CELEBRATING YEARS
Celebration Luncheon
Thursday, May 23, 2024
Turfway Park Racing and Gaming Event Center
Florence, Kentucky
Title Sponsor
MARSHA CROXTON St. Elizabeth Board of Trustees, May 2014–December 2023
It is our honor to congratulate St. Elizabeth Board member Marsha Croxton, the 2024 Henrietta Cleveland Inspiring Women Honoree. stelizabeth.com
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, its history and previous honorees, please visit our website at: www.nkychamber.com/wi achievements and dedication to the communities we serve.
The Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky Awards celebrates its 40th year of honoring women who exemplify notable achievements; 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 accomplishments of today’s women. All 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 Janes 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 co-sponsor. Thomas More University (formerly Thomas More College) and Gateway Community Technical College later joined as education partners. 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 NKY Chamber of Commerce Women’s Initiative 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.
Kathrine Nero is the Director of Media at Game Day Communications, a local public relations and marketing firm that handles some of the area’s biggest events and most familiar businesses.
She has 25 years of experience on the other side of media, as an award-winning news anchor and reporter with experience in television, radio, digital, sports, social media, print and podcasting. She’s also a camera coach, content creator and media trainer who shares the lessons learned in 12,000+ hours on camera to make sure you look good for that next Zoom call or media interview. She lives in Covington with her husband and two daughters and - even as a transplant from Memphis - is one of NKY’s biggest fans.
2024 EVENT COMMITTEE
Wonda Winkler - Chair Brighton Center, Inc.
Ellen Bates Brighton Center, Inc.
Laura Berkemeier Ignite Philanthropy
Patrice Brooks The Kroger Co.
Amy Quinn Dye Republic Bank
Blanche Gaynor Writing Enhancement Services
Catherine Manabat New Riff Distilling
Holly Nibert NKY Chamber of Commerce
Ash Norton Duke Energy
Lisa Raterman LARaterman Associates
Catherine Salzman - Vice Chair Heartwood Strategies
Julie Tapke Robert W. Baird & Co.
Janice Way Leadership Kentucky
Caroline Weltzer Viox & Viox, Inc.
THE NANCY JANES BOOTHE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
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.
2024 NANCY JANES BOOTHE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Kelsey Browning
Gateway Community & Technical College
LeaAnn King
Northern Kentucky University
Jazmine Saunders
Thomas More University
Provided by:
LeaAnn King Kelsey Browning
Kelsey Browning is a Gateway Community and Technical College student pursuing an associate degree in business administration and management. She is set to graduate in the spring of 2025.
On top of her academic pursuits, Kelsey is also a teller and customer service representative at First National Bank of Kentucky. The role has allowed her to learn first-hand what that industry is like while in school. She’s equipped with knowledge and a skillset that will allow her to better serve customers and contribute to the community upon graduation.
“I am grateful for the unwavering love and support extended to me by my friends, family, and colleagues throughout my educational and professional journey. I would like to thank my former manager and cherished friend, Cody Noell, for encouraging me to dream big and make them a reality one day at a time. He has shown me the significance of creating lasting connections within our community and always taking the opportunity to learn and grow both in a career and personal sense.
I also would like to thank my parents, Daniel and Teresa, for their unconditional love and support. I wouldn’t be the person that I am today without them and can never thank them enough for believing in me and believing that I could achieve anything that I set my mind to. I also would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to my partner, Matthew, for being the soundboard for all of my schemes and my biggest supporter through it all. Lastly, I want to thank God for this opportunity and am humbled by the chance to make a positive impact in the lives of others while being committed to utilizing my skills and resources for the betterment of my community.”
LeaAnn King is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Minor in Neuroscience at Northern Kentucky University, and she is more than just a student. She’s a daughter, a partner, an employee, and a mother.
After putting higher education on hold to take on the role of mom, she is now focused on setting an example for her children and encouraging the mentality that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.
“I am honored to be one of the many who’ve received this scholarship. It’s amazing to be in this position to chase after my dreams,” LeaAnn said. “I hope to be a good influence on my three kids and show them that with hard work and determination, you can do anything. I want to thank my family and my boyfriend, Cas, for being my support system through everything. I also want to thank my research mentor and professor Dr. Christine Curran, who has been at the heart of my journey. It takes a village, and I’m grateful to have so many wonderful people behind me.”
