Celebrating Six Women Shaping Our Community's Future
March 6, 2027
6pm
Champion Mill Conference Center
YWCA Hamilton will honor six extraordinary women whose
leadership has strengthened Butler County through
education, healthcare, business, civic engagement, cultural
understanding, and philanthropy.
The 2027 HERstory & HERitage Recognition Event, Mission in
Motion, The Art of Fashion: Runway Gala, Entertainment,
Legacy, will take place March 6, 2027, at 6 p.m. at the
Champion Mill Conference Center Ballroom.
Meet Our 2027 Honorees
DR. RENATE CRAWFORD
Champion for Education and Opportunity
An accomplished physicist and Miami University ambassador, Dr. Renate Crawford advances STEM education and expands opportunities for underrepresented students. Throughout Butler County, she supports educational access, student wellness, and community engagement. Her intellect, compassion, and advocacy make her an inspiring role model for young women pursuing science, technology, and higher education.
TONI TIPTON
Advancing Maternal Health and Wellness
Toni Tipton is a Board-Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nurse Midwife dedicated to improving outcomes for women and families. She advocates for maternal health equity, particularly for Black mothers and infants, through culturally responsive care, education, and support rooted in dignity, compassion, and holistic wellness.
STEPHANIE HIGHTOWER-THOMAS
Continuing a Legacy of Entrepreneurship and Leadership
As Chief Administrative Officer of Hightowers Petroleum Co., Stephanie Hightower-Thomas represents the third generation of leadership within the Middletown-based family business. Over nearly three decades, she has supported company growth, communications, community engagement, and philanthropy through the Hightower 3rd Generation Foundation, inspiring future generations of women entrepreneurs.
SHABANA SHAKIR-AHMED
A Voice for Understanding and Inclusion
Shabana Shakir-Ahmed is a business professional, nonprofit leader, and volunteer who promotes cultural understanding and interfaith dialogue. Through her work with the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati, she creates opportunities for people of different backgrounds to connect, learn from one another, challenge misconceptions, and build stronger relationships.
ADRIANA REYES
Building Bridges Through Community Engagement
Adriana Reyes works to connect residents, strengthen neighborhoods, and ensure diverse voices are heard. As a Neighborhoods Coordinator for the City of Hamilton and an advocate for bilingual families, she helps residents access resources while strengthening relationships among local government, schools, and the communities they serve.
KAREN WHALEN
A Lifelong Advocate for Community and Preservation
Karen Whalen has devoted her career to advancing women’s rights, strengthening nonprofits, and preserving local history. Her leadership spans women’s advocacy, literacy, philanthropy, and historic preservation, including serving as Director of Development for Planned Parenthood of Southwest Ohio and helping establish the Women’s Fund at the Hamilton Community Foundation, Heritage Hall Museum, and the Butler County History Collaborative.
The women recognized by YWCA Hamilton at the HERstory & HERitage event come from different professions, backgrounds, and experiences, yet they share a common commitment: making Butler County a better place for future generations. Their achievements demonstrate that leadership is not defined by titles alone. It is found in classrooms and boardrooms, hospitals and neighborhoods, museums, and community centers. It is found wherever individuals choose to serve, uplift, and inspire others.
As we celebrate Dr. Renate Crawford, Stephanie Hightower-Thomas, Adriana Reyes, Toni Tipton, Shabana Shakir-Ahmed, and Karen Whalen, we honor more than individual accomplishments. We honor a collective legacy of courage, excellence, service, and vision that continues to shape Butler County's story and safeguard its HERstory and HERitage for generations to come.
