Title Sponsor
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Awards Celebration Tuesday, June 23, 2020
P resenti n g Sp onsors
St. Elizabeth Healthcare is proud to sponsor the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Women's Initiative Outstanding Women of NKY Awards. We congratulate all of today's honorees. Thank you for your contributions to our community and for making our region a beÂer place to live.
stelizabeth.com
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Thank you for joining us today to celebrate Northern Kentucky’s Outstanding Women. To learn more about the Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky awards program and its history, or nominate an outstanding woman for the 2021 awards , please visit our website at:
www.NKYChamber.com/OWNK
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OUR HISTORY The Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky Awards celebrates its 36th year of honoring women who exemplify notable achievement; outstanding service in their professions or to the Northern Kentucky community; and the qualities of personal integrity, perseverance, and leadership. These women — who live, work, or volunteer in Northern Kentucky — represent the great diversity and extraordinary accomplishment of today’s women. All of the honorees represent ideal role models for the young women who follow in their footsteps. The Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky Awards were established in the fall of 1984, when the late Nancy Boothe, wife of then-NKU President Leon E. Boothe, invited several faculty and staff members to a luncheon for a discussion of ways to involve more women from the Northern Kentucky area in the University community. In the spring of the following year, the first Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky Awards luncheon was held with The Kentucky Post acting as a cosponsor. Thomas More College later joined as an additional sponsor. After the newspaper closed in 2008, Toyota became the major sponsor, assumed responsibility for event production, and supported the scholarship program. With the 2014 announcement of Toyota’s headquarters consolidation and eventual relocation to Texas, the program was again in need of a champion to carry the torch. The Women’s Initiative of the NKY Chamber of Commerce has adopted this program and will continue its remarkable legacy. At the first award celebration, five women were honored. Since then, more than 190 women have been recognized for blazing trails, opening doors, or demonstrating leadership in their homes, their professions, their communities, or their state.
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TA BLE OF CONT E N TS Program Agenda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 About the Scholarship Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2020 Scholarship Recipients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Scholarship Recipients’ Biographies Savannah Buck Gateway Community & Technical College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Barbie Watkins Northern Kentucky University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Holly Jenkins Thomas More University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2020 Award Honorees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Emerging Leader Biography Laura S. Menge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Outstanding Women Honoree Biographies Lisa Cooper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Wafa Nasser, M.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Teri VonHandorf, Ed.D.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Kim M. Webb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Henrietta Cleveland Inspiring Women Honoree Kristi P. Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Honoree Tammy Weidinger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Honoring Our Past Recipients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Past Scholarship Recipients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Our Sponsors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
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EM C EE KAT HRINE NE RO Kathrine Nero is a freelance journalist and media personality with more than 20 years’ experience in the TriState. She is an award-winning news anchor and reporter who has worked in television, digital, sports, podcasting and most recently, social media. Watch her Facebook Lives for the Cincinnati Enquirer Monday thru Friday at 10am. She is a frequent contributor to the NKY Chamber, and co-hosts the Chamber’s podcast, NKY Spotlight. Kathrine lives in NKY with her husband and two daughters and – even as a transplant – is one of the area’s biggest fans.
2020 EVENT COMM IT T E E Julie Tapke - Chair
Brooke Hiltz
Robert W. Baird & Co
University of Kentucky
Mary Lynn Brunemann - Vice Chair St. Elizabeth Healthcare
Cincinnati/NKY International Airport
Gina Bath
Nicole Knasel
NKY Chamber of Commerce
Proforma N&M Communications
Chrissy Carr
Lisa Raterman
Mindy Kershner
LARaterman Associates Mitchell Insurance Agency, Inc.
Karen Cheser
Dale Silver
Fort Thomas Independent Schools
C-Forward
Lori Cox
Janice Way
Bluegrass Care Navigators
Leadership Kentucky
Monica Dias
Caroline Weltzer
E.W. Scripps, Company
Viox & Viox, Inc.
Beth Farrer
Wonda Winkler
NKY Chamber of Commerce
Brighton Center, Inc.
Blanche Gaynor Writing Enhancement Services
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PROGRAM AGENDA Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julie
Tapke
Robert W. Baird & Co.
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Kathrine Nero Emcee
Sponsor Recongnition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brent
Cooper
NKY Chamber
Committee Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shelley Funke Frommeyer FFR Wealth Team
Presentation of Scholarship Recipients . . . . . . . . . .
