BOARDMAN TWP., Ohio - Among a crowd of nearly 500 at Mr. Anthony's Thursday evening, Dr. Elisabeth Young, vice president for Health Affairs and dean of the College of Medicine at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), was named the recipient of the 2018 ATHENA Award.

The ATHENA Award, presented by the Regional Chamber and The Vindicator/Vindy.com. is given annually to recognize area business and professional women who have demonstrated excellence in their chosen career, provided leadership in the community and mentored or contributed to the growth of other professional women.

With more than 30 years of experience in and dedication to medicine, Dr. Young is training the next generation of health professionals to pursue discovery and provide high-quality care in an ever-changing healthcare landscape.

The Poland resident and professor of Internal Medicine is the first NEOMED alum to serve as dean of the College of Medicine at the university, where she graduated in 1985 and has been an active faculty member since 1990. 

Dr. Marla Perez-Davis, deputy director at NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, keynoted the 26th annual ATHENA Award event. In addition, the 11th ATHENA Scholarship—a $1,500, one-time award created in partnership with the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley—was presented to Youngstown State University sophomore Emily Marsico, who is enrolled in the accelerated pre-med program, in which she will receive her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from YSU in three years, followed by four years of medical education at NEOMED.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield also presented for the sixth year two additional scholarships in the amount of $1,250 each to Springfield High School senior Kate Denmeade and Howland High School senior Lindi DeFrances. Both will continue their education at YSU this fall.