Shelley Schweitzer: Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership
After decades of transformative leadership, deep community involvement, and unrelenting dedication to empowering others, in 2024 Shelley Schweitzer was named Executive Director Emerita of Women’s Impact, Inc.—a fitting honor for a woman whose legacy continues to shape Stark County and beyond.
Shelley’s name is synonymous with service. A graduate of the fourth class of Leadership Stark County, she has been recognized time and again for her enduring impact. From being inducted into the YWCA Women’s Hall of Fame to receiving the titles of Ad Person of the Year, Leadership Stark County Alumni of the Year, and receiving the Recognition Award from Women’s Impact, her accolades tell the story of a lifetime spent lifting others. She was also a Leadership Stark County 30 for 30 designee and was voted North American Federation of Temple Youth Lifetime Member, the highest honor bestowed by North American teen leaders.
Her passion for mentorship, especially among youth, is a throughline in her story. As a volunteer youth worker at Temple Israel for 18 years and then a professional youth worker for the Union for Reform Judaism North American Federation of Temple Youth, Shelley had an opportunity to teach and mentor thousands of teens, instilling confidence, values, and a sense of purpose. Her efforts extended to co-founding the Seventh Street Heaven Day Camp, where underserved children received not just summer fun, but daily nourishment and care.
Beyond her work with youth, Shelley’s community involvement reads like a who’s who of regional impact organizations: the Canton Symphony Orchestra, United Way of Central Stark County, First Ladies’ Library, Planned Parenthood, Junior Achievement, Hadassah, the Town Hall on Race Relations, and so many more have benefitted from her leadership and vision.
Shelley has been married to Rob Schweitzer since 1978. They have one son who is married and living in Canada with his wife and two children. They are now enjoying an unconventional retirement together.
Shelley describes Women’s Impact as a “rare and safe space where professional women can be their authentic, vulnerable selves.” Her involvement with a strong network of women who supported her journey inspired her to give back, making the decision to become a Legacy Member and a lifelong champion of the organization’s mission.
“Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women who have her back,” Shelley reflects. “I always want to be seen as a part of that tribe.”
Shelley Schweitzer certainly is—and always will be.
If you are thinking about leaving a legacy to Women’s Impact like Shelley and the other legacy members, click here for more information.