Kathrine Nero
President Fernando Figueroa Gateway Community & Technical College
President Ashish Vaidya Northern Kentucky University
President Joseph Chillo Thomas More University
Presentation of Honoree Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Kathrine Nero
Presentation of Henrietta Cleveland Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carri Chandler St. Elizabeth Healthcare Foundation
Closing Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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TH E NANCY JANES BO OT H E SCH OLARS HIP PRO GRA M
The education partners for the Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky are Toyota, Gateway Community & Technical College, Northern Kentucky University, and Thomas More University. Each year, Toyota and the three colleges fund one $2,000 scholarship for each school. These scholarships are designated for a deserving female college student who exhibits the same qualities as the Outstanding Women honorees. The three financial awards constitute the Nancy Janes Boothe Scholarship program, named posthumously in honor of Nancy Janes Boothe, the founder of the awards program and wife of former Northern Kentucky University president, Dr. Leon Boothe. Nancy was a lovely person and a pillar of the community. As “first lady” of Northern Kentucky University, she worked tirelessly alongside her husband to build the fledgling institution, champion education, and contribute to the community. Though not native to Northern Kentucky, Nancy and her husband established deep roots in their adopted region. At NKU, her involvement and leadership was beyond measure. Off campus, she served on the boards of the Northern Kentucky Salvation Army, Northern Kentucky Heart Association, Northern Kentucky United Way and Community Chest, and Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church. She was devoted to raising the couple’s three daughters: Cheri, Diana, and Cynthia. She was a great lady and exceptionally hard worker, with a naturally generous spirit. Shortly before the Boothes moved to Northern Kentucky, Nancy was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. For many years she felt no affects of the disease, but as her symptoms mounted, she was open about her diagnosis. But she never let it slow her down. Her goal, according to her husband, was ‘’to live life to its fullest and to be with people.’’ Like so many of her other goals, it was one she met with seeming ease.
Nancy Janes Boothe: a determined leader, a phenomenal volunteer, a gracious friend. Outstanding indeed.
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2020 SCHOLARSHIP RECIP IE N TS Funded By:
Savannah Buck
Barbie Watkins
Holly Jenkins
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2020 NANCY JANES BOOTHE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT G AT E WAY CO M M U N I T Y & T EC H N I C A L CO L L EG E
Savannah Buck Savannah Buck is the Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky Nancy Jane Boothe Scholarship recipient for 2020. A student studying Human Services at Gateway Community and Technical College, Savannah has overcome several challenges and gone on to achieve success worthy of this award. A peer mentor in the Student Services department at Gateway (where she helps fellow students access resources to ensure academic success), Savannah was also appointed to serve as Student Representative to Gateway’s Board of Directors. The role finds her gaining formal experience in coordinating and developing strategic plans to promote the college’s role to her constituents. Additionally, Savannah is a participant in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System Student Leadership Academy and a certified oncall volunteer hospital advocate for the Women’s Crisis Center of Northern Kentucky. The latter service stems from inspiration from her 5-year-old son and her family, and a strong desire to make a difference in the community. She cites losing her mother a few months before her 16th birthday for sparking her desire to work in social work; she also finds inspiration to help others in older sister Danielle, who at just 21 years old, adopted her after having already adopted her four sisters - all of whom were younger than 10 at the time. “I’m very honored to have been selected for this scholarship and to be considered an outstanding woman in my community. Without the support that I have received from my older sister Danielle, and my wonderful boyfriend Austin, I don’t think I would have made it this far in my academic journey. I would also like to thank Denise Critchelow, Sarah Young, and Christina Powers for encouraging me and believing in me throughout my journey at Gateway.” Gateway Community & Technical College is proud to recognize Savannah Buck as the 2020 Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky scholarship recipient.
