When 400 women gathered 25 years ago to honor career women of achievement, it was a declaration that the women's movement was gaining strength.

The event, which raised funds for the YWCA, raised $20,000

Friday, 1,750 people gathered to honor eight women chosen as the 2004 YWCA Career Women of Achievement. This event raised $450,000 and was evidence that the movement remains strong.

At the YWCA Career Women of Achievement luncheon Friday, Sharon Draper (left) presents an award to Sharon Johnson, principal of Withrow University High School. The Enquirer/MELISSA HEATHERLY

Pulitzer Pri ze-winning columnist and author Ellen Goodman described the women's movement as the greatest social change in her lifetime.

Goodman, the keynote speaker, gave a brief profile on women, from the supermom to the superwoman.

"This movement has taken place in two extremes - the feminist and the reactionary," Goodman told a packed audience at the Albert B. Sabin Cincinnati Convention Center.

She described women as keepers of the community and family as they move into important positions in the corporate world.

Charlene Ventura, executive director of the YWCA, was recognized for her leadership in moving the agency forward.

Many of the honorees were very emotional.

"This is what I do. This is what I love. I didn't expect to be honored for it," said Sharon D. Johnson, principal of Withrow University High School.

Other honorees included Dr. Yvette Casey-Hunter, chief medical officer, Winton Hills and West End health centers; Diane Dewbrey, a senior vice president at Fifth Third Bank; Renee B. Dunn, human resources director, global marketing, Procter & Gamble; and Anita J. Ellis, director of curatorial affairs and curator of decorative arts, Cincinnati Arts Museum.

Also honored were Amy L. Hanson, president FACS Group Inc., a division of Federated Department Stores; Dr. Jane E.Henney, senior vice president and provost for health affairs, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, and Nancy L. Zimpher, president of University of Cincinnati.

Ashley Trotter, a Walnut Hills High school senior, won the Mamie Earl Sells Scholarship Award for academic achievement.

Volunteer honored for service

Joyce A. Tannreuther is known for her volunteer work in the Monroe area. Last month, she was presented with the Cornerstone Award at the seventh annual meeting of the Monroe Area Community Foundation at the Monroe City Building.

The award committee said it selected a nominee who shows generosity of time and spirit, as well as someone who has shown particular courage or determination on behalf of the community.

Tannreuther was lauded for her vision to help the Monroe Historical Society acquire a new colonial building, which houses the historical museum.

Storytelling troupe at school

A storytelling troupe, the Dreamweavers, will be the featured guests at the monthly reading night next week at the Friendship Reading Center at William Howard Taft Elementary School., 270 Southern Ave.

Dreamweavers is made up of staff members of the Clermont County public library system.

Through a diverse collection of stories, the group has shown a passion for storytelling, breathing new life into legends, folktales and fairytales from around the world.

Reading night is 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday. The event is free and open to the community.

The purpose of the evening is reading and education for families, said Tynisha Worthy, a volunteer and event facilitator for the center. "Through the activities, participants can further explore topics presented with their family and community,'' Worthy said.

The Friendship Reading Center is an after-school literacy program. It provides tutoring and reading for elementary students, ages 8-12. The center serves 36 students who are selected through a partnership with Taft school.

"Family reading night is an effort to engage the entire Mount Auburn community,'' Worthy said.