ALLEN COUNTY, OH (WLIO) - We now continue to spotlight the finalists for the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce's Small Business of the Year Gala. Tonight, we take a look at the Athena Leadership Award, sponsored by Lima Chevrolet Cadillac. Those nominated are:
Jill Ackerman has been a part of the Lima City Schools since 1988, starting as a special education teacher, becoming an assistant principal, and then a principal. She became assistant superintendent in 2003 and took the helm as superintendent in 2012. She has initiated countless programs that not only reach the child but also the family as a whole. She credits her mother with nudging her to achieve greater things, which she now does for other women in her life.
Jill Bakies opened her first salon at the age of 27, and despite several personal challenges, she was able to grow her business. Beauty by Jill relocated to downtown Lima in 2020, with an expansion project in 2022 adding space for independent contractors. Bakies takes pride in not only offering training but also mentoring young stylists to be successful in the business. She says to keep an eye out for the next level of Beauty by Jill in the coming years.
Theresa Schnipke has dedicated more than 30 years of her life to those with developmental disabilities in Allen County. Most recently as the superintendent of the Board of Developmental Disabilities. She says there have been many strong female leaders in the profession who guided her to where she is today. She has worked on countless committees and volunteers on her own time to better the lives of those DD serves. Schnipke says she has strived to be a leader who serves first, and that servant leadership has always been one of her highest priorities.
The winner will be announced at the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce's Gala event on May 1st at the UNOH Event Center.
