom Webinar
Registration: Individual Members FREE | E-Members $25 | Non-Members $50. Registration closes October 19.

Ready to turn inspiration into action? Reserve your spot today: Register for WELD Tell It Like It Is Thursday®
https://www.weldusa.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2088291&group=

10/18/2026

Meet Anne Marie Sferra, JD, Partner and Litigation Industry Group Leader at Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP and a 2027 Women WELDing the Way® Calendar Honoree!

Throughout her distinguished legal career, Anne Marie has challenged expectations and created opportunities for women in the legal profession.

As the first Columbus-area attorney certified as an Appellate Law Specialist by the Ohio State Bar Association, she has spent four decades navigating complex legal matters while advocating for meaningful workplace change.

Her commitment to mentoring women and championing flexible work arrangements has helped create pathways for future generations of attorneys.

Join WELD on November 5 as we honor Anne Marie and celebrate women who are leading with courage and making a lasting difference.

2027 Calendar Reveal Reception
The Ohio Statehouse Atrium
Reception: 6:00–7:00 PM | Program: 7:00–8:00 PM

Register today: https://www.weldusa.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2071449&group=

10/16/2026

Meet Dr. Angela Chapman, Superintendent/CEO of Columbus City Schools and a 2027 Women WELDing the Way® Calendar Honoree!

With 28 years of experience in education, Dr. Chapman has dedicated her career to creating opportunities for students, families, and future generations. Today, she leads Ohio's largest school district, serving approximately 47,000 students across 113 schools.

From strengthening graduation outcomes to advocating for students and families, Dr. Chapman demonstrates that leadership requires courage, transparency, and a willingness to step forward even when the path is uncertain.

Her message to women navigating self-doubt? "Just do it."

Join WELD as we celebrate Dr. Chapman and 11 other extraordinary women at the 2027 Women WELDing the Way® Calendar Reveal Reception on November 5 at The Ohio Statehouse Atrium.

Register to attend: https://www.weldusa.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2071449&group=

10/14/2026

Our CEO, Barb Smoot, has been at the heart of WELD’s growth and national impact for over 16 years. Today, we celebrate her extraordinary leadership as she prepares to transition from her role as president and CEO of WELD, effective March 5, 2027. As WELD’s first president and CEO, Barb led transformation of the organization from a local nonprofit into a nationally recognized organization advancing women in business and leadership. Her leadership strengthened WELD’s strategy, governance, financial sustainability, programs, partnerships and culture, creating a foundation that will serve the organization for decades to come. We celebrate Barb and look forward to what comes next for both her and WELD. The best is yet to come.

Address

752 N. State Street #398
Westerville, OH
43082

Telephone

+16148902586

Website

http://www.weldusa.org/

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