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2020 NANCY JANES BOOTHE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT N O RT H E R N K E N T UCKY UN I VERS I TY
Barbie Watkins Barbie Watkins is a dedicated public servant with the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati (MSDGC) where she works as an environmental laboratory analyst of water quality. She credits her success at MSDGC and gaining skills in testing techniques, analytical procedures and resolving challenges—a result of the people she works with—for helping her learn from their professionalism and approach to serving the public. She cites the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic as the catalyst for recently re-affirming these core values as much as her innate devotion to chemistry itself. Set to complete her bachelor of science at Northern Kentucky University in the spring of 2021, Barbie was recently awarded the Analytic Chemistry Award by the university’s Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry. In her spare time, Barbie enjoys swimming, writing and recording music. “First, I would like to sincerely thank the Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky committee and the NKY Chamber of Commerce Women’s Initiative. To be acknowledged by this committee (everyone involved) and mentioned with the current recipients and the legacies of those of the past is truly humbling. I would also like to extend my sincerest appreciation to my advisor, Dr. Ball, Northern Kentucky University, specifically, President Vaidya for their continued support and encouragement of students. Additionally, I would like to recognize all of my co-workers with MSDGC. They have all played an integral part in my professional growth. Finally, I would like to thank my mother. Although, we are all standing on the shoulders of heroic women who have come before, my personal journey of understanding the power of advocacy, resilience and service began with her love and wisdom. Again, I am honored and humbled by this scholarship recognition.” Northern Kentucky University is proud to recognize Barbie Watkins as the 2020 Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky scholarship recipient.
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2020 NANCY JANES BOOTHE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT T HO M AS M O R E UN IV E RS I TY
Holly Jenkins Holly Jenkins is the founder and CEO of Restart Your Life, Inc., a coaching firm specializing in personal and professional development. She is also an author and filmmaker whose works under Restart’s Jade Six Media division have helped propel her to appearances as an expert on issues of childhood sexual abuse on both national radio and television. She is exceptionally proud of her documentary film Empty Closets – In Honor of Those Left Behind, which highlights the lingering devastation homicide leaves on individuals, families
and communities. Her love of learning and education has compelled her to work as a reading tutor for kindergarten through college-age students as well as become a certified English as a second language (ESL) instructor. This is also why Holly will graduate this August with a degree in business management from Thomas More University after pausing her own academic pursuits to raise her family and see them through school. Having earned Dean’s List honors each semester of her college career, she has already registered to begin her pursuit of a second degree in Ethical Leadership this fall. An avid reader, she finds balance in her life by practicing transcendental meditation, cooking and volunteering at her church’s Sunday school. “I am honored to be selected for this award and wish to thank Thomas More University’s TAP staff for their support and guidance. My family and friends have all been outstanding cheerleaders. I wish to thank them individually and collectively for their love and motivation.”
Thomas More University is proud to recognize Holly Jenkins as the 2020 Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky scholarship recipient.
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2020 AWARD RECIPIENTS 2020 Emerging Leader Honoree
Laura S. Meng e
2020 Outstanding Women Honorees
Lisa Cooper Wafa Nasser, M.D. Teri VonHandorf, Ed.D. Kim M. Webb 2020 Henrietta Cleveland Inspiring Women Honoree
Kristi P. N e l so n
2020 Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Honoree
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OU TSTA ND IN G WO M E N O F N O RT HERN KENTUCKY 2020 EM E RGIN G L E A D E R HONOREE
Laura S. Menge Laura S. Menge is a Senior Philanthropic Advisor at the Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF), where she works to help generous individuals, families and companies achieve charitable goals through lifetime giving and estate plans. She leads the Northern Kentucky Family of Funds, through which the past two decades has seen that more than $40 million has been granted in support of nonprofits and communities throughout the region. A Rhode Island native who moved to Cincinnati in 2012, Laura is focused on promoting philanthropy and vibrancy of the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region. This is evident in both her past efforts as a member of the 2015 Leadership Northern Kentucky class and current work as its 2020 Chair. In addition, she leads Impact 100’s Charlotte R. Schmidlapp Young Philanthropist Scholarship Program and serves on several boards/ committees. These include: The Renaissance Covington Board, the St. Elizabeth Planned Giving Committee and the Historic Licking Riverside Civic Association Executive Committee. Laura has also co-chaired the St. Elizabeth Young Patrons Guild, chaired the Junior League of Cincinnati Transfer Committee and taken home the fundraising trophy at the 2019 “Dancing with Children’s Law Center Stars” event. (She was also a competitor at the event.) She now happily lives in Covington. “What an incredible honor and joy to stand among these women and to be part of the legacy of this program. In this region I have found such a wealth of opportunities, experiences, and friendships – I feel lucky to have landed here. My heartfelt gratitude goes to my team at GCF, my LNK family, and all the friends who joined me for long talks and walks as we muscled through this past spring, together.”
