Rarely can she spare time for community service or volunteerism. That's why those who manage to do it are feted at events like The Cincinnati Enquirer's annual Women of the Year or the YWCA of Greater Cincinnati's Women of Achievement Awards.

        But many other women are worthy as well.

        On June 22, the third annual Nefertiti Awards will honor 25 African-American women who are mostly unknown outside their work, family or neighborhood. The award, named after the Egyptian queen, highlights strength, wisdom and beauty.
       

Honoring unknowns

        Reading the nomination letters, I felt like a slouch.

        For instance, Marena Brown, a senior scientist and engineer at Procter & Gamble, was nominated for assembling and tutoring teams of students from Cincinnati Public Schools to compete in the National Society of Black Engineers Tri-Math-A-Lon.

        Most of Ms. Brown's evenings and weekends are spent preparing students for the event's problem-solving, engineering design and Jeopardy-style math bowl. Last spring, Cincinnati's team placed second in regional competition.

        Diane Gaither-Thompson, a supervisor at the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, has taken troubled young people into her home when their own homes became unstable. Last year she made three prom dresses and bought accessories for girls living with her.

        She raised two girls from infancy and has held three jobs at a time to care for them.

        She has taught adult education for Cincinnati Public Schools and won literacy awards for her many students who have acquired General Educational Development diplomas.

        Melanie Denise Allen, outreach coordinator for the Hamilton County Board of Elections, volunteers an average of 50 hours a week at the Mallory Center for Community Development. She's there so often, people mistake her for an employee, says Renee Rose, who nominated her.

        Using vacation time, Ms. Allen applies for grants and handles fund raising. One of the center's longtime programs, Computer COP, has helped improve relations between an estimated 300 youth and police officers.
       

Avondale and the world

        Marsha D. Thomas, a registered nurse and medical missionary, has served in Jamaica, Israel, Egypt and Kenya. This year she'll lead a team of nurses to Nigeria to work with HIV and AIDS patients.

        Also known as the Parish Nurse of Avondale for her volunteer nursing in two of that neighborhood's largest churches, she has written a book on running bereavement programs. In April, she launched the first “Faith, Health & Spirituality in the Black Church” conference.

        Carol J. Ruffin, owner of Blossoms Floral Shop, teaches floral design classes at senior citizens homes and donates free arrangements for those who can't afford them. The open houses she has hosted for 12 years are community events, encouraging talents and business dreams in others.

        After three years, the Nefertiti luncheon has become a main event among blacks here. Though nominees have all been black women, it doesn't have to be a “black” thing.

        Held at the Westin Hotel downtown, it's a chance for all segments of Cincinnati to extend a pat on the back. Fifth Third Bank and Sesh Communications, publisher of the Cincinnati Herald, are sponsors.

        Call Denise Smith Amos at 768-8395, or e-mail damos@enquirer.com.

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