Professor, trustee recognized for service, achievement

March 26, 2015 | News, Medicine and Life Sciences, UTMC
By Cassandra DeYoung



The Youth and Women Catholic Association of Northwest Ohio recognized two women with connections to The University of Toledo at its 20th anniversary celebration, YWCA Milestones: A Tribute to Women, March 12.

Sharon Speyer, left, and Dr. Iman Mohamed were all smiles after receiving awards earlier this month at the YWCA Milestones: A Tribute to Women.

Sharon Speyer, left, and Dr. Iman Mohamed were all smiles after receiving awards earlier this month at the YWCA Milestones: A Tribute to Women.

At the evening gala, seven women were honored in the areas of arts, business, education, government, sciences, social services and volunteerism.

Dr. Iman Mohamed, associate dean of medical school admissions in the UT College of Medicine and Life Sciences, medical oncologist and professor of medicine, and Sharon Speyer, northwest Ohio regional president of Huntington National Bank and vice chair of the UT Board of Trustees, were among the women recognized at the event.

The awards were presented to women who have reached significant milestones in their fields and have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities while empowering other women to reach their potential.

In addition, these women’s service and achievements are consistent with the YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Mohamed, who also has a membership in the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom, which recognizes her knowledge for core medical training and is a valued professional distinction internationally, received the science milestone award.

“I receive gratification daily; there is not a single day where you don’t hear people who are thankful for what you do as a physician. But when the community acknowledges that you have made a difference, in even a small way, that’s very gratifying,” Mohamed said.

She was presented the award for her innovative live and social media outreach programs that focus on promoting breast cancer awareness, with an emphasis on preventive care and education, as well as her commitment to education, research and dedication to helping others.

“This is a northwest Ohio award, so that means that the area recognizes what I’ve done, which is important because then we can all partner in making the world a better place,” Mohamed said.

Speyer received the business milestone award for her Women in Leadership Program, which provides awareness, mentoring and opportunity for women seeking advancement.

“I am very flattered to be named as a milestone recipient,” Speyer said. “It is very humbling to be honored by your peers. It is even more special when these peers have been influential in your career development.”

The award further recognizes her service to the local community through her position of co-chair at Local Initiative Support Corp., which promotes healthy environments and lifestyles, and improving income and quality of life in the Cherry Street Corridor and the Garfield/Marina District. In addition, she serves the community as a board member for Marathon Classic, Regional Growth Partnership, ASPIRE and the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority.

“I am very fortunate to work for a company that values inclusion and promotes women to leadership positions,” Speyer said. “The more young women see others in leadership roles, the more they can appreciate that their aspirations are possible.”

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