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OU TSTA ND IN G WO M E N O F N O RT HERN KENTUCKY 2020 O U TSTAN D IN G WO M A N HONOREE
Lisa Cooper Lisa Cooper is the Executive Director of the Northern Kentucky Area Development District (NKADD), where she works to carry out the agency’s mission of serving the region in three key areas: community development, human services and workforce development. Before becoming Executive Director in 2011, Lisa served as a Public Administration Specialist and the Associate Director for Community Development for NKADD, specializing in human resources, training, regional planning, ethics and local government issues. Away from NKADD, she spends her time in active leadership roles throughout her native Northern Kentucky with leadership roles in several local, state and national organizations. These include the Kentucky Area Development District Directors, the National Association of Development Organizations and the Fort Thomas Education Foundation. Receiving her bachelor of business administration degree from the University of Kentucky, she also has a master of public administration degree from Northern Kentucky University. She lives in Fort Thomas with her two daughters Sydney and Emma.
“I have been blessed in so many ways, and am grateful to all who help me each and every day. My parents, Jack and Lola Bramble, are amazing and supportive in more ways than I can convey. My daughters, Sydney and Emma, are my rocks and my inspiration. I am also very fortunate to have an outstanding network of board members, staff, friends and colleagues who are supportive on so many levels. Thank you to all who continue to work with me every day to serve this great community we call home.”
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OU TSTA ND IN G WO M E N O F N O RT HERN KENTUCKY 2020 O U TSTAN D IN G WO M A N HONOREE
Wafa Nasser, M.D. An independent woman who, by her own admission, takes life’s challenges headon, Wafa J. Nasser has practiced pediatric medicine in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region for more than 30 years. Immigrating to the United States from Lebanon with her family at age 6, she finished her studies at the West Virginia University School of Medicine despite having to overcome an incurable and progressive disease: muscular dystrophy. Graduating from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital’s Medical Center’s residency program in 1984, Wafa has practiced medicine for 30 years in Northern Kentucky, 22 of which have been at her own practice, The Whole Child Pediatrics. Wafa acknowledges she would not enjoy the life she has without the support of her friends and family, especially when she suffered a personal health crisis that landed her in intensive care in August 2019. They have remained by her side as she deals with battling the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic. “I have been privileged to take care of thousands of children, getting to know them and their parents as if they were part of my family. It was fun over the years making children feel better when they’re sick, teaching them healthy habits and seeing them grow from newborns to young adults. Children are joyful, energetic, eternally optimistic and resilient. I thank them and their families for the joy they have given me these many years.”
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OU TSTA ND IN G WO M E N O F N O RT HERN KENTUCKY 2020 O U TSTAN D IN G WO M A N HONOREE
Teri VonHandorf, Ed.D. Teri VonHandorf has dedicated 25 years to being an educator, the last 19 of which have been spent at Gateway Community and Technical College. Beginning her Gateway career in 2001 as an Adult Education instructor, her tenure has seen her serve in a variety of capacities including: Developmental math professor, a Division Chair and Associate Provost before taking on her current role as Provost and Chief Academic Officer. A lifelong Northern Kentucky resident, Teri’s original career goal was to teach middle school math, leading her to attend Northern Kentucky University (NKU), where she earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in education. She would follow this by going on to also earn her Ph.D. from NKU in Educational Leadership. An unexpected opportunity, however, led to her teaching adults—and the realization she had discovered her life’s work. This is why Gateway’s annual commencement ceremony is now her favorite day of the year as graduation marks a new beginning in the lives of all those embarking on a new earned path. She also finds time to work as an instructor at the Life Learning Center and mentor at her high school alma mater, Notre Dame Academy. Teri is grateful for the mission-driven work she gets to do as well as all the amazing faculty, staff and students at Gateway. She is likewise eternally grateful for the blessing of a wonderful family—her husband, Jack and children Drew and Kylie—and good friends. “Congratulations to all the honorees and thank you to the Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky Committee and the NKY Chamber and the Women’s Initiative for the recognition and celebration! It is truly an honor and humbling experience to be included amongst this group of outstanding women.”