Gateway Community & Technical College is proud to recognize Kelsey Browning as the 2024 Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky Nancy Janes Boothe Scholarship recipient.
Northern Kentucky University is proud to recognize LeaAnn King as the 2024 Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky Nancy Janes Boothe Scholarship recipient.
THOMAS MORE UNIVERSITY
Jazmine Saunders
Jazmine Saunders aspires to change injustices and inequalities in her community. She’s a student at Thomas More University and is the current President for the Black Student Union. An active member of the Student Government Association Campus and Student Development Committee, her dedication to education has been recognized as a part of Thomas More University’s Dean’s List in the spring of 2022 and fall of 2023.
She plans to graduate in 2026 with two bachelors degrees – one in criminal justice and another in sociology. After graduation, she aims to further her goal of becoming a civil rights lawyer by pursuing a Juris Doctor degree.
This Kentuckian resides in Flemingsburg and lives with her mom, dad, and younger brother.
“I would like to give a shoutout to my family and professors for the ongoing support they shower me with. To my parents, thank you for never allowing me to quit on myself and sticking beside me through everything. To my professors, thank you for continuing to push me to be the best version of myself and the constant reminders that I can do this,” said Jazmine. “But most importantly, I’d like to thank God for providing me with these opportunities and continuing to guide me through my life. I am honored to be recognized here, among so many other talented, smart, and courageous women.”
Thomas More University is proud to recognize Jazmine Saunders as the 2024 Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky Nancy Janes Boothe Scholarship recipient.
2024 AWARD HONOREES
2024 Outstanding Women of NKY Honorees
Catrena Bowman
Catrena Bowman holds a Bachelor of Family Studies and a Master’s in Public Administration with an emphasis in non-profit management. She brings more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership to helping individuals and families find a life of self-resilience.
As Executive Director of Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission (NKCAC), she’s passionate about ending the cycle of poverty and injustice, and she has built key relationships with the business community and improved the visibility of the agency throughout the community. Catrena also serves on several boards, including as Chair of the Community Action Kentucky board, Chair for the Southeastern Association of Community Action Agencies, the NKY Chamber of Commerce, and more. She has also been named a NKyTribune NewsMaker.
Outside of her non-profit work, Catrena owns a women’s clothing boutique in Covington, Inspired Fashion. She uplifts and empowers women through her shop and also as an experienced speaker who brings her dynamic energy as an emcee to events throughout the region.
“I’m honored to be among one of the many who’ve received this recognition,” Catrena said. “I’m lucky to know so many outstanding women through the work I do daily through non-profit work and who I’ve met through Inspired Fashion. I want to thank my family for always encouraging me to achieve more. I also want to thank everyone who’s spent time writing up nominations and believing in me over the years. There’s always more work to be done, and I’m lucky to have a great support group behind me as I go out and help play a role in bettering the community.”
Outstanding Women Award Sponsored by:
Angie M. Cain
Angie Cain is a Covington native and a field representative for Kentucky’s Department for Local Government, working as a liaison for community leaders and constituents across Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties. She attends meetings with community leaders and constituents about issues of concern, staffs the Governor and Lieutenant Governor at events and public appearances, and helps keep communication open with the state government.
Before this role, Angie worked as a political consultant helping dozens of candidates across the Commonwealth and served as a District Director for Congressman Ken Lucas. She has also been a legislative aide working in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. She’s a Northern Kentucky University alum and received her Bachelor of Arts in English.
Outside of work, Angie is a wife and mom to five children and has always prioritized serving the community as a volunteer and mentor. She has served on the KET Authority Board, was an ambassador to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and is a mentor and speaker for Emerge Kentucky. She was recently named by the Kentucky Gazette as one of the 2023 Notable Women in Kentucky Politics and Government.
