2021 Outstanding Women of NKY Program Booklet by Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce

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Title Sponsor

Awards Celebration Tuesday, June 8, 2021

St. Elizabeth Healthcare is a proud sponsor of Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky. We would like to congratulate our very own Susan McDonald and Lee Ann Ernst in addition to all of today’s award recipients for their tremendous dedication to our region and its future.

stelizabeth.com

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Thank you for joining us today to celebrate Northern Kentucky’s Outstanding Women. To see photos and learn more about the Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky awards program and its history, or nominate an outstanding woman for the 2022 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 37th 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 200 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 B LE OF CONT ENTS About the Scholarship Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2021 Nancy Janes Boothe Scholarship Recipients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Jean Schirtzinger Gateway Community & Technical College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Chandra Huff Northern Kentucky University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Anissa Bradley Thomas More University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2021 Award Honorees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Emerging Leader Honoree Rachel DesRochers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Outstanding Women of NKY Honorees Danielle Amrine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Nancy Grayson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Helen Carroll Champion of Education Honoree Irene Encarnación . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Henrietta Cleveland Inspiring Women Honoree Lee Ann Ernst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Honoree Susan McDonald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Honoring Our Past Recipients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Past Scholarship Recipients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Women’s Initiative Program Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 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 Tri-State. 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-Friday at 10am. She is a frequent contributor to the NKY Chamber, and co-hosts the Chamber’s podcast, NKY Spotlight, on Facebook Live, Monday’s at 4pm. Kathrine lives in NKY with her husband and two daughters and, even as a transplant, is one of the area’s biggest fans.

2021 EVENT COMM IT T E E Mary Lynn Brunemann - Chair St. Elizabeth Healthcare

Lisa Raterman LARaterman Associates

Gina Bath NKY Chamber of Commerce

Sharmili Reddy Planning & Development Services of Kenton County

Karen Cheser Fort Thomas Independent Schools Dawnielle Foussard NKY Chamber of Commerce Blanche Gaynor Writing Enhancement Services Brooke Hiltz University of Kentucky Mindy Kershner Cincinnati/NKY International Airport Katie Meyer Cincinnati Bell

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Dale Silver C-Forward Julie Tapke Robert W. Baird & Co Janice Way Leadership Kentucky Victoria Wells City of Florence, Kentucky Caroline Weltzer Viox & Viox, Inc. Wonda Winkler Brighton Center

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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 2021 Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky honorees. Thank you for taking the steps that help our community make strides.

TH E NANCY JANES BO OT H E SCH O LARS 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, championing education, and contributing 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. She never let it slow her down. Her goal, according to her husband, was to ‘’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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Jean Schirtzinger Gateway Community & Technical College

Chandra Huff Northern Kentucky University

Anissa Bradley Thomas More University

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Jean Schirtzinger Jean Schirtzinger is the 2021 Nancy Janes Boothe Scholarship recipient for Gateway Community and Technical College. If her dedication to making a difference throughout Northern Kentucky wasn’t enough, her personal journey to overcoming adversity illustrates what being outstanding is all about. A married mother of two, Jean and her family have spent countless hours volunteering their time and resources to Family Promise, an organization that helps homeless families stay together while getting back on their feet. In addition to serving in a leadership role for Family Promise, Jean has volunteered at the Mary Rose Mission, Rose Garden Home Mission, and Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky. She also belongs to a group that creates hand-made prayer shawls for service members. At age 43, Jean overcame her biggest personal challenge to date, beating cancer. She underwent surgery and completed chemotherapy, all while continuing her volunteer work. Now, Jean is following her passion of helping children and is following her dream of becoming a teacher. She is pursuing this dream with distinction carrying a 4.0 grade point average in Gateway’s Early Childhood Education associate degree program. She plans to transfer to Northern Kentucky University for her bachelor’s degree in Education. “I am truly honored to receive the Outstanding Women of NKY Award and (am) most grateful for the scholarship. The scholarship will help me financially, to reach my lifetime dream of becoming an early childhood educator,” said Jean Schirtzinger. “As an educator it will become my personal goal to help make sure that even our youngest children have their basic life-sustaining necessities met at home. Since I have volunteered in our local communities with the homeless, it will become my goal to teach tolerance and acceptance towards others in my classroom.”