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OU TSTA ND IN G WO M E N O F N O RT HERN KENTUCKY 2020 O U TSTAN D IN G WO M A N HONOREE
Kim M. Webb Kim Webb is the Executive Director of the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky, a position reflective of her dedication to her work in both non-profit industry and community-based organizations. Working tirelessly to assist and provide the homeless population with shelter and other life necessities, Webb’s personal and professional life-calling is the same: To advocate for and educate the public about the needs and rights of the homeless. This is what drives her to seek state and locallyfunded programs to assist the homeless and to provide them with self-sufficient skills to aid their hopeful return to housing stability. In addition to the Emergency Shelter, Kim serves on the Safety Net Alliance Steering Committee, the Kentucky Interagency Council on Homelessness and the local Continuum of Care (CoC). Her dedication to her cause is epitomized in her leadership motto: “Managers do things right. Leaders do the right thing.” Vice president of her Leadership Northern Kentucky (LNK) class of 2017, Kim continues to serve on its Alumni Committee and its Economic Day Development Committee. She has been quoted and recognized as a thought leader in the national media; likewise, she has acted as a presenter for national webinars about homelessness. She is a Governors Commonwealth Institute of Parent Leadership 2013 Fellow and serves and helped to start the Parent Teacher Student Association at Boone County High School. “I am blessed to have a position where my purpose and passion connect. Thank you to my husband, Marc, for believing in me. To my children Kyle, Katie and AJ for allowing me to champion for others that do not have the same opportunities you do. Also, to my sister, Tina, for being my first friend and my best friend. I am who I am and where I am due to a strong network of women who inspire me every day.”
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Kristi P. Nelson Kristi Nelson is Vice President of Global Human Resources and General Counsel for Multi-Color Corporation, a position in which she is responsible for overall management of human capital and legal affairs. Given its approximately 10,000 employees and manufacturing facilities in 26 countries, the Cincinnati-based company is one of the largest label solutions leaders in the world. Her professional work follows her extensive education, having earned an undergraduate degree from Arizona State University, a juris doctorate from Northern Kentucky University’s Salmon P. Chase College of Law and is admitted to both the Kentucky and Ohio bars. Volunteerism and community work are staples of this Northern Kentucky native’s life given her innate sense of responsibility to “pay it forward” and uplift others in the community. Kristi’s work away from the corporate world is just as rich as she currently serves on the boards of several local organizations, including: The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, the Northern Kentucky Convention Center Corporation and the Northern Kentucky University Foundation. Additionally, she is an advocate for Northern Kentucky Children’s Advocacy Center and co-chairs the St. Elizabeth Foundation’s capital campaign for its new state-of-the-art cancer center, a cause to which she is personally invested. These are among the reasons she is proud to be the 2020 recipient of the Henrietta Cleveland Inspiring Women award. “Henrietta Cleveland refused to allow death and despair to define her. Through faith in God, Henrietta emerged from great personal loss with a renewed sense of purpose: To establish a hospital in Covington to fulfill unmet needs. We celebrate Henrietta’s legacy and her influential role as creator of St. Elizabeth Healthcare. It is an honor to be recognized as the 2020 recipient of the Henrietta Cleveland Inspiring Women award. May my gratitude be best expressed through my actions and ardent support for St. Elizabeth’s advancement of comprehensive cancer care in our region.”
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OU TSTA ND IN G WO M E N O F N O RT HERN KENTUCKY 2020 JUD IT H CL A BES L IFETI ME ACH IEV E ME N T H O N O REE
Tammy Weidinger Tammy Weidinger is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Brighton Center, Inc., a community-based agency working to create opportunities for both individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency through support services, education, employment and leadership. Beginning her career at Brighton Center in 1981 providing emergency assistance services for local families, Tammy’s career has expanded to work on several community initiatives including Family Resource Centers, P-14 Education and 2Gen Practice. She is also the President and CEO of Brighton Properties, Inc., whose mission is to assist people in obtaining self-sufficiency by developing housing opportunities; Tammy also helped develop transformational programs such as the Brighton Recovery Center for Women and the Northern Kentucky Scholar House. “ Away from the Brighton Center, she is involved with many community organizations including: The Federal Home Loan Bank’s Affordable Housing Advisory Council, the Kentucky Housing Corporation’s Board of Directors, Success by Six, the Women’s Crisis Center Board of Directors, the Newport Business Association Board and the Health Collaborative.
