57° and Cloudy
Image
Samantha Warfel [front row, far left], Dinorah Olmos [front row, right of Warfel], and Arkia Wade [front row, center]. (Credit: Baltimore County Government/ Commission for Women)
BALTIMORE COUNTY - On Thursday, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski and the Commission for Women presented awards to three remarkable Baltimore County residents for their impactful contributions to the local community.
The ceremony marks the county's 41st annual Woman of the Year Awards, an event where women are recognized for their significant work to better the lives of their neighbors.
Baltimore County's 2023 Visionary Women of the Year are:
Woman of the Year: Arkia Wade
A healthcare executive for over 20 years, Ms. Wade recently started Neighborhood Companions, a nonprofit organization offering transportation and companion services for seniors and disabled residents. A Dundalk resident, she is an active board member of the Turner Station Conservation Teams.
Woman Making a Difference: Dinorah Olmos
Following more than 30 years in the education sector, Ms. Olmos founded and serves as CEO of the Latino Education Advancement Fund (LEAF), a nonprofit focused on Latinos' education and social impact through equity, access, and parent empowerment.
Young Woman of the Year: Samantha Warfel
Throughout her high school career, Ms. Warfel was involved in service and leadership initiatives with Baltimore County Student Councils, the Maryland Association of Student Councils Executive Board, the United Nations Girl Up organization, the World Trade Center of Baltimore City, and the Women's Housing Coalition of Baltimore. Ms. Warfel attends Yale University this fall, studying global affairs on a pre-law track.