Gateway Community & Technical College is proud to recognize Jean Schirtzinger as the 2021 Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky Nancy Janes Boothe Scholarship recipient.

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Chandra Huff Chandra Huff is the 2021 Nancy Janes Boothe Scholarship Recipient for Northern Kentucky University (NKU). Beginning her college academic career as a Gateway2NKU student – a dual-admissions partnership between Gateway Community & Technical College and NKU. Chandra is studying to become a social worker. By simply looking at the accolades she has already achieved, it’s easy to see why she is more than deserving of this year’s Nancy Janes Boothe Scholarship and is well on her way to achieving her career goals. Earning her Associate of Applied Science in Human Services at Gateway with her Associate of Arts in Dec. 2019 and June 2020, respectively, Chandra utilized her time at the institution to serve others in many ways. She volunteered as a peer mentor to help students in a variety of ways addressing issues such as housing concerns, daycare, and food instability. This is in addition to making the Dean’s List each semester, serving as a member of Gateway’s suicide prevention team Project Care, volunteering at Brighton Center, and interning at the Homeward Bound Shelter in Covington. A mother of three, Chandra is dedicated to ensuring children who have been labeled as having disabilities, be they of a learning or physical nature, have the same opportunities to succeed as everyone else. “When I was very young, I was diagnosed with a mental disorder…Being labeled as a young child can affect the outcome of your whole life – I would know. As I go through life, I have to defy my mind and realize that I can do things that this label makes me think I am not capable of,” Chandra Huff says. “I chose to earn a degree to have the opportunity to help as many children as I can to know that a label does not define who they are … I hope to start a ripple effect of possibilities that may never end. You are not what people label you. Instead, you are what you make of yourself.”

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Anissa Bradley Anissa Bradley is the 2021 Nancy Janes Boothe Scholarship Recipient for Thomas More University. The scholarship is presented in recognition of her outstanding achievement both academically at Thomas More and in recognition of her community service. Graduating the 2021-22 academic year as a double major in English and Communications, Anissa has the respect and admiration of many of her professors. According to her nominator, “Anissa is a young woman with a purpose, not just for herself, but (also) her young son and for the good of society as a whole. She will be an amazing ambassador for Kentucky, for young women, and for Thomas More University.” Anissa’s commitment to helping and making a better life for others extends far beyond her reach as a single parent and college student. While COVID-19 did not allow for many volunteer opportunities in the past year, Anissa has remained steadfast in her mission of giving back. This includes participating in former Ohio State Senator Eric Kearney’s Walk for Children’s Health from Cincinnati to Columbus, launching a service event with the American Breast Cancer Society, delivering meals on wheels to senior citizens during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, and volunteering for Toys for Tots. “I received this amazing news on my birthday,” Anissa Bradley said. ”It was the icing on the cake (pun intended). My son then woke me up screaming joyfully, ‘Happy Birthday, mommy!’ which also served as confirmation that God was working for our good. To that end, receiving the Thomas More University Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky Scholarship award was a tremendous blessing in more ways than one. For that, I am truly honored!” Thomas More University is proud to recognize Anissa Bradley as the 2021 Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky Nancy Janes Boothe Scholarship recipient. OU TSTA ND I N G

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2021 AWARD HONO R E ES 2021 Emerging Leader Honoree

Rachel DesRoche rs 2021 Outstanding Women of NKY Honorees

Danielle Amrine Nancy Grayson 2021 Helen Carroll Champion of Education Honoree Presented by: St. Elizabeth Healthcare