“I didn’t know the first day I walked into Brighton Center that I would spend my entire career there—I didn’t know I would fall in love with the work, the people, the community—but that’s exactly what happened. I have loved the opportunity to create innovative programs, the privilege of collaborating with incredible people and the perspective that comes with knowing people on all kinds of journeys in this life. Careers begin and end with family—I’m grateful for my grandmother and mother (two strong, hard-working, independent women), the love and support of my husband, Ken, and the inspiration of our children Sarah and Eli, who have fulfilled my dreams by making me a grandmother!”
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Sandra Easton Vanda Langham Mary Miller Vesta Moore Naomi Turner
Kathleen Collins Elizabeth Herald Alice Lambert Tina Moore Ann Richards
Elizabeth “Betty� Bernard Barbara Black Juanita Mills Patricia Summe Dianne B. Yelton
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Betty Daniels Garnet Grant Karen Malott Cheryl McDaniel Pat Sommerkamp
Claudia Branham Michelle Budzek Bennie Doggett Patricia Deanna Skees Carol L. Woodyard
Lauren Abel Barbara J. Martin Irene Patrick Alice Sparks Janice Way
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Nancy Barone Sister Alice Gerdeman Dale Meyer Marie Weber Judy Moberly West
Mary B. Blake Marie Cannon Sister Mary Dorgan Lois Jean Lambers Rosalie Rothfuss
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Rita Bardo Kim Brooks Angela Casanova Patricia Fann Jan Gerding
Dr. Julia Hudson Carter Beth Fennell Elizabeth Grause Esther Johnson Mary Middleton
1988 Woman of Distinction Award Governor Martha Layne Collins
1994 Founders Award Nancy Janes Boothe
1989 Martha Bunch Kathleen Finck Arlene Gibeau Pamela Mullins Betty Zimmer
1 990 Sister W. Burkhard Helen Ernst Linda Verst Edwina Walker Fran Zaniello
19 95 Virginia Clare Katherine Meyer Jayne Morgenthal Gayle Payne Mary Ann Plummer
19 96 Dr. Susan K. Cook Betty Cottingham Helen Cummins Bert Huff Cathy Kunkel-Mains
Dr. Joyce J. Fortney Bari L. Joslyn Dr. Rosetta J. Mauldin Charlene R. Palmer, P.E.
2001 Barbara Dahlenburg Bonar Mary A. Hemmer Mary Northington Ginger O. Paul Martha Snider
2002 Ruth Bauman Kit Hammons Alice Kennelly Roberts Dr. Angela Taylor Nancy J. Tretter
2003 Karen L. Collins Brenda J. Sparks Sandra J.H. Strauss Gail W. Wells Nancy Ziegler Trailblazer Award Rosana Aydt & Mary Beth Beimesch
19 97 Linda S. Allen Ann Haegele Sister Juanita Nadicksbernd Margo Otto Laura Thomson
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Judith G. Clabes Dr. Terri Cox-Cruey Mary Jo Davis Judith G. Gibbons Sara L. Sidebottom
25th Year Celebration
Lifetime Advocate Award Hannah Hume Baird
20 0 5 Sister Mary Luann Bender Helen Marie Carroll Betty Timon Rosa Weaver Diane Ewing Whalen Humanitarian Award Julie Geisen Scheper
20 0 6 Kimberly Banta Julie Boudousquie Jane Meier Cheryl Rushing Grace Wilson Emerging Leader Award Donna Bloemer
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Barbara Moran Johnson Janet Roessler Scanlon Outstanding Women of Dale J. Silver Northern Kentucky A wards Judge Karen A. Thomas Rachael Winters
2010 Sister Janet Bucher Karen Finan Sister Jean Marie Hoffman Judge Joy Moore Lisa Raterman Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award Nancy Winstel Emerging Leader Award Peggy Casey
2011 Jill Bailey Sarah Hughes Leshia Lyman Marianne Schmidt Hurtt Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award Judi Gerding Emerging Leader Award Kara Clark Williams
2012
Ruth Eger Nancy Kinman Rebecca Moening Chris Vissman Rachel Votruba
Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award Sister Margaret Stallmeyer, CDP Henrietta Cleveland Inspiring Women Award Mary Bunning
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30th Year Celebration Cindy Carris Jeanne Schroer Debbie Simpson Jeanne-Marie Tapke, PhD Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award Bennie Doggett Emerging Leader Award Crystal Gibson Henrietta Cleveland Inspiring Women Award Christina Rust, MSN
Lisa Cooney Henderson Justice Michelle Keller Rhonda Whitaker Shelli Wilson
Helen Carroll Lifetime Leader in Education Award Polly Lusk Page
Emerging Leader Award Carri Chandler
Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award Charlotte Wethington
