Audiology doctor is 2006 recipient

The speaker urged guests to find their life's passion.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
BOARDMAN -- A Canfield audiologist who devotes much of her time to assisting the hearing- and visually impaired in Mexico and Guatemala is the 2006 ATHENA Award recipient.
Dr. Sheryl Figliano, doctor of audiology at the Centers for Hearing Care in Howland and Liberty, received the award Thursday at Mr. Anthony's Banquet Center. This is the 14th year for the local award, sponsored by the Regional Chamber and The Vindicator.
ATHENA recipients are chosen on the basis of their business and professional achievements as well as community service and support of professional women. The award was created in 1982 with the Lansing, Mich., Chamber of Commerce's efforts to recognize women. Athena is a Greek goddess known for traits of strength, wisdom, courage and enlightenment.
Dr. Figliano said she hoped no one could see her shaking as she accepted the award. "What a wonderful community we live in," she said.
"My parents showed me what wonderful people are," she said. "I wish you all could have known them."
She related a story from first grade in which her teacher called her parents.
"I knew I was in trouble when I got home," she said. "My teacher told me to clean up the play area, and I told her no. I said my parents told me if you make a mess, clean it up, and I didn't make that mess.
"That's what all of us nominated tonight do -- we clean up the messes of homelessness, poverty -- messes we didn't make."
Speaker
Keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Lois Margaret Nora, J.D., MBA, president, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, dean, College of Medicine.
Dr. Nora said she was proud to honor the women nominated for the ATHENA award. She said she learned from her sister, who has battled the effects of cerebral palsy to become an independent woman.
"This is my life; I'm going to live it," her sister said.
"We have one life," Dr. Nora said. "I am both 'Mom' and 'Dr. Nora.' We have roles at home, work, volunteering -- and we need to integrate all of that into one life."
Dr. Nora also said it's important to find an honor life's passion. She said when her daughter, Nancy, wanted to take ballet lessons, she said "You must understand, dance speaks to my soul."
"If you are passionate, it's impossible to stand idly by," she said.
Speaking of the nominees, Helen Paes, Regional Chamber vice president of business services, and a past ATHENA recipient, said, "These 18 nominees are the best of the best in the Mahoning Valley. These women are difference makers -- a powerful group -- and this is not the last time you will hear from them."
Others nominated
Other nominees:
Sandra Beckwith, retirement department manager at Home Savings and Loan.
Debor'ah Benton, producer and host "The Valley Gold Show with Debor'ah Benton," a television show produced by LinMar Strategies of Youngstown.
Katie Burkey, general manager of Molly Maid of Mahoning/Trumbull County.
Amy Jo Carrier, manufacturing superintendent of General Motors, Lordstown Assembly Plant.
Maria Pappas, principal at Paul C. Bunn Elementary in Youngstown.
Suzanne Eberhard, call center manager at InfoCision Management Corp. in Youngstown.
Susan Gaetano Maruca, managing partner at the law firm of Betras, Maruca, Kopp, Harshman & amp; Bernard in Youngstown.
Allison Gatta, communications coordinator at Aqua Ohio in Boardman.
Frances Greene-Curd, director of human resources/office operations at Professional Risk Management.
Mollie McGovern, assignment manager at WFMJ Television, Youngstown.
Joanne Petrosky, president of the Youngstown Columbiana Association of Realtors.
Phyllis Ricchiuti, co-founder of The Paula and Anthony Rich Center in Youngstown.
Julie Scarsella, development officer of the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Boardman.
Angee Shaker, anchor/reporter, 33 News WYTV, Youngstown.
Stephanie Shaw, local market manager at Sprint in Warren.
Sherry Sheely, owner of Sheely's Furniture and Appliance, North Lima.
Sandra Stabile Harwood, attorney and state representative, Niles.