The YWCA of Greater Cleveland has recognized Dr. Thea Wilson, Step Forward’s Vice President of Children and Families, and Madeline Corchado, Step Forward’s Vice President of Human Resources as part of its 2023 Women of Professional Excellence.
The YWCA prides itself on eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Since 1989, the organization has honored more than 750 women nationwide for their professional and philanthropic contributions. The YWCA Chapter of Greater Cleveland has honored more than 200 successful leaders in Northeast Ohio for their extraordinary accomplishments, community service, career success, mentoring, dedication to eliminating racism, and empowering fellow women.
Recipients of the Women of Professional Excellence award are selected by their employers for their professional accomplishments, dedication to their organizations and commitment to our community.
Dr. Thea Wilson, Vice President of Children and Families
As Vice President of Children and Families, Dr. Wilson is responsible for managing the operations of Early Head Start, Head Start and the Parental Involvement programs. She has nearly 50 years of early childhood development experience in a public school system. She has spent more than a decade in administration.
Dr. Wilson has served on several boards, including the Cuyahoga Community College Early Childhood Advisory Board and Ohio Association for the Education of the Young Child, Duffy Liturgical Ensemble, Cleveland Children’s Museum, and the Advisory team for East Cleveland.
Madeline Corchado, Vice President of Human Resources
As the Vice President of Human Resources, Ms. Corchado is focused on strengthening talent assets and best practices for efficiency and effectiveness relative to the strategic direction of the organization and its leadership.
"My personal mission is to be a positive influence on those I serve internally and externally," Corchado said about her position. "I strive to foster a culture of collaboration and empowerment within the organization. By leveraging the collective strengths of our employees, I aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential. I believe that the success of any organization lies in its people. It is my goal to help each and every employee feel valued, supported, and engaged in their work."
Ms. Corchado has served on several civic and community organizations, including Dress for Success, Hope in Transition, Wings of Hope, LEAP, Youth Opportunities Unlimited, Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries, Ohio Library Council, Cleveland Mediation Center, Esperanza, the Spanish American Committee, Club Alma Yaucana, and Comunidad de Fé. She currently serves as Board President for the Julia De Burgos Cultural Arts Center.
"As a woman of color who has experienced racism firsthand, I feel deeply connected to the YWCA's mission of eliminating racism and empowering women," she said. "It is inspiring, hopeful, and powerful to see an organization that is committed to creating real, lasting change; a world where everyone can reach their full potential, regardless of their gender or ethnicity."
Dr. Wilson and Ms. Corchado were honored at the Women of Professional Excellence event May 23rd.
“Step Forward is proud to recognize Dr. Wilson and Ms. Corchado for their commitment to the agency’s mission and to our staff and the children and families we serve,” Dr. Jacklyn Chisholm, Step Forward’s President and CEO, said.