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Emerging Leader Award Amber Decker
Sherry Carran Laura Cook Beth Penn Kelly Schoening
Henrietta Cleveland Inspiring Women Award Lynne Saddler, MD, MPH
S.O.A.R. Emerging Leader Award Johnna Reeder
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Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award Donna Salyers Emerging Leader Award Claire E. Parsons Sharmili Reddy
Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award Judy Clements
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2019
Kim Halbauer Laurie Risch Stacy Tapke Wonda Winkler
Geralyn Isler Barbara Stewart Jessica Taylor Caroline Weltzer
Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award Molly Navin
Emerging Leader Award Holly Mazzocca
Emerging Leader Award Serena Owen
Helen Carroll Champion of Education Award Laura Koehl
Helen Carroll Champion of Education Award Sue Sorrell
Henrietta Cleveland Inspiring Women Award Eva G. Farris
Henrietta Cleveland Inspiring Women Award Julie Dusing
20 17 Maryanne McGowan Gabrielle Summe Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award Linda M. Young Helen Carroll Champion of Education Award Kathleen Burkhardt, Ed.D. Emerging Leader Award Katie Meyer Henrietta Cleveland Inspiring Women Award Joan Tepe Wurtenberger
20 18 Dr. Julie Metzger Aubuchon, O.D. Florence Tandy Alecia Webb-Edgington Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award Sr. Mary Ethel Parrott, SND Helen Carroll Champion of Education Award Kathleen Reutman Bryant Emerging Leader Award Kristen Smitherman-Voltaire Henrietta Cleveland Inspiring Women Award Rep. Kimberly Poore Moser
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PA S T S C H O L A R S H I P W I N N E R S
2008
2014
Teri Meyer
Betty Pack
Gateway Community & Technical College
Gateway Community & Technical College
Lori Knapp Cromer
Melissa Tatum
Northern Kentucky University
Northern Kentucky University
Jeannie Yates Voges
Melisa AlJamal
Thomas More College
Thomas More College
2009
2015
Tracy Shirden
Christina Hicks
Gateway Community & Technical College
Gateway Community & Technical College
Glenda Faye Cromer Jordan
Shannon Lackey
Northern Kentucky University
Northern Kentucky University
Rebecca Rae Burton
Tonya Hash
Thomas More College
Thomas More College
2010
2016
Julie Elbert
Lora Jones
Gateway Community & Technical College
Gateway Community & Technical College
Heidi Glaub
Kathleen Durchholz-Biggs
Northern Kentucky University
Northern Kentucky University
Paula Lynn Rudicill-Vaske
Melanie Johnson
Thomas More College
Thomas More College
2011
2017
Christy Booth
Leigh Ann Hoskins
Gateway Community & Technical College
Betty Jo Cope
Gateway Community & Technical College
Victoria Boerger
Northern Kentucky University
Northern Kentucky University
Michele Joyce Beier
Laura Berkemeier
Thomas More College
Thomas More College
2012
2018
Melissa Anne Howell
Marsha White
Gateway Community & Technical College
Jennifer Lee Klein
Kimberly Masco
Northern Kentucky University
Northern Kentucky University
Margaret Perrino
Mirtha Vasallo
Thomas More College
Thomas More College
2019
2013
Rebecca Wolfe
Sara Marie Foster Gateway Community & Technical College
Jeanne Coyle Northern Kentucky University
Tamara Pitts
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Gateway Community & Technical College
Emily Lowe Northern Kentucky University
Patti Watters Thomas More University
Thomas More College
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Congratulations to our honorees!
2020 Outstanding Woman of NKY Honoree
2020 Nancy Janes Boothe Scholarship
Teri VonHandorf, Ed.D. Provost & VP of Academic Affairs
Savannah Buck Human Services Student
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE YOU GATEWAY.KCTCS.EDU/YOU
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Imagine a Financial Partner You Can Trust Families and businesses have relied on our financial advice and services since 1919. And because Baird is employee-owned, you can trust we’re focused on only your best interests. Trey Tapke Julie Tapke Larry Gerwe
Mickey Fritz Michael Dempsey Ellen Haskell
909 Wrights Summit Pkwy, Ste. 300 Fort Wright, KY 41011 859-815-6800 . 800-558-7275 ©2020 Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated. Member SIPC. MC-430788.
