YSU professor inducted into League of Women Voters of Greater Youngstown Women’s Hall of Fame

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

Amanda Fehlbaum, associate professor of Sociology and director of the Women’s and Gender Studies at Youngstown State University, has been selected for induction into the League of Women Voters of Greater Youngstown Women’s Hall of Fame.

The Women’s Hall of Fame honors individuals who empower voters, strengthen democracy and build community across the Mahoning Valley. Inductees are recognized for their leadership and dedication to civic engagement and public service. This year’s inductions will take place March 19 at the Jewish Community Center in Youngstown.

“I am incredibly honored to be inducted into the LWVGY Women’s Hall of Fame, joining many of the passionate women in the area,” Fehlbaum said. “It feels good to have the work I have done over the years acknowledged and valued.”

Fehlbaum has been a member of the YSU faculty since 2014, earning tenure and promotion to associate professor in 2020. As the director of women and gender studies, she helps guide curriculum and student engagement in issues of gender, inequality, race and social justice.

Her academic work – including peer-reviewed publications and book chapters – examines how social institutions and cultural norms shape human experience.

“As an associate professor of sociology at Youngstown State, I do my best to equip my students with the knowledge and skills to make a difference in the world,” she said. “My work aligns with the League’s in that we both aim to create an informed citizenry that can look at various sides of issues and come to their own conclusion. A large part of sociology is ‘making the familiar strange,’ which can mean looking at their community through a different perspective and, in that way, grow deeper ties that they otherwise might not have done.”

Fehlbaum also is active in local and professional communities. She holds leadership roles in academic associations, advocates for inclusive public policy and contributes time to community organizations that support education, equity and civic partnership.

She encourages students and young women who want to make a meaningful impact in civic life or public policy to step forward with confidence and initiative.

“To young women and students who want to make a meaningful impact in civic life or public policy, I would tell them to not let their imposter syndrome get in the way,” she said. “It is incredibly easy to think that you are not the right person to do the work….Once you make the first move, you will often find that there are people eager to help – they just need someone to tell them what to do.”

Fehlbaum hopes the recognition highlights the importance of civic engagement and the impact individuals can have with their communities. Her induction into the LWVGY Women’s Hall of Fame reflects her commitment to educating students, fostering informed civic participation and contributing to a stronger, more engaged community in the Mahoning Valley. To learn more information visit the LWVGY Women’s Hall of Fame website.