43rdannual YWCA WOMEN of the YEAR AWARDS RECOGNIZING PASSION, SERVICE AND INSPIRATION

Words by Anne Slette Photography by Britta the Photographer

YWCA Cass Clay held the 43rd annual Women of the Year awards on April 25th at the Holiday Inn — a night of celebration, recognition and honor. The event broke records with nearly 800 members in attendance and celebrated 37 women and organizations that have demonstrated passion for their community and service to women and children, and inspired others.

Since its inception in 1973, the Women of the Year event has paid tribute to those who have shaped the Cass-Clay community. Tonya Stende, award recipient in the Community and Volunteer Service category, echoed the remarks of many recipients when she humbly shared, “Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women who have her back.”

Ticket sales and donations from the event will support the YWCA’s programs and mission to eliminate racism and empower women in the Cass-Clay community.

WOMEN of the YEAR AWARD RECIPIENTS:

Amy Jacobson, Advocating for Equality

Lisa Tate, Arts & Culture

Nancy Soyring, Business

Shannon Charpentier, Communications

Tonya Stende, Community & Volunteer Service

Jennifer Frueh, Education

Dr. Jennifer Raum, Health & Wellness

National Hospitality Services, Leader in Women’s Empowerment

Alice Christianson, Lifetime Achievement

(Florence Reed Owens)

Michelle Weber, Science & Technology

Michelle Kommer, Youth Advocacy

Fargo and West Fargo residents have long known Bonanzaville as a familyfriendly living museum open annually to the public May 1 through October 31. But it is also open year round for special events, including the popular Fourth of July fireworks show and festivities, Pioneer Days in August, and horse-drawn carriage rides during the Christmas holiday season. As North Dakota’s largest historical attraction, Bonanzaville spans more than 12 acres and showcases more than 400,000 artifacts within 43 separate buildings; all part of a living village bringing to life North Dakota’s storied pioneer and Native American history.