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Honoring the Changemakers among us.
What does it take to change a community? There is no single way to change the world.
Girl Scouts of Western Ohio believes that every girl has the power to enact lasting change! Positive change can take many forms. A Changemaker can open doors. Some Changemakers transform systems. Changemakers create opportunities. Some Changemakers stand beside those in need of support in their most difficult moments. Some challenge us to imagine a better world. Changemakers can bring people together so their collective impact can reach further. There are endless ways to create meaningful impact as a Changemaker!
At the 2026 Celebration of Changemakers, Girl Scouts of Western Ohio will honor remarkable individuals and an organization whose very different paths share one thing in common: they are making the world a better place.
Your support for these Changemakers helps build the next generation of builders, communicators, nurturers, resisters, and investigators. Purchase tickets or honor their impact with a donation today!
Join us.
The Leadership Breakfast & Award Ceremony will be held on Friday, September 25, at Marriott Cincinnati North in West Chester, Ohio. Purchase tickets or lend your support today!
SUPPORT CHANGEMAKERSMeet the 2026 Changemaker Honorees
There is no single way to change the world! Meet the individuals and organizations whose distinct paths to leadership, service, innovation, and advocacy are making our communities stronger.
Legacy Changemaker
Honoree
Global Insights Leader, FedEx
Emerging Leader Changemaker Honoree
Vice President of Resource Development, United Way of Greater Toledo
Legacy Changemaker Honoree
President Emerita, Clark State College
Legacy Changemaker
Honoree
Director of Philanthropy — GE Aerospace and GE Aerospace Foundation
Jamila Watson – She opens doors—and walks beside women and girls as they step through them. 
Jamila Watson is a lifelong Girl Scout, global insights leader at FedEx, and passionate advocate for women and girls. Across her professional and civic leadership, she has dedicated herself to expanding access to mentorship, leadership development, visibility, and supportive networks that help others grow with confidence and purpose. As Board Chair of YWCA Greater Cincinnati, co-lead of the Rising Stars Equity Leadership Program, and a member of the Hamilton County Commission on Women and Girls, Jamila lives by a “lift as we climb” philosophy. A two-time cancer survivor, she leads with resilience, courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to helping others thrive.
Women Helping Women – They support survivors while transforming how communities respond to violence.
Founded in 1973, Women Helping Women works to prevent gender-based violence and empower survivors through evidence-based prevention, expert crisis intervention, advocacy, and support. Serving more than 9,000 people each year, the organization supports survivors of dating violence, sexual violence, domestic violence, and stalking. Its survivor-centered, non-shelter model removes barriers by meeting people where they are—in hospitals, courts, homes, campuses, and communities. Women Helping Women also partners across healthcare, law enforcement, courts, and social services to improve community response. Its impact lies not only in helping survivors through crisis, but in building systems that are safer, more equitable, and more responsive.
Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D. – She changes lives through education, creating opportunities that can strengthen generations.
Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., is a nationally recognized higher education leader whose 33-year career has been dedicated to helping students build successful careers, strengthen their families, and create new economic possibilities. A former Girl Scout and longtime supporter of the Girl Scout mission, Jo has led with courage, character, and a deep commitment to opportunity. As president of Clark State College for 13 years, she expanded academic and workforce programs, increased student success, and mentored future leaders. Her legacy is measured not only in institutions transformed, but in the thousands of students whose lives and futures changed because education became a pathway forward.
Tina Ohmart Mendoza – She builds the connections that make communities stronger.
Tina Ohmart Mendoza is an emerging community leader whose work is grounded in connection—linking people to resources, organizations to one another, and young people and families to opportunities. As Vice President of Resource Development at United Way of Greater Toledo, she helps strengthen support for services across the region. With more than a decade of experience in youth development and nonprofit leadership, Tina has served with Boys Hope Girls Hope of Northeastern Ohio, Laurel School, Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, and United Way. Her impact is found in the relationships she builds and the stronger communities connections make possible.
Deb Silverman – She multiplies impact by aligning philanthropy, partnerships, expertise, and volunteer service.
Deb Silverman is a philanthropic leader who multiplies the power of people, resources, and service to strengthen communities. As Director of Philanthropy for GE Aerospace and the GE Aerospace Foundation, she leads giving strategies across more than 80 global communities, guiding support for STEM education, workforce development, veteran support, disaster response, and employee volunteerism. Deb also volunteers with her daughter’s Girl Scout troop, encouraging girls to try new experiences, challenge themselves, and recognize how their talents can benefit others. Her changemaking lies in turning individual contributions into collective impact that reaches farther, supports more people, and lifts communities up around the world.
Thank you to our event sponsors for the 2026 Celebration of Changemakers ceremony, including our presenting sponsors Betsy & John LaMacchia.
Questions about the 2026 event or sponsorship? Contact Carol Serrone, Director of Development, by email.