“To be recognized this year as a 2024 Outstanding Woman of Northern Kentucky honoree is truly incredible. Part of what I do is help inspire women through my work in state government, and it’s an honor to be recognized with other women who go out of their way to make a difference in the community,” said Angie. “I want to sincerely thank all those who nominated me, along with my colleagues at the Department for Local Government for supporting me. And the biggest thanks to my husband, Charlie, and our five children, who are my driving force to help make our region a better place.”
Tara Johnson-Noem
Tara Johnson-Noem leads a team of 80 and a board of 39 as the Executive Director of the Northern Kentucky Area Development District (NKADD). Her work includes addressing aging and disability services, community development, public administration, and workforce development strategy and funding across an eight-county region.
With a Master’s in community planning and bachelors in international relations and Spanish, Tara has also had roles with the United Way of Greater Cincinnati, the Catalytic Fund, Vision 2015, Northern Kentucky Tri-ED (now BE-NKY), and the NKADD’s public administration division. Prior to becoming NKADD’s executive director, Tara served as associate director for workforce development and director of the Northern Kentucky Workforce Investment Board.
Tara resides in Fort Mitchell and enjoys spending time with her husband, Shane, and three children. She remains active in her community and enjoys devoting time to organizations she loves. Tara is a board member for Dan Beard Council of the Boy Scouts of America and received the scouting’s Trailblazer District Award of Merit in 2022. She was also recognized on the Cincinnati Business Courier’s 40 under 40 list in 2018.
“I am so honored to be recognized as one of the 2024 Outstanding Women. Thank you to my husband, Shane, for being a constant collaborator and partner, my parents, and to Elijah, Nolan, and Cora. All this work is for you,” said Tara. “I want to thank my wonderful team at NKADD who display a deep and generous spirit caring for the community we all serve. This nomination is an honor, and I thank everyone for the nomination—which includes all the colleagues who wrote letters of recommendation. Thank you to the NKADD board for trusting me to serve the region.”
Outstanding Women Award Sponsored by:
Outstanding Women Award Sponsored by:
Shannon Starkey-Taylor
Shannon Starkey-Taylor is passionate about making a difference in the lives of children, youth, and families. With more than 30 years of nonprofit experience, she has worked with many organizations including rettsyndrome.org, The Children’s Home of Cincinnati (now Best Point) and now, Learning Grove.
As Chief Executive Officer at Learning Grove, the driving passion is to provide the best child care and education for children. Daily, she’s inspired by the impact her colleagues have on the children and families they help serve each year.
Her devotion to working in the non-profit realm and working with so many kids and families has led to her being named a Northern Kentucky Tribune Newsmaker and one of the honorees on Cincinnati Business Courier’s 40 under 40 list.
Outside of work, Shannon serves on numerous boards, which include the Northern Kentucky Education Council, the Northern Kentucky Workforce Investment Board, and Holly Hill Child and Family Solutions. She’s a wife and mother to five children as well as the founder and past president of the Consortium for Resilient Young Children.
“It is an incredible honor to have been selected for this award. I am humbled to be one of the amazing Outstanding Women who is receiving this honor this year and proud to join the ranks of the many inspiring women leaders who came before us. To the wonderful board and staff at Learning Grove: Thank you for allowing me to live my dream every day.”
Julia Pile
Julia Pile is passionate about education advocacy, and her career reflects her dreams of helping kids grow and succeed. Julia is a co-founder of ParentCamp, which came to life in 2016 to help create an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued and serves as a transformational model for family-school-community engagement.
Julia has been able to combine her drive for education advocacy with community involvement and has been an active member of the Rotary Club of Florence for a decade, currently serving as the club’s president.
“I would like to thank all of the people who have encouraged me and said ‘yes’ to the goal of building welcoming school ecosystems – from the engaged parents to the teachers, administrators and superintendents,” Julia said. “Thank you to my husband, John, and my children, Sophia and Joseph, who are the reason behind my passion. I would especially like to thank all who continually work to build villages not only for our own kids but for all kids so they can grow, be happy and thrive.”
Outstanding Women Award Sponsored by:
Helen Carroll Champion of Education Sponsored by:
Marsha Croxton Michelle Snodgrass
Marsha Croxton spent more than three decades with U.S. Bank, retiring in 2010. She loved U.S. Bank’s support for volunteerism and has taken that with her into retirement.