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More About CONNECT GROW ACHIEVE The Northern Kentucky Chamber started the Women’s Initiative in 2008, and it continues to be the fastest growing area of the NKY Chamber. The NKY Chamber Women’s Initiative is committed to helping area employers meet the rising professional development goals for their employees. The Women’s Initiative, sponsored by PNC, is the leading organization for women of all career stages working toward business and professional success. It was created to inspire area businesswomen in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati to connect, grow and achieve.
Outstanding Women of NKY
Monthly CONNECT Hour This networking event for women only is held the last Monday of every month.
Annual Breakfast Our largest event features a keynote speaker, who will share her story of professional achievement.
Golf Outing & Golf Clinic This great day of fun and networking with other professional women.
GROW Mentoring Program Enables a pair to meet for a one-on-one relationship for career growth over the period of one year. Now accepting applications.
Professional Series Two events featuring various business related topics, held in the spring and fall.
Peer-to-Peer Roundtable Program Groups of 8–10 women from different industries and career status meet once a month to support each other in a productive, confidential setting. Now accepting applications.
Engagement Committee Assist with the recruitment and engagement of women in the Women’s Initiative program. For more information: NKYChamber.com/WomensInitiative To get involved with Women’s Initiative, complete the interest form at: NKYChamber.com/WIConnectGrowAchieve
Regional Summit The premier day-long conference for professional women.
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Sponsored by This award program recognizes women who show outstanding service to their professions and their community.
For a list of upcoming events: NKYChamber.com/events
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Recognizing your accomplishments. And all they’ve meant to the Northern Kentucky community.
PNC is proud to sponsor the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Women’s Initiative and to recognize the 2020 Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky honorees. Thank you for taking the steps that help our community make strides.
©2020 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PNC Bank, National Association. Member FDIC CON PDF 0618-0106
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At the NKY Chamber Our mission is to promote and support the development of strong businesses and a vibrant economy. We care about all businesses, small or large, and how this crisis affects them. Our number one priority is to help our members navigate these uncertain times. As an organization, we have worked side-by-side with local businesses for 50 years, and we’ll continue to be here to encourage your success and provide you with valuable resources to aid you through this difficult time.
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Let our team help your team Humana can help give your workplace a healthy boost
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OU R GENEROUS S PO N SO R S Title Sponsor
Silver Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Education Par tners
Media Par tner
Corporate Sponsors BB&T - Truist • Brighton Center, Inc. Cincinnati/NKY International Airport • Duke Energy Gateway Community & Technical College • Greater Cincinnati Foundation • Northern Kentucky University • Renaissance Covington Republic Bank • Transitions Inc. • Viox & Viox, Inc. Writing Enhancement Services, LLC • YMCA of Greater Cincinnati
MISSION Provide the opportunities for women to CONNECT, GROW and ACHIEVE in business.
VISION To be the premier organization in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati for professional women.
#ConnectGrowAchieve NKYChamber.com/WomensInitiative
If you would like to be involved with Women’s Initiative, please contact Gina Bath at gbath@NKYChamber.com OR complete the Women’s Initiative Interest form at www.NKYChamber.com/WIConnectGrowAchieve.
Celebrating the Distinguished Leadership of This Year’s Honorees These extraordinary women inspire us all with their commitment to service, integrity and leadership. Everyone at Custom Design Benefits is grateful for the positive example you set for the community and for us as a woman-owned business.
Congratulations to These Outstanding Women! LISA COOPER
LAURA S. MENGE
Northern Kentucky Area Development District
Greater Cincinnati Foundation
WAFA NASSER, M.D.
KRISTI P. NELSON
TERI VONHANDORF, ED.D.
TAMMY WEIDINGER
The Whole Child Pediatrics, PSC
Gateway Technical & Community College
Multi-Color Corporation
Brighton Center, Inc.
KIM M. WEBB
Emergency Shelter of NKY
Custom Design Benefits is the area’s largest, full service Third-Party Administrator. We are committed to delivering innovative, self-funded cost-containment health benefits solutions and personalized customer service to fit the needs of your business.
Innovative Cost Containment Solutions for Employee Benefits
OU TSTA ND I N G W O M E N O F N O R T H E R N| 800.598.2929 KE N T U C KY 513.598.2929 | www.CustomDesignBenefits.com