Irene Encarnación 2021 Henrietta Cleveland Inspiring Women Honoree

Lee Ann Ernst 2021 Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Honoree

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Rachel DesRochers More than a decade ago, Rachel DesRochers began her journey as an entrepreneur and has since seen her passion grow into a thriving business that shares encouraging messages of gratitude. When Rachel created her company, Grateful Grahams, in 2010, she was a new mother who had recently been laid off. She stepped up for her family and her hard work paid off. Today, Grateful Grahams bakes more than 14,000 cookies a week and can be found at Kroger among other retailers throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. In 2013, wanting to create a shared kitchen space to support entrepreneurs with an affordable, comprehensive approach, Rachel founded the Incubator Kitchen Collective. To date, the nonprofit organization has grown to three locations and helped more than 120 small businesses flourish. Her goal? To not only provide a kitchen in which food start-ups could rent space, but to build a community where they could learn, share, and grow. If that’s not enough, Rachel decided to start her own podcast and created the well-followed “Kitchen Conv,” which features conversations with food professionals from around the region. Her next project is the “In Gratitude” podcast. In February 2017, the City of Newport dedicated a Proclamation Day – “The Gratitude Collective Day” – to honor all of Rachel’s work. “I am honored to be recognized as the Outstanding Women of NKY Emerging Leader,” Rachel DesRochers said. “Thanks to the support of the NKY Chamber, our community and my great team for this award, for which I am grateful.”

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Danielle Amrine Danielle Amrine has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Welcome House of Northern Kentucky since July 2017 and has worked tirelessly to execute her organization’s mission to end homelessness in Northern Kentucky. Her passion to help others has driven her career working in the non-profit sector and has helped her prepare to lead Welcome House in its quest to promote stability, one person at a time. Those who know Danielle are in awe of her energy, passion, honesty and intelligence. Her leadership has had a positive impact on Welcome House. Under Danielle’s guidance, Welcome House has seen significant growth that has increased the number of clients the organization can now serve. It’s no surprise that the pandemic has had a major impact on homelessness in the region. Danielle has not backed down from this challenge; rather, she has marshalled resources to serve the community’s most vulnerable population while strategically planning for the future. Away from the office, Danielle’s community mindedness spills over to include serving as a youth sports coach and volunteering with local animal rescues. She was recognized as a finalist for the Cincinnati Business Courier 2020 C-Suite CEO of the Year award and Welcome House captured the 2020 Nonprofit of the Year award from Cincy Magazine. “I’m terrible at accepting praise and normally respond with hilariously selfdeprecating retorts,” said Danielle Amrine. “However, the OWNK award is about as good as it gets, and I’m honored to be recognized with such an amazing group of women, both past and present.”

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Nancy Grayson An independent woman, Nancy Grayson has served as the President of Horizon Community Funds (HCF) since its inception in 2017. Given her long-standing service to the community and commitment to improving the region, her dedication to bettering the lives of others should come as a surprise to no one. Nancy supports several organizations dedicated to improving education, promoting healthy family relationships, and preserving both Kentucky’s natural resources and history. She currently serves on the Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky Advisory Council, Endow Kentucky Commission, Kentucky Philanthropy Initiative Board of Directors, United Way Northern Kentucky Action Council, and is the chair of the Metropolitan Club Board of Governors. This tireless service has resulted in several awards, including a 2018 Newsmaker Award from the Northern Kentucky Tribune and Cincy Magazine naming her as part of its “Power 100” in 2020 and 2021. The Restaurant Relief Fund, a joint project of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Northern Kentucky Tri-ED, and HCF, proved why her work is so worthy of recognition. The fund made a total economic impact of just over $91,500, all of which went directly to local bars and restaurants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. “I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this recognition,” Nancy Grayson said. “It is such a joy for me to serve our Northern Kentucky community and I am inspired by so many female leaders who have helped to pave the way for me and countless others. Without their bold leadership, support, and friendship, I would not be where I am today, and I owe them a debt of gratitude.”

