Kroger exec named YWCA Career Woman of Achievement

CINCINNATI — Kroger corporate officer and SVP for human resources Kathleen Barclay was among 10 women named a YWCA Career Woman of Achievement.

"I am honored and humbled to receive this recognition from the YWCA, a truly exceptional organization in Cincinnati and across the country," said Barclay. "I am grateful to work in an industry that provides the incredible opportunity to touch the lives of a very large group of women inside and outside our company, each and every day."

Barclay serves as chair of the board of the National Academy of Human Resources and as a board member of the Human Resource Policy Association. In Cincinnati, she serves on the United Way Women's Leadership Council and as a board member of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

The YWCA Salute to Career Women of Achievement was established in 1980 to increase community awareness and appreciation of the diverse contributions of women in the work force and in the community. The luncheon has evolved into the YWCA's largest fundraising event, sponsored by 150 companies and organizations each year. All proceeds directly benefit YWCA programs, supporting its mission to eliminate racism and empower women.

Several Kroger executives are previous recipients of this YWCA recognition, including Marnette Perry, SVP, strategic initiatives and operations; Lynn Marmer, group V of corporate affairs; and Kathy Kelly, president of Kroger personal finance.

A record 2,000 people attended the awards luncheon at the Duke Energy Convention Center. The event is the Y’s largest fundraiser of the year. The 10 new honorees join 274 other women who have been recognized throughout the past 34 years for professional achievement and service as role models in helping other women climb the business ranks.

The other nine honorees were Dr. Saba Atiq Chughtai, physician, owner and president of Saba Chughtai MD & Associates; Alandes Eure-Powell, operations director and SVP of Citi; Tamara Harkavy, CEO and artistic director of ArtWorks; Heidi Jark, managing director and VP of the foundation office at Fifth Third Bank; Crystal Kendrick, president of the Voice of Your Customer; Deborah Platt Majoras, chief legal officer and board secretary at Procter & Gamble Co.; Mary Miller, CEO of JANCOA Janitorial Services; Alexis Monroe, a Walnut Hills High School student, who received the YWCA Mamie Earl Sells Scholarship and Rose Morgan, who received the Charlotte R. Schmidlapp Fund Scholarship and plans to attend Cincinnati State Technical and Community College.