Over the years, she’s become active with organizations and activities focused on food insecurity solutions, violence prevention, mentoring, and community health. This includes the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative where she mentored and served on the agency’s Board of Directors. She joined the Freestore Foodbank Board of Trustees, serving as Board Chair for two years, and continues to be an active participant in the organization’s mission through fundraising activities.
One of her ventures after retiring led her to the Women’s Crisis Center (now The Ion Center for Violence Prevention) with which St. Elizabeth Healthcare has become a huge partner in helping provide the best care and services to victims of rape and domestic violence. There she took on the role of Executive Director. During her seven-year tenure, she was active in fundraising, grant writing, and raising community awareness. Marsha served as the Board Chair for the state coalition (KCADV) that focused on state-wide standards for agencies providing domestic violence shelters and support services. Her participation and roles allowed her to work alongside state and local government officials to strengthen protective rights for intimate partner violence (IPV) victims.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with inspiring and talented women who have shared their wisdom with grace and kindness helping me in my journey,” Marsha said. “I am surrounded by family, friends, and community partners who epitomize servant leadership and continually work to make NKY a better, safer, and healthier place for everyone. I’d like to think I have played a small role in the achievements that have been realized. I am humbled and honored to be recognized as the 2024 St. Elizabeth Healthcare Henrietta Cleveland Inspiring Women recipient.”
Michelle Snodgrass is the Commonwealth Attorney for the 17th Judicial Circuit in Campbell County. Breaking the glass ceiling, she’s the first female to hold this office in Campbell County, and it’s a role she’s held for 15 years.
Michelle’s career and background originally weren’t in law. She first got a degree from Western Kentucky University in Broadcast Journalism. Her professional career began with the role of a news reporter where she discovered she had a passion for stories that took place in the courtroom and wanted to pursue a career outside of journalism. She earned her law degree from Salmon P. Chase College of Law and became an Assistant Commonwealth Attorney in Campbell County beginning in January of 2001.
She moved up to become the Chief Assistant Commonwealth Attorney in 2005 before being appointed as the Commonwealth Attorney. Michelle has prosecuted thousands of felony cases over the years including murders, kidnappings, assaults, drug crimes, and more. She’s even appeared on numerous national television shows as a result of some of the cases she’s prosecuted, which include 20/20, 48 Hours, Dateline, Primetime, Forensic Files, and Snapped.
“It’s an honor to be recognized for the work I do as the Commonwealth Attorney. For over two decades, I have fought to make our community safer. When I step into the courtroom, I am reminded about the importance of the work I do, the importance of seeking justice,” Michelle said. “It is a privilege to be the voice of crime victims and their families, to speak for those who have been silenced, and tell their story. I’m truly humbled to receive the Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award. I recognize that this award is a recognition of the hard work of everyone who has supported me over the years, law enforcement, my co-workers and most importantly my family. As my career as a prosecutor comes to an end this year, I hope I have made a difference, that the work I have done matters, and that I helped make our community a better place.”
