Women Who Make A Difference
The Zonta Club of Warren “Women Who Make a Difference” 2023 awards were presented to three women for their leadership in their profession and / or volunteer work in Warren County.
At our January meeting we honored three Women Who Make A Difference. Each year the Zonta Club of Warren honors selected women who make a difference in the community through volunteer work. “She simply and quietly goes about her work, yet she inspires, empowers and advances the status of women.
Each woman receives a yellow rose – a symbol of International Zonta, a certificate recognizing their accomplishments, and a contribution to their chosen charity in their honor.
2026 Women Who Make a Difference
Nancy McDaniel worked at Truck Lite (Falconer NY) as labor relations manager (they were a union plant) for many years. Whereby she understands law Then she transferred to Macklehatten PA with Truck Lite as HR manager until retirement.
She resides in Sugar Grove and is an Active member of the Sugar Grove Free Methodist church. The church has a very active food pantry of which she volunteers. She was team leader of the pantry for many years. She continues to be a big part in unloading and organizing the food being delivered by truck monthly. During her free time, she is a volunteer at the Sugar Grove OutPost (thrift store).
Jennifer Pojar is a 20-year employee of the Warren County YMCA. She is the Membership Director responsible for the oversight and management of all thing's membership at the Y. She not only handles the records and financial processing of memberships, but also scholarships, financial aid, and insurance-based memberships. Jennifer supervises the front desk staff and building supervisor, who are responsible for a large majority of the customer and visitor interactions, often the most difficult situations or people. Her dedication and devotion to her staff are evident.
What you might not see is her devotion to helping her community. She often puts hours into processing a membership and finding other resources for a struggling family. She “scholarshiped” a YMCA membership because it will help the family grow and feel valued. Jennifer sees the needs of others before they can tell us, and she already has a plan to help. She readily reaches out to coworkers or knows community members to help if she cannot.
Rachael McClellan, Rachael is recognized for her outstanding achievements in Education, most specifically she is the first Early Childhood Development Instructor at the Warren County Career Center. In the three short years of the program, Rachael has grown the program from 12 students in the first year, to over 35 students. Rachael goes above and beyond the minimum requirements of her position. She is her students’ safe place and mentor for learning life.
She resides in Sugar Grove and is an Active member of the Sugar Grove Free Methodist church. The church has a very active food pantry of which she volunteers. She was team leader of the pantry for many years. She continues to be a big part in unloading and organizing the food being delivered by truck monthly. During her free time, she is a volunteer at the Sugar Grove OutPost (thrift store).
Jennifer Pojar is a 20-year employee of the Warren County YMCA. She is the Membership Director responsible for the oversight and management of all thing's membership at the Y. She not only handles the records and financial processing of memberships, but also scholarships, financial aid, and insurance-based memberships. Jennifer supervises the front desk staff and building supervisor, who are responsible for a large majority of the customer and visitor interactions, often the most difficult situations or people. Her dedication and devotion to her staff are evident.
What you might not see is her devotion to helping her community. She often puts hours into processing a membership and finding other resources for a struggling family. She “scholarshiped” a YMCA membership because it will help the family grow and feel valued. Jennifer sees the needs of others before they can tell us, and she already has a plan to help. She readily reaches out to coworkers or knows community members to help if she cannot.
Rachael McClellan, Rachael is recognized for her outstanding achievements in Education, most specifically she is the first Early Childhood Development Instructor at the Warren County Career Center. In the three short years of the program, Rachael has grown the program from 12 students in the first year, to over 35 students. Rachael goes above and beyond the minimum requirements of her position. She is her students’ safe place and mentor for learning life.
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2024 Women Who Make a Difference
Ruthann DeVore is a community leader in Lottisville area co-chairing the Lottisville Heritage Festival in the Fall, leadership in Hill & Dale Garden Club where community garden activities are done throughout Warren County, and participant in several church outreach work, county fair, and other county organizations.
Amber Sharp has been a childcare teacher at the Jefferson DeFrees Family Center since August 2021. She currently teaches a classroom of three-four-year-olds. Miss Amber’s calm demeanor and seemingly unlimited amount of patience makes her a one-of-a-kind treasure for a classroom full of energetic and often unreasonable three-year-olds. She has the love and respect of not only her children, but her peers as well. She serves as a mentor to many of the young teaching staff.
Penny Lester is a member of First Lutheran church who supports learning the English language programs for new citizens, along with helping them to adapt to Warren and Chautauqua Counties, plus fund raising for individuals in need of food, housing and health care. She is an active member of several community organizations that better our community.
Amber Sharp has been a childcare teacher at the Jefferson DeFrees Family Center since August 2021. She currently teaches a classroom of three-four-year-olds. Miss Amber’s calm demeanor and seemingly unlimited amount of patience makes her a one-of-a-kind treasure for a classroom full of energetic and often unreasonable three-year-olds. She has the love and respect of not only her children, but her peers as well. She serves as a mentor to many of the young teaching staff.
Penny Lester is a member of First Lutheran church who supports learning the English language programs for new citizens, along with helping them to adapt to Warren and Chautauqua Counties, plus fund raising for individuals in need of food, housing and health care. She is an active member of several community organizations that better our community.
2023 Women Who Make a Difference
Jean Benedict, A Longtime Youngsville Community Supporter
Piper VanOrd, A Business woman and Humanitarian
Terri Allison, Past Director of "A Safe Place" for 33 years.
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2022 Warren Zonta Awards
Savannah Casey and Jan Griaziano.
Savannah Casey and Jan Griaziano.
