Michelle Miller, Jefferson County Common Pleas Court judge, was voted BPW’s 2024 Woman of the Year by those in attendance at the Wine and Show Extravaganza held April 18.

The women dressed fashionably, wearing top-designer stilettos, heels and boots. Their selections were made in preparation for the evening’s Best in Shoe contest, of which the overall winner was Woman of the Year nominee Angela Lombardo.

Other nominees competing for the title included Dawn Scaffidi, Michelle Miller, Cynthia Lytle and Kristen Wheeler-Kurner.

The club’s top fundraising event recognized and honored these five area women who make a strong impact in the lives of their family, their business and the Ohio Valley community.

But only one could be named this year’s Woman of the Year.

Woman of the Year nominee, Angela Lombardo, right, enjoyed talking with her friend, Kelli Sarlo, prior to taking part in the evening’s Best in Shoe competition, in which Lombardo took first place.

And after hundreds of votes were cast by those in attendance, the 2024 title was awarded to Miller. During the walk to accept her award, Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely,” blared through the sound system. Once the roar of applause died down, Miller stated it was “an honor to be recognized by such a wonderful organization that uplifts women and pushes us forward.”

Mike Biasi was selected as the Best Celebrity Server by those in attendance. In addition to Biasi, this year’s celebrity servers included, Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla Jr., David Albaugh, Jefferson County judge Michael Bednar, James Cassidy, Tim McCoy, Ted Gorman, Freddie Jones, Jake Kleineke, James Lash, Joel Walker and Jeremy Yeager.

Amelia Taggert, BPW president-elect for the State of Ohio, thanked the audience for attending and raising money for scholarship funds for women going back to school who want something better. “We support these women,” she stated.

Hundreds of guests attended the April 18 Wine and Shoe event at St. Florian Event Center. Guests included friends, from left, Lisa Chinikarn, Lattie Chinikarn and Iris Craig.

Rebecca Pesta, left, and her sister Patricia Pesta, were among the hundreds of community residents attending this year’s Wine and Shoe event. The owners of Pesta’s Market in Mingo Junction say they enjoy giving back through local fundraisers.

A few of the guests attending this year’s fundraiser for the Ohio Valley BPW were, from left, Beth Warren, Stephanie Rouse and BPW past president Phyllis Riccadonna.

Officers and members of the Ohio Valley Business and Professional Women’s Club gathered for a quick photo during the Wine and Shoe Extravaganza’s designer purse and gift basket auction. The group included, from left, Dee Kovach, Mari Ann Ohba, Amelia Taggart, Annie Johnson, Laurie Rawson, Megan Presley and Martina Watkins.

Ohio Valley Business and Professional Women’s Club’s Woman of the Year nominee, Dawn Scaffidi, and her husband Nino Scaffidi, enjoyed some food and drinks during the Wine and Shoe Extravaganza.

Celebrity servers volunteered their time to helping those at the Wine and Shoe fundraiser April 18. Attendees had the opportunity vote for their favorite celebrity, with Mike Biasi winning the contest. Among the evening’s servers were, from left, Biasi, James Cassidy and Freddy Jones.

Jefferson County Prosecutor Jane Hanlin, left, joined friends Jeff Bruzzese and Jefferson County Common Pleas Court judge Michelle Miller during the 2024 BPW Wine and Shoe Extravaganza. Miller was one of five nominees and was declared this year’s winner of the Woman of the Year award. Miller received the honor by having the most votes cast in her favor.

Practically every seat was filled inside the St. Florian Event Center in Wintersville on April 18. Hundreds of community residents and local officials gathered to see who would be named the Ohio Valley Business and Professional Women’s Club’s Woman of the Year. Votes were also cast for Best Celebrity Server and Best in Shoe. Michelle Miller was named Woman of the Year, Mike Biasi, best server and Angela Lombardo, Best in Shoe.