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Irene Encarnación Irene Encarnación has worked at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) since 1992, where today she is both a Senior Lecturer of Spanish and the Interim Executive Director of the Esperanza Latino Center of Northern Kentucky. Her community involvement includes projects and committees, including serving as a Ready to Read Covington ambassador and member of the NKY Justice and Peace Committee, among others. Irene’s commitment to better the community extends far beyond NKU’s grounds, however. She has assisted in numerous capacities at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, packing and distributing meals through the Fitting Hunger Outreach Program and serving as an International and Community Hostess/Interpreter with the IHM Cultural Center Batahola Norte Nicaragua. Additionally, Irene has worked on several projects involving diversity, visiting students from Mexico and honors writing workshops. Her curriculum vitae provides glimpses of how strong her commitment is to higher education—undergrad and graduate studies—and seeing people of all backgrounds have opportunities to improve their lives. All of this has resulted in numerous awards and nominations for Irene throughout the course of her career. “Latinos are humble by nature, but today I can’t be humble. I am (among) Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky because many other outstanding women of Northern Kentucky invested years of their lives educating me,” said Irene Encarnación. “Although I never sat in their classrooms, it was in the streets of Columbus, Frankfort, and even Washington, D.C., that they taught me great valuable lessons. They guided me towards a one-way 30-year path of living with a purpose, but most importantly, they taught me that earth angels do exist.”

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Lee Ann Ernst Lee Ann Ernst is the coordinator for the St. Elizabeth Infectious Disease Response Team (IDRT) and a supervising nurse at the hospital’s Ft. Thomas location, where most of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) patients have been treated. Lee Ann has led this multi-disciplinary group since its inception in 2013, which was formed to respond to highly infectious diseases. She first joined St. Elizabeth Healthcare in 1982 and gained invaluable expertise while working in the Emergency Department and Nursing Administration. Lee Ann graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Mount St. Joseph University in 2007 and earned her Master of Science in Nursing from NKU in 2011. Lee Ann has earned certifications as both an Emergency Nurse (CEN) and Clinical Research Nurse (CCRC) and is a certified Aerobics and Fitness Instructor from the Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). Lee Ann also serves on the board of directors for Care Net Pregnancy Services of Northern Kentucky. She has been nominated for several awards, including the St. Elizabeth’s I Care and Mount St. Joseph’s Leadership in Nursing honors in 2020.

“Being named the 2021 Outstanding Women of NKY Henrietta Cleveland honoree is very humbling especially to be included in this group of past and present remarkable women. I have a grateful heart for the opportunity to have made a difference and affect the outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Lee Ann Ernst. “I believe each of us are put here for a specific reason. This recognition validates to me that my efforts and skills as coordinator of the IDRT were applied in the right way!”

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Susan McDonald With more than 45 years’ worth of experience working in local hospitals, Susan McDonald’s vast knowledge continues to serve all those fortunate enough to come in contact with her. Beginning her career at what was then known as St. Luke Hospital in Fort Thomas, Susan now serves as St. Elizabeth’s Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer. She also maintains a post as an adjunct faculty member at Mount St. Joseph University in its Nursing DNP Program. Susan’s steadfast commitment to serving the community began in 2013 at Brighton Center as a Board member. During her eight years of service, she has held numerous leadership positions at Brighton Center, including secretary, vice chair, and chairperson of its Board of Directors. She has also volunteered as a Cor Vitae Society member of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association since 2012. Susan has numerous certifications to her credit. She is an American College of Healthcare Executives Fellow (FACHE) and holds a certification in Executive Nursing Practice by the American Organization of Nurse Executives (CENP). Mount St. Joseph University honored her with the Leadership in Nursing Award in 2018. “I am extremely pleased and honored to be chosen to receive the Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Susan McDonald. “As a lifelong resident of Northern Kentucky, it is very rewarding to know that I have been able to make a difference in the lives of others and a positive impact on our community. I am very proud to join the ranks of the exceptional women leaders who have received this award in the past … Congratulations to the other women leaders who are receiving awards this year.”

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congratulations nancy OUR OUTSTANDING, UNCOMMON LEADER

Congratulations to all 2021 Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky honorees.

WWW.HORIZONFUNDS.ORG

TOGETHER, WE WILL CREATE A BRIGHTER FUTURE.

