Women of Achievement

Columbus Office Managing Partner, Ice Miller
Catherine Strauss is the Columbus office managing partner of Ice Miller and a member of the firm's board of directors. She is an adviser and problem solver for employers with national workforces. Preferring practical outcomes based on a keen knowledge of the law and commonsense judgment, Catherine is an effective adviser in managing risks and avoiding conflict.

When disputes are unavoidable, Catherine is a tenacious trial attorney, having successfully represented employers and businesses in all types of legal proceedings, both in Ohio and nationally.

She was recognized as one of Columbus CEO’s 2025 Top Lawyers in Employment & Labor Law.

Founder & CEO, JustChoice
Fueled by a vision of self-determined people and thriving families, Molly Rampe Thomas founded JustChoice, an organization grounded in the belief that justice is choice. It provides support and direct aid, centering those most impacted by inequity.

Her vision, sparked by her personal experience, has earned her a NASW Lifetime Achievement and OSU Hall Of Fame Award. As an OSU lecturer, Abortion Forward Board President, mother of three and host mama to many, her leadership has led to the creation of a nationally recognized model of care.

Co-founder, Bake Me Happy & Preston’s Burger
Letha Pugh is the co-founder of Bake Me Happy, a gluten-free bakery with three locations, and Preston’s Burger with two locations. She actively supports her community through Service!, the Parsons Area Stakeholders Group, and Black, Out and Proud.

She also serves as Chair of the Commission for Columbus Recreation and Parks, a Board Member of The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio, the Columbus Sports Commission and Freedom Equity.

Letha helped launch Café Overlook, a workforce development initiative for restored citizens and was a member of the inaugural cohort of the Emerging Developers Accelerator Program at the Affordable Housing Trust. She lives in Columbus with her wife Wendy and daughter Avery.

President & CEO, Mount Carmel Health System
Tauana McDonald, president and CEO of Mount Carmel Health System, is a transformative leader advancing health equity and mentoring future leaders.

She serves on multiple boards and partners with organizations to expand access to care and drives initiatives that elevate community well-being.

Honored nationally by Modern Healthcare as one of the Top 25 Minority Executives in Healthcare for her impact. Tauana blends strategic vision with service, creating lasting change for Central Ohio and beyond.

Breast Surgeon, OhioHealth
Dr. Deepa Halaharvi is a fellowship-trained, board-certified breast surgeon and breast cancer survivor.

 She graduated from Kansas City University in 2008 and went on to complete her General Surgery residency in 2013 at Doctor's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Dedicated to being a life-long learner, Dr. Halaharvi continued to master her skills by focusing on breast surgical oncology through a fellowship program in 2014.

Only eight months after completing her fellowship, Dr. Halaharvi learned first-hand what it feels like to hear the words, "You have breast cancer." Despite different crises, setbacks, and illness, Dr. Halaharvi realized she had the courage and resiliency to use her voice and experience to help her patients.

She has since started The Breast Cancer Podcast, a YouTube channel, and social media outlets to help educate others about body awareness and managing a breast cancer diagnosis. Dr. Halaharvi continues to challenge herself and others to achieve better outcomes and improve the patient experience.

Vice President, Community Engagement, AEP, and President, American Electric Power Foundation
Janelle Coleman is president of the American Electric Power Foundation and vice president of community engagement for American Electric Power Company, Inc. (NASDAQ: AEP), where she leads the company’s enterprise-wide community and philanthropic engagement strategy to drive meaningful business and social impact.

She is also passionate about giving back to her community. She was appointed by Governor John Kasich to the board of trustees for her alma mater, Ohio University and is the former board chair. She is the past board chair for YWCA Columbus and is board president for the KIPP Columbus Foundation. Coleman is also a member of the board of directors for the New Albany Community Foundation, National Veterans Memorial and Museum, and the Columbus Crew Foundation.

Coleman’s honors include serving as Ohio University’s Spring 2022 Undergraduate Commencement speaker, recognition as Columbus CEO Magazine – Executive Women Rising to the Top, and the Columbus Young Professional Club Woman of Inspiration Award.