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Marcia Haire-Ellis touts the Mahoning Valley's many strengths; identifies educational achievement levels as one of its challenges

Marcia Haire-Ellis, a retired educator and business owner, said she has long appreciated the values and work ethic of the people of the Mahoning Valley.

“I love to volunteer and it warms my heart to see all of the wonderful programs that the citizens of our community are creatively implementing.  In this small way, I hope to help facilitate the good work individuals and groups have created,” she said.

Haire-Ellis said the people of the Mahoning Valley have always been known as “hard workers that value family and community.” She cited many of the Valley’s other assets, “We have beautiful parks and a great fine arts and cultural community and wonderful food.”

She said some of the area’s greatest challenges deal with low educational achievement.

“Our children cannot see economic development in their communities because of the lack of local businesses and therefore, have little access to positive role models in the neighborhood. There was a time when the teacher, doctor, attorney and pharmacist could live down the street.”