Congratulations to all the oustanding women of Northern Kentucky, including NKU’s own Irene Encarnación, the 2021 Helen Carroll Champion of Education and Chandra Huff, recipient of the 2021 Nancy Janes Boothe Scholarship.

nku.edu

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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

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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

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Sister Janet Bucher Karen Finan Sister Jean Marie Hoffman Judge Joy Moore Lisa Raterman Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award Nancy Winstel

Humanitarian Award Julie Geisen Scheper

Emerging Leader Award Peggy Casey

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Kimberly Banta Julie Boudousquie Jane Meier Cheryl Rushing Grace Wilson

Jill Bailey Sarah Hughes Leshia Lyman Marianne Schmidt Hurtt

Emerging Leader Award Donna Bloemer

Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award Judi Gerding

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Emerging Leader Award Kara Clark Williams

Ruth Eger Nancy Kinman Rebecca Moening Chris Vissman Rachel Votruba

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Emerging Leader Award Carri Chandler

20 0 8 Sherry Carran Laura Cook Beth Penn Kelly Schoening

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

Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award Charlotte Wethington

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Emerging Leader Award Amber Decker

Karen Cheser Candace S. McGraw Kristi P. Nelson Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award Donna Salyers Emerging Leader Award Claire E. Parsons Sharmili Reddy

Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award Judy Clements S.O.A.R. Emerging Leader Award Johnna Reeder

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Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award Sister Margaret Stallmeyer, CDP

Henrietta Cleveland Inspiring Women Award Lynne Saddler, MD, MPH

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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

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2017 Maryanne McGowan Gabrielle Summe

Lisa Cooper Wafa Nasser, M.D. Teri VonHandorf, Ed. D. Kim M. Webb Emerging Leader Award Laura S. Menge

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 Kristi P. Nelson Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award Tammy Weidinger

Henrietta Cleveland Inspiring Women Award Joan Tepe Wurtenberger

2018 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 Representative Kimberly Poore Moser OU TSTA ND I N G

WO M EN

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PA S T S C H O L A R S H I P R EC I P I E N T S

2008

2015

Teri Meyer

Christina Hicks

Gateway Community & Technical College

Lori Knapp Cromer

Shannon Lackey

Northern Kentucky University

Jeannie Yates Voges

Tonya Hash

Thomas More College

2009

2016

Tracy Shirden

Lora Jones

Gateway Community & Technical College

Glenda Faye Cromer Jordan

Kathleen Durchholz-Biggs

Northern Kentucky University

Rebecca Rae Burton

Melanie Johnson

Thomas More College

2010

2017

Julie Elbert

Leigh Ann Hoskins

Gateway Community & Technical College

Heidi Glaub

Victoria Boerger

Northern Kentucky University

Paula Lynn Rudicill-Vaske

Laura Berkemeier

Thomas More College

2011

2018

Christy Booth

Marsha White

Gateway Community & Technical College

Betty Jo Cope

Kimberly Masco

Northern Kentucky University

Michele Joyce Beier

Mirtha Vasallo

Thomas More College

2012

2019

Melissa Anne Howell

Rebecca Wolfe

Gateway Community & Technical College

Jennifer Lee Klein

Emily Lowe

Northern Kentucky University

Margaret Perrino

Patti Watters

Thomas More College

Thomas More University

2013

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Sara Marie Foster

Savannah Bucks

Gateway Community & Technical College

Jeanne Coyle

Barbie Watkins

Northern Kentucky University

Tamara Pitts

Holly Jenkins Thomas More University

Thomas More College

2014 Betty Pack Gateway Community & Technical College

Melissa Tatum Northern Kentucky University

Melisa AlJamal Thomas More College 37 t h

A N N UA L

AWA R D S

P R E S E N TAT I O N

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Care that never stops growing Working together, we can build a healthier hometown

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A long history of forward-thinking. For well over a decade, Frost Brown Todd has focused on creating an exceptional environment for the advancement of women at our firm. The through-line across this journey has been our focus on the future. We continue to embrace new ideas and approaches, while refining existing ones, in order to get the most out of our team and the best results for our clients.

