Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley was honored by Million Women Mentors (MWM) at its inaugural summit and gala in Washington, D.C., on September 21.
Mayor Whaley was presented with the organization’s first annual Mayor Award for her work and focus on education and workforce development through the City of Learners initiative.
MWM supports the engagement of one million science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) mentors to increase the interest and confidence of girls and women to persist and succeed in STEM programs and careers.
“I am honored to be the first recipient of this award,” said Mayor Whaley. “I know that Dayton’s future growth is dependent on having a quality workforce and women and girls in STEM are a key part of that equation. As mayor, I am committed to working with our businesses and schools to ensure that Dayton can compete in the new global economy.”
MWM credited Mayor Whaley with her call to action to Ohio mayors to develop programming and opportunities for young girls and women in the area of STEM education.
MWM also highlighted the mayor’s work with the Women’s Leadership Collaborative of Greater Dayton, a community effort to cultivate and support women leaders in government, academia, nonprofit organizations and business, as well as developing and championing programs such as the Dayton Region Manufacturing Task Force, a regional effort committed to advocating for manufacturing and promoting a strong manufacturing workforce.