Henrietta Cleveland Inspiring Women Award Sponsored by:
1985
Sandra Easton
Vanda Langham
Mary Miller
Vesta Moore
Naomi Turner
1986
Betty Daniels
Garnet Grant
Karen Malott
Cheryl McDaniel
Pat Sommerkamp
1987
Nancy Barone
Sister Alice Gerdeman
Dale Meyer
Marie Weber
Judy Moberly West
1988
Rita Bardo
Kim Brooks
Angela Casanova
Patricia Fann
Jan Gerding
1988 Woman of Distinction Award
Governor Martha
Layne Collins
1989
Martha Bunch
Kathleen Finck
Arlene Gibeau
Pamela Mullins
Betty Zimmer
1990
Sister W. Burkhard
Helen Ernst
Linda Verst
Edwina Walker
Fran Zaniello
1991
Kathleen Collins
Elizabeth Herald
Alice Lambert
Tina Moore
Ann Richards
1992
Claudia Branham
Michelle Budzek
Bennie Doggett
Patricia Deanna Skees
Carol L. Woodyard
1993
Mary B. Blake
Marie Cannon
Sister Mary Dorgan
Lois Jean Lambers
Rosalie Rothfuss
1994
Dr. Julia Hudson Carter
Beth Fennell
Elizabeth Grause
Esther Johnson
Mary Middleton
1994 Founders Award
Nancy Janes Boothe
1995
Virginia Clare
Katherine Meyer
Jayne Morgenthal
Gayle Payne
Mary Ann Plummer
1996
Dr. Susan K. Cook
Betty Cottingham
Helen Cummins
Bert Huff
Cathy Kunkel-Mains
1997
Linda S. Allen
Ann Haegele
Sister Juanita
Nadicksbernd
Margo Otto
Laura Thomson
1998
Elizabeth “Betty” Bernard
Barbara Black
Juanita Mills
Patricia Summe
Dianne B. Yelton
1999
Lauren Abel
Barbara J. Martin
Irene Patrick
Alice Sparks
Janice Way
2000
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
2004
Judith G. Clabes
Dr. Terri Cox-Cruey
Mary Jo Davis
Judith G. Gibbons
Sara L. Sidebottom
Lifetime Advocate Award
Hannah Hume Baird
2005
Sister Mary Luann Bender
Helen Marie Carroll
Betty Timon
Rosa Weaver
Diane Ewing Whalen
Humanitarian Award
Julie Geisen Scheper
2006
Kimberly Banta
Julie Boudousquie
Jane Meier
Cheryl Rushing
Grace Wilson
Emerging Leader Award
Donna Bloemer
2007
Ruth Eger
Nancy Kinman
Rebecca Moening
Chris Vissman
Rachel Votruba
Emerging Leader Award
Carri Chandler
2008
Sherry Carran
Laura Cook
Beth Penn
Kelly Schoening
Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award
Judy Clements
S.O.A.R. Emerging Leader Award
Johnna Reeder
2009
25th Year Celebration
Outstanding Women of
Northern Kentucky Awards
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
Lisa Cooney Henderson
Justice Michelle Keller
Rhonda Whitaker
Shelli Wilson
Judith Clabes Lifetime
Achievement Award
Charlotte Wethington
Emerging Leader Award
Amber Decker
2013
Barbara Moran Johnson
Janet Roessler Scanlon
Dale J. Silver
Judge Karen A. Thomas
Rachael Winters
Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award
Sister Margaret Stallmeyer, CDP
Henrietta Cleveland Inspiring
Women Award
Mary Bunning
2014
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
Helen Carroll Lifetime Leader in Education Award
Polly Lusk Page
2015
Karen Cheser
Candace S. McGraw
Kristi P. Nelson
Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award
Donna Salyers
Emerging Leader Award
Claire E. Parsons
Sharmili Reddy
Henrietta Cleveland Inspiring Women Award
Lynne Saddler, MD, MPH
2016
Kim Halbauer
Laurie Risch
Stacy Tapke
Wonda Winkler
Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award
Molly Navin
Emerging Leader Award
Serena Owen
Helen Carroll Champion of Education Award
Sue Sorrell
Henrietta Cleveland Inspiring Women Award
Julie Tapke
2017
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
2018
Dr. Julie M. 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
2 0 1 9
Geralyn Isler
Barbara Stewart
Jessica Taylor
Caroline Weltzer
Emerging Leader Award
Holly Mazzocca
Helen Carroll Champion of Education Award
Laura Koehl
Henrietta Cleveland Inspiring Women Award
Eva G. Farris
2 0 2 0
Lisa Cooper
Wafa Nasser, M.D.
Teri VonHandorf, Ed.D.
Kim M. Webb
Emerging Leader Award
Laura S. Menge
Henrietta Cleveland Inspiring Women Award
Kristi P. Nelson
Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award
Tammy Weidinger
2 0 2 1
Danielle Amrine
Nancy Grayson
Emerging Leader Award
Rachel DesRochers
Henrietta Cleveland Inspiring Women Award
Lee Ann Ernst
Helen Carroll Champion of Education Award
Irene Encarnación
Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award
Susan McDonald
2 0 2 2
Sylvia Buxton
Julia Keister
Amy Quinn Dye
Jennifer Steele
Emerging Leader Award
Amanda Dempsey, Ed.D.
