ICYMI: Rep. Sykes Hosts America 250 Event on Women's Contributions to History

CANTON, OH - This morning, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) hosted her signature America 250 event, From Founding to the Future: Women's Fight for Freedom in the USA. This event was held in conjunction with the Democratic Women's Caucus' Conversations Across America mobilization in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Rep. Sykes is the Vice Chair of the caucus.

"America's story cannot be told without the women who have led, served, and strengthened our communities from our nation's founding to today," said Rep. Sykes. "As we celebrate 250 years of our country, we have a responsibility to honor the women whose leadership, courage, and determination have helped shape our history while inspiring the next generation of changemakers. I'm proud to bring together incredible leaders from Ohio's 13th Congressional District to reflect on our shared history, celebrate the lasting impact of women, including our country's remarkable first ladies, and continue building a stronger future for all."

The event featured Rep. Sykes and fellow leaders from Ohio's 13th Congressional District for a breakfast and panel discussion celebrating women's leadership, cultural impact, and community building in both Ohio's 13th Congressional District and across the nation. The program highlighted the contributions our nation's first ladies have made, including the eight first ladies from Ohio. Guests were invited to tour the First Ladies National Historic Site immediately following the program.

Rep. Sykes was joined for the panel discussion by Theresa Carter, President of Synthomer and Vice President of the Women's Endowment Fund; Jane Christyson, CEO of the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio; Stephanie Bohnak, Director of Education & Curatorial Services at the National First Ladies Library & Museum; and Dr. Tameka Ellington, Author and Curator of Black History at the Stark County Black History Museum.

"From our nation's founding to its future, the pursuit of freedom has always depended on courageous women willing to lead, serve, and build community. As we celebrate America's 250th birthday, may we honor their legacy by continuing to invest in women and girls so that opportunity, equity, and hope become the inheritance of every generation," said Theresa Carter, President of Synthomer and Vice President of the Akron Community Foundation.

"For 250 years, women have risen, led, and shaped their own futures. Studying these historical struggles, failures, and victories equips today's girls with the confidence and character they need to tackle modern challenges. As Girl Scouts, we know that democracy is not passive; it requires active stewardship and community leadership," said Jane Christyson, CEO of the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio.

"Even after the 250th, it's important to highlight lesser-known narratives and that's the vision of National First Ladies Library & Museum - to share the American story through the eyes of the women who've shaped it. We can't talk about American history without including all women's history," said Stephanie Bohnak, Director of Education & Curatorial Services at the National First Ladies Library & Museum.

"The intimate setting with a select group of women at the event allowed for richness and depth in the conversations. There were changemaking women in the room. Real dialogue with real changemakers begets better communities," said Dr. Tameka Ellington, Author and Curator of Black History at the Stark County Black History Museum.