UF Part-time Faculty Member Earns Area Leadership Award
University of Findlay part-time faculty member, who also leads Women in Philanthropy, Shayna Pothast, has been named among the winners of the 2025 Toledo area 20 Under 40 Award.
According to the 20 Under 40 program, Pothast’s recognition as a 20 Under 40 honoree reflects her commitment to empowering others, advancing education, and breaking barriers both locally and globally. The program also noted she made history as the first female firefighter in her local department, demonstrating courage, dedication, and leadership in public service.
“Being named a 20 Under 40 honoree was both humbling and empowering. The ceremony reminded me that leadership doesn’t always follow a traditional path and that’s okay. From law enforcement and firefighting to philanthropy and education, I’ve learned that courage, purpose, and resilience matter more than titles,” Pothast said.
She added, “Hearing my story highlighted through the lens of women’s empowerment was deeply meaningful, especially because so much of my work has been about creating space for others to rise.”
Part of Pothast’s background includes earning a doctorate in educational leadership, conducting original research on Autism and the environment, while also advocating internationally through A Child Lives in Uganda. Her efforts have long been dedicated to supporting women and children in education, leadership, and faith-based development.
Other examples of Pothast’s leadership highlighted by 20 Under 40 include hosting students from Japan through the University’s partnership with Kake Educational Institution, the University of Fukui, and the Grassroots Summit; teaching women’s self-defense and anti-assault classes in the community; and speaking at a women’s conference in the village of Namabasa in Mbale, Uganda, where she also visited local schools, met with women, and spent time with her sponsored child.
“I’m proud to represent the University of Findlay and grateful to be part of a community that values service-driven leadership, she said. “This recognition affirms that the work we do; quietly, passionately, and with conviction, can ripple outward in powerful ways.”
The 2025 candidates were celebrated, and winners announced during a recognition program on Monday, November 3. For more info about the program, visit the 20 Under 40 website.
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