The YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region recently celebrated a milestone in regional leadership, hosting its 14th annual Women of Achievement Awards at Saginaw Valley State University’s Curtiss Hall. The October 13 ceremony honored five distinguished women whose professional expertise and community advocacy have left an indelible mark on Bay, Midland, Saginaw, and Isabella counties.
The awards program is designed to recognize individuals who embody the YWCA’s core mission: eliminating racism and empowering women. This year’s honorees—Stacey Gannon, Dr. Valeriah Ann Holmon, Nicole Luczak, Diane Middleton, and Dr. Elsa Olvera—were selected based on their history of impactful leadership, their commitment to acting as positive role models, and their dedication to social progress.
The recipients were recognized across a diverse spectrum of service:
- Stacey Gannon was honored for her significant contributions to the business community.
- Dr. Valeriah Ann Holmon received accolades for her leadership and influence within the healthcare sector.
- Nicole Luczak, the president and CEO of United Way of Bay County, was lauded for her tireless efforts in advancing social justice and advocacy.
- Diane Middleton, vice president of advocacy at the Midland Business Alliance, was celebrated for her civic engagement and community impact.
- Dr. Elsa Olvera was recognized for her long-standing service and influence in the field of education.
The event served not only as a tribute to these individual accomplishments but also as a platform to highlight the necessity of women’s leadership in driving regional growth. The luncheon, which included a silent auction backed by local organizations, reinforced the community’s collective support for the YWCA’s ongoing initiatives to foster equity.
Dow Advances Energy Storage with New Tech Platform
While the region celebrated community leadership, the industrial sector saw significant technological movement as Dow unveiled its new “Voltricell” platform. Introduced at The Battery Show North America 2026 in Detroit, the platform marks a pivotal shift for the company as it moves deeper into the internal chemistry of battery cells.
As global demand rises for more efficient energy storage, manufacturers are scrambling to produce batteries that offer higher energy density, faster charging times, and longer cycle lives. Voltricell is engineered to address these requirements by providing a comprehensive suite of materials for electrodes, separators, specialized coatings, and cell packaging.
Supporting Next-Generation Battery Chemistries
The Voltricell platform is not limited to traditional lithium-ion batteries. It is designed to support the next generation of energy storage, including silicon-anode, sodium-ion, and solid-state battery technologies. By offering system-level integration, Dow aims to help battery manufacturers streamline production and evolve their technology roadmaps.
“Battery manufacturers need materials partners that can evolve with their technology roadmaps,” noted Joel McDonald, global technical director for Dow MobilityScience. By leveraging its extensive materials portfolio, Dow is positioning itself as a foundational partner for the energy transition.
Enhancing Battery Safety and Performance
Beyond the Voltricell platform, Dow showcased several advanced protective materials during the Detroit trade show, emphasizing the importance of safety in high-performance battery systems. Among the highlighted products were the VORAFORCE TP1415 Polyol, which provides lightweight, flame-retardant structural support, and the DOWSIL FC-2024 Coating. The latter is particularly notable for its ability to form a protective ceramic layer during high-temperature events, providing a critical safety barrier.
Through these technological advancements, Dow is working to bridge the gap between material science and the urgent, large-scale requirements of the modern energy and automotive industries.
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