LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Helping people change their lives and succeed is the goal of the three finalists for the Lima Allen County Chamber’s Athena Award. Here is a closer look at this year’s finalists.
Ann Meiring, of Citizens Wealth Management Group, turned a dream of teaching women about finance into her calling. She created Savvy Women Invest on Purpose to empower women to take control of their finances and investments. Meiring developed her own unique style of educating women in ways they can relate to.
She also works with Met Housing to support its Family Self-Sufficiency Program and is involved with the Lima chapter of Women for Economic and Leadership Development. Others say Meiring demonstrates the leadership and determination to make a positive impact on the community.
Barbara Duval, of the Allen County Educational Service Center, has spent more than 50 years as an educator. As a teacher, she found creative and engaging ways to educate her students both inside and outside the classroom. She now serves as a curriculum supervisor, guiding Allen County school districts through new initiatives and the development of graduation pathways.
Duval also helped secure a grant to create a Shark Tank-style program for Lima Senior students. She works with the HUB to develop manufacturing training opportunities for high school students and contributes to the Lightbulb Lab, where younger students can explore STEAM careers.
And 40 years ago, Bev Beery started Beery Insurance Services, becoming the first woman to own an insurance agency in Lima. Since then, she has mentored other women in starting their own agencies and has helped more than 100 small businesses develop employee benefit packages.
Beery has also served as president of industry groups and on numerous local boards. Through her involvement with Lima Kiwanis, she helped expand service leadership clubs in Lima City Schools and played a role in bringing Family Promise to the area, supporting families experiencing homelessness.
Those are the 2026 finalists for the Lima Allen County Chamber’s Athena Award.