Proud sponsor of the Outstanding Women of NKY Awards, honoring women in our community for their achievements, service and leadership.

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.

Monthly CONNECT Hour This networking event for women only is held the last Monday of every month.

Peer-to-Peer Roundtable Program

Our largest event features a keynote speaker, who will share her story of professional achievement. Held in February 2022.

Groups of 8–10 women from different industries and career levels meet once a month to support each other in a productive, confidential setting. Now accepting applications. NKYChamber.com/WIRoundtable

GROW Mentoring Program

Professional Series

Enables a pair to meet for a one-on-one relationship for career growth over the period of one year. Now accepting applications. NKYChamber.com/WIMentor NKYChamber.com/WIMentee

Two events featuring various business related topics, held in the spring and fall.

Annual Breakfast

Outstanding Women of NKY Sponsored by This award program recognizes women who show outstanding service to their professions and their community.

Regional Summit

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 For a list of upcoming events: NKYChamber.com/events

The premier day-long conference for professional women to be held in the Fall 2021.

OU TSTA ND I N G

Engagement Committee

WO M EN

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KE N T U C KY

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.

Custom Design Benefits Salutes The Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky! 2021 Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky Honorees:

Danielle Amrine Nancy Grayson

2021 Henrietta Cleveland Inspiring Women Honoree:

Lee Ann Ernst

2021 Helen Carroll Champion of Education Honoree:

2021 Emerging Leader Honoree:

Irene Encarnación

Rachel DesRochers

2021 Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Honoree:

2021 Nancy Janes Boothe Scholarship Recipients:

Susan McDonald

Jean Schirtzinger Chandra Huff Anissa Bradley

About Custom Design Benefits

Custom Design Benefits is a woman-owned business, and the area’s largest, full service Third-Party Administrator. Our team is committed to delivering innovative health benefits solutions and stellar customer service.

513.598.2929 | 800.598.2929 | CustomDesignBenefits.com

CONGRATULATIONS

2021 Award Honorees

Congratulations to all the Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky award winners honored today. The University community is especially proud of Nancy Janes Boothe Scholarship Recipient

Student Anissa Bradley

THOMASMORE.EDU | 859.344.3332

@ThomasMoreKY

OU R GENEROUS S PO N SO R S Title Sponsor

Presenting Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Media Par tner

Education Par tners

Corporate Sponsors Brighton Center, Inc. Cincinnati Bell Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport Duke Energy Frost Brown Todd Republic Bank Scooter Media Transitions, Inc. Viox & Viox, Inc. Writing Enhancement Services

A special thanks to our past Outstanding Women of NKY honorees featured in the opening video (listed in order of appearance): Helen Carroll, 2005 Judith Clabes, 2004 Laura Menge, 2020 Kim Webb, 2020 Lisa Cooper, 2020 Kristi Nelson, 2015 Karen Cheser, 2015

Karen Finan, 2010 Judge Karen Thomas, 2013 Judge Joy Kremer, 2010 Laura Cook Kroeger, 2008 Debbie Simpson, 2014 Teri VonHandorf, 2020 Tammy Weidinger, 2020

Wafa Nasser, 2020 Lisa Raterman, 2010 Sharmili Reddy, 2015 Alecia Webb Edington, 2018 Dale Silver, 2013 Polly Page, 2014 Geralyn Isler, 2019

Thank you to the NKU students who appeared in the video: “What does 2it0mean 2to1 be an Aoutstanding W A Rwoman D S in NKY?” Aliya Cannon

Cayla Cowans

Isabel Walker

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Annual Golf Golf Outing Outing & Clinic Clinic Annual The Golf Courses of Kenton County | Tuesday, August 10 | 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM Title Sponsors:

NKYChamber.com/Golf

Annual Dinner 2021 Save the Date Thursday, September 9 WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE Y'ALL IN PERSON!

NKY SPOTLIGHT

Listen to the region's newest business podcast.

Avaliable on:

Watch Live on Mondays at 4:00 PM Facebook.com/nkychamberofcommerce Vimeo.com/nkychamber

NKYChamber.com/NKYSpotlight