Akron Reporter

Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes, currently serving in the U.S. Congress representing Ohio’s 13th district, has shared a series of tweets highlighting notable individuals from her district as part of Women's History Month celebrations and other achievements.

On March 3, 2025, Rep. Sykes posted about Judith Resnik, an astronaut with roots in Akron. "Born in Akron, Resnik graduated from Firestone High School and pursued degrees in electrical engineering from Carnegie-Mellon University and the University of Maryland. She was selected as an astronaut candidate for NASA in 1978 and flew on her first shuttle mission in 1984."

In another tweet on the same day, Rep. Sykes commemorated Women's History Month by celebrating Judith Resnik's contributions to space exploration as a pioneering woman from Ohio’s 13th district. "Happy #WomensHistoryMonth! Follow along all month long to learn about some amazing women who have shaped #OH13, the Birthplace of Champions. First up is Judith Resnik." She highlighted Resnik's achievements as a pilot and electrical engineer who became NASA’s first Jewish woman to travel to space.

Later that day, Rep. Sykes congratulated Paul Tazewell for his Oscar win for costume design in "Wicked," emphasizing his impact on their community. "Congratulations to Paul Tazewell for winning his first Oscar for costume design in Wicked! He has certainly made our entire community proud and is a shining example of why #OH13 is known as the 'Birthplace of Champions.'"