Two Ohio State Representatives from the Mahoning Valley have been selected to receive a prestigious award.

Youngstown-based Democratic State Representative Lauren McNally and Columbiana-based Republican Representative Monica Robb-Blasdel were selected to receive the Elected Women of Excellence Award from the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL).

The award recognizes women in public office who have worked tirelessly to serve their communities, champion important issues and break down barriers in government.

Each year, one Republican and one Democrat are selected from each state to receive this honor.

Both representatives expressed gratitude for the honor, praising each other in the process.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our valley and I'm honored that others took notice of the work Rep. Blasdel and I put into this job. We have so many great women colleagues at the Statehouse, so to be chosen for this recognition is truly special," McNally said.

"I am truly honored to be recognized alongside Representative McNally with this prestigious award. I have immense gratitude for the effort Representative McNally and the rest of our Mahoning Valley delegation has dedicated to strengthening our region, and I look forward to continuing this work in the future," Robb-Blasdel said.

McNally and Robb-Blasdel were honored at the NFWL's annual conference where elected women from across the country gather to share ideas, collaborate on policy initiatives and continue their work as community leaders.