18 News’ 2024 ‘Remarkable Woman’ revealed
(WETM) — Throughout March, 18 News highlighted stories of the four local Remarkable Women finalists who’ve impacted the Twin Tiers by inspiring, leading and forging the way for others. Today, we reveal the most Remarkable Woman of 2024 who will represent our area in Los Angeles for Nexstar’s Nationwide Celebration of Remarkable Women.
First, we remind you of the three remarkable finalists who deserve equal recognition:
Ashleigh Houghtaling
Ashleigh was nominated and recognized for saving a dying business and turning it into one of the best decisions she’d ever made — Missy’s Market. She became the owner of the small-town market in Harrison Valley, Pennsylvania at just 23 years old. If she hadn’t, the place would’ve had to shut its doors for good. She attributes to her success to the community, and tries to give back in any way she can through her business.
“To be able to help people in that way is a blessing. I’d rather be the giver than the receiver,” Houghtaling said.
Remarkable Women 2024: Ashleigh Houghtaling
Michele Picuri
Michele was recognized by her community for the work she’s done as Care Manager with the Monroe Plan for Medical Care, where she helps the underprivileged and underserved members of the community by connecting them with resources for food, clothing, housing and medical advocacy. Above that, she helps set up transportation for those clients to get to their appointments when needed.
“They feel like they’re weak but they’re tough. they’re incredibly strong. To see them get knocked down and then pick themselves right back up, I’ve learned how to be more resilient thanks to them,” Picuri said.
Remarkable Women 2024: Michele Picuri
Beverly McKnight
The 86-year-old wonder, Beverly McKnight, was nominated and recognized for her work with elementary school children for 30+ years. After her own children were in school, Beverly decided it was time to teach full-time starting at Charleston Elementary where she later became Principal. Along the way, she also created a choir group that still meets and performs to this day. She continues to teach Sunday School and writes about upcoming church events for the Wellsboro Gazette.
“Having been a teacher, I felt that I was being helpful and was of some value to people,” McKnight said. “When I retired, I knew I had to find things to do where I can still give,” McKnight said.
Remarkable Women 2024: Beverly McKnight
18 News and Nexstar thanks everyone for the wonderful and inspiring nominations we received from the community, and now it’s time to reveal our winner in 2024 who received a $1,000 check and a ticket to Los Angeles to represent our community at Nexstar’s Celebration of Remarkable Women:
Winner: Diana Hughes
Born and raised in the Twin Tiers, Diana was elected as the winner for her volunteer and charity work in the community while succeeding in her passion for law as an attorney. She became a partner of a local law firm at a very young age, and she always knew that’s what she’d be. She has supported youth law programs like New Visions which gives kids insight on what the life of a lawyer is like to help them decide if they are also passionate about the subject as a career.
Lending a helping hand has always been a part of her life, and Hughes credits that to her family always giving back when she was growing up. Hughes has volunteered on all sorts of boards and committees for nonprofits and other local organizations. She has also participated in charity events for Wreath’s Across America, Arctic League, Sue G. Konen, Heart to Heart, and Meals on Wheels, among others.
“The whole point of this career is to help everybody. You balance it with being thankful for what you have and advocating for those people who don’t have a voice for themselves,” Hughes said.
Diana’s check for $1,000 will be donated to Bamba’s House Comfort Care Home in Corning.
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