Women's Expo, rights march fill downtown
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International Women's Day was celebrated all over downtown Kokomo on March 8, as women and their allies marched, spoke, and ran in support of each other as part of the 2025 Kokomo Women's Expo.
The main event, which took place at Grace United Methodist Church, featured speakers on a variety of women-centric topics. There also was a variety of vendor booths in the fellowship of the hall of the church, where attendees could shop for a sweet treat, a pretty plant, a good book, or a cozy scented candle.
The event, which was organized by the Family Service Association of Howard County, served as a fundraiser for the local domestic violence shelter. Proceeds came from entry fees in the Be a SHEro 5K Run/Walk as well as tickets from a handbag BINGO session which took place in the evening.
The Expo also named the recipient of its 2025 SHEro, honoring a woman who goes above and beyond to serve the community. Nominees included Maggie King, Dr. Liz Kerns, Teresa Gordon, Kate Rice, Yennefer Brumley, Dr. Jerra Sharp, Pam Isaac, Jenee Harlow, and Shannon Spencer.
The winner was Isaac, who is employed as the projects manager for Howard County government. Organizer Ashley Shane introduced the nominees, explaining how each woman came to be nominated. Once Isaac's accomplishments were accounted, it became clear that she was deserving of the honor.
"Pam is an exemplary hero and a tireless advocate for our community," said Shane. "As the former director of the domestic violence shelter and sexual assault programs, she has worked passionately to grow these programs, ensuring they can provide critical support to survivors and their families.
"One of Pam's most notable achievements is her involvement in the creation of Jackson Street Commons, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting disabled homeless veterans. Pam exemplifies the full qualities of a SHEro, resilience, compassion, leadership and unwavering dedication to others."
Once the award was given, the women and girls gathered outside for the Be a SHEro 5K Run/Walk, which attracted dozens of runners who wended their way through downtown, then along the Walk of Excellence through Foster Park and into the nearby "Silk Stocking" neighborhood, before finishing where the run started at the church.
The run/walk awarded winners in eight age categories. Walk winners were Isabella Adams (0-15), Emma Ford (16-19), Katrina Flanders (20-29), Jenee Harlow (30-39), Amanda Schultz (40-49), Amy Steffy (50-59), Kathy Snyder (60-69), and Marty Carey (70+).
Run winners were Makayla Wagler (0-15), Kaylee Futrell (16-19), Phoebe Cooper (20-29), Becky Riley (30-39), Holly Zent (40-49), Marcy Rosen (50-59), Anna Rangel (60-69), and Dena Lukasik (70+).
While these events were taking place, another gathering of women and their allies marched around the courthouse square. Commemorating International Women's Day in a different way, they demonstrated their opposition to many of the actions taken to limit women's rights nationally and globally and marched in support of causes that empower and protect women.
Dozens of the demonstrators displayed signs and chanted slogans as their made their way around the square, ending up in front of the women's war memorial for a short rally.
See additional photos from the expo and march on the Lantern's Facebook page or group.