Write a commentEach year, the Zonta Club of Oswego bestows its Amelia Earhart Woman of Achievement Award to a woman who has made a significant difference in her community.
This year's recipient is certainly no stranger to those who live in Oswego County. From businesses large and small to the countless individuals who express their love of their community through volunteerism, Melanie Trexler is a name that is known, and respected throughout Oswego County.
Trexler was honored Oct. 26 at the 28th Ameilia Earhart dinner held at The American Foundry in Oswego.
"When choosing the recipient of the Amelia Earhart Woman of Achievement Award we look for someone who has made substantial contributions to the community and whose effort make people's lives better, stronger and more meaningful," said, Roxanna Gillen, president, Zonta Club of Oswego. "In her professional life, and her personal life Melanie is a source of inspiration that encourages women to get the most out of their life by following their dreams and achieving their goals. Melanie's spirit and her contributions to society capture the essence of Zonta... empowering women through education, community engagement, and leadership and reflecting the life of Amelia Earhart, who by example encouraged women to explore and hold professions that were not traditionally held by women."
Zonta Club of Oswego – Zonta International
Zonta International is a worldwide service organization committed to improving the status of women; often that can best be accomplished by providing educational opportunities so that women can continue their education. The Zonta Club of Oswego is committed to assisting young women to achieve their full potential. Zonta Club of Oswego announced this year's – 2012 Platinum Sponsor – Alliance Bank NA.
Melanie Trexler - education/professional
A native of Oswego, Trexler was born to Clarence and Helen Trexler in Spokane, Wash. Her father joined the education department at SUNY Oswego in 1960. After graduation from college, she became a flight attendant for Trans World Airlines. She traveled the world and called New York City her home. In the ensuing years she become a mother twice and devoted her time to raising her two daughters, Alexia, 28, and Kate, 23.
While raising her family, her sense of community was demonstrated by her service as a member of the board of directors for the Professional Children's School in New York City and Covenant House. Additionally, Trexler was president of the board for the Greenwich Symphony Orchestra and the Little Langley School of Virginia.
Throughout her career, Trexler's compassion for others was a constant. She selflessly gave of her time and talents as she served as chairwoman for the Christian Fellowship's Salvador Refuge Fund. She was invited to visit the Mother Theresa's "Sisters of Charity" Clinic in Manila, Philippines for help in assessing the needs of patients in their tuberculosis clinic. She was instrumental in raising funds and awareness for Child-Help, a non-profit agency for the assistance of child-abuse victims. In 1988, after a trip to Russia, she saw the devastating effects of the 1988 Armenia earthquake. She helped organize a relief campaign for the victims and raised more than $2 million worth of food, clothing, and other relief supplies. In 1997, she established a scholarship fund at SUNY Oswego for non-traditional students.
Ten years ago, Trexler moved back to her hometown and joined the United Way of Oswego County as part of the Loaned Executive Program. Her diligence and work ethic led to her being named as the agency's resource development director. Following several very successful annual campaigns, she was named executive director of the United Way of Greater Oswego in 2004.
Under her leadership, the United Way of Greater Oswego County has moved forward, even in the face of some very challenging economic conditions. Her ability to better the organization, manage successful campaigns and develop and nurture partnerships with community leaders and organizations has played a key role in making the United Way of Greater Oswego a true success story.
Melanie Trexler - public service
In addition to her many responsibilities with the United Way, Melanie remains very active in the community. Her commitment to the residents of the City of Oswego and the county is evident by the impressive list of agencies and organizations she is involved with including, but not limited to:
• The Child Protective Advisory Council for Oswego County
• The COACH Committee to eliminate homelessness in Oswego County
• The Literacy Coalition of Oswego County
• The Oswego County Youth Forum Planning Committee
• The Transportation Coalition of Oswego County
• The Literacy Coalition of Oswego County
• The Oswego Rotary Club
• The SUNY Oswego Foundation (former board member)
• The Oswego Heritage Foundation
•The Salvation Army (former board member)
Melanie Trexler – family
While enjoying time with her mother, Helen Elia, who also lives in Oswego, regular weekend trips to New York City and frequent visits from her two grown daughters, Alexia and Kate, help Melanie maintain a very close relationship with her family.
