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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, Cleveland Chapter<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Honors Sharon Maneki, President Emeritus of Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>In Recognition of Celebrating Women History Month<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Sharon Maneki served as president of the Maryland affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind for 24 years. She has since stepped down and currently resides 20 mile south of Baltimore with her loving husband Al. She has held several positions. However, she states that her greatest achievement has been to get legislative programs passed through the organization.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Sharon was introduced to the National Federation of the Blind in the violet state of New Jersey. “Back then I was quite reluctant to attend a chapter meeting after rumors about Camp Happiness. Members of the Affiliate were not following the philosophy and mission of the National Federation of the Blind. So, I just was not interested in the organization at that time. I did not think we had anything in common” she said. Then discrimination reared its ugly head. You see, Sharon’s goal was to become a high school teacher. “It was the national Federation of the Blind who had the knowledge on the books that I could do what I aspire to do. There were strength in numbers, and I quickly learned that I did not break the mole! Others were before me and there will be others after me when I am gone.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Then, when the Affiliate was reorganized in 1976, Sharon became an active member and strong leader in the movement. She credits the Federation for directing her path by helping her to refocus, not only on the organizational structure of the Federation, but how to live the life she wanted. As a result, Sharon taught Social Study’s for over 15 years and then graciously changed careers to the Federal sector. She was hired by the National Security Agency, researching and writing data. ”I read codes and worked on secret stuff. If I tell you, I would have to kill you.” She laughed. Although she has retired from the government, Sharon continues to uphold the oath of office by respecting its mission and purpose that is parallel to the mission and purpose of the National Federation of the Blind. Even though, there is no mandatory oath of office to take in the Federation, Sharon’s integrity and leadership is unquestionable and evident in her body of work.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Now that the President Emeritus of Maryland has some down time, she is spending her days traveling, reading books, attending movies, swimming and walking. But most of all, Sharon says that she enjoys meeting new members and exchanging information that will enhance and propel the blind into an unimaginable higher atmosphere. “Experiential learning in my opinion, is crucial when you are a leader in this powerful, and yet influential organization. </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Sharing knowledge and sharing memories is essential to my growth and others I serve. Who can laugh with you about getting loss but other blind people?”</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>