Toni Vaughn Heineman is an associate clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco, with a private practice specializing in evaluation and treatment of preschool children, as well as consultation with separating adults. She was chosen last year as one of 22 "Leaders for the 21st Century" to collaborate with experts from other disciplines such as social work, pediatrics, law, public health, early childhood education and linguistics -- their aim being to develop innovative projects to improve the lives of the very young. During her 18-month fellowship, Toni is focusing on obstacles to successful adoption and long-term placement. This leadership development initiative is sponsored by Zero to Three, a national nonprofit organization founded 25 years ago by child development specialists to study the first three years of life -- "the time of greatest human growth and development."

Kathy Hayes Ransier, an attorney with Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease in Columbus, Ohio, received a 2004 YWCA  "Women of Achievement" award. It was not the first recognition for community service to come Kathy's way: She has received similar honors from the Michael E. Moritz College of Law at the Ohio State University, from the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, and from the Columbus Bar Association. Currently serving on several boards, she is a past president of Franklin County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities and helped to found Creative Housing, which provides housing for the developmentally disabled. The YWCA's criteria for nomination include commitment to the empowerment, as well as mentoring, of women and the elimination of racism; respect as a role model for women in their work and in the community; ongoing effort to give back to the community; and persistence in goals that benefit others.