Henrietta Cleveland
Inspiring Women Award
Amy Beck &
Martha Barnes
Helen Carroll Champion of Education Award
Stacie Strotman
Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award
Kathy Jennings
2 0 2 3
Christy Burch
Sarah Giolando-Matlin
Vickie Henderson
Ash Norton
Emerging Leader Award
Farduwsa Hassan
Henrietta Cleveland
Inspiring Women Award
Carolyn Thomas Thompson
Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award
Lisa Desmarais
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
2008
Teri Meyer
Gateway Community & Technical College
Lori Knapp Cromer
Northern Kentucky University
Jeannie Yates Voges
Thomas More College
2009
Tracy Shirden
Gateway Community & Technical College
Glenda Faye Cromer Jordan
Northern Kentucky University
Rebecca Rae Burton
Thomas More College
2010
Julie Elbert
Gateway Community & Technical College
Heidi Glaub
Northern Kentucky University
Paula Lynn Rudicill-Vaske
Thomas More College
2011
Christy Booth
Gateway Community & Technical College
Betty Jo Cope
Northern Kentucky University
Michele Joyce Beier
Thomas More College
2012
Melissa Anne Howell
Gateway Community & Technical College
Jennifer Lee Klein
Northern Kentucky University
Margaret Perrino
Thomas More College
2013
Sara Marie Foster
Gateway Community & Technical College
Jeanne Coyle
Northern Kentucky University
Tamara Pitts
Thomas More College
2014
Betty Pack
Gateway Community & Technical College
Melissa Tatum
Northern Kentucky University
Melisa AlJamal
Thomas More College
2015
Christina Hicks
Gateway Community & Technical College
Shannon Lackey
Northern Kentucky University
Tonya Hash
Thomas More College
2016
Lora Jones
Gateway Community & Technical College
Kathleen Durchholz-Biggs
Northern Kentucky University
Melanie Johnson
Thomas More College
2017
Leigh Ann Hoskins
Gateway Community & Technical College
Victoria Boerger
Northern Kentucky University
Laura Berkemeier
Thomas More College
2018
Marsha White
Gateway Community & Technical College
Kimberly Masco
Northern Kentucky University
Mirtha Vasallo
Thomas More College
2 0 1 9
Rebecca Wolfe
Gateway Community & Technical College
Emily Lowe
Northern Kentucky University
Patti Watters
Thomas More University
Savannah
Barbie Watkins
Holly Jenkins
Thomas More University
2 0 2 1
Jean Schirtzinger
Gateway Community & Technical College
Chandra Huff
Anissa Bradley Thomas More University
Shannon Swikert
Terrie Frasure-Brierly
Gateway
Jenna
Because we provide opportunities when we Connect, Grow, & Achieve.
The Women’s Initiative, sponsored by PNC, is the leading organization in NKY and the Greater Cincinnati region for women of all career stages, working toward business and professional success.
WeComplete the Women’s Initiative interest form and get more engaged. Complete the Women’s Initiative interest form and get more engaged.
WI Mission: Provide the opportunities for women of all career stages to Connect, Grow, and Achieve in business.
WI Vision: To be the premier organization in NKY and Greater Cincinnati for professional women.
Annual Breakfast
Women’s Initiative’s largest event featuring a keynote speaker who shares her story of professional achievement.
Connect Hour
This women’s networking event is held the last Monday of every month.
Mentoring Program
Enables a pair to meet for a one-on-one relationship for career growth over the period of one year.
Outstanding Women of NKY
This program recognizes and awards women who work, live or volunteer in NKY and show outstanding service to their communities.
Professional Series Events held twice a year featuring various business related topics. Open to women and men.
Follow us on social media: Facebook: Facebook.com/NKYWI LinkedIn: NKYChamber.com/WILinkedIn
Connect with Women’s Initiative:
As the needs of your employees grow, so do we
Innovative dental and vision plans to help keep their health on track
Regional Summit
The premier daylong conference for professional women in the Tri-state area to be held in the fall each year.
Roundtables
Groups of 8-10 women from different industries and career status, meet once a month to support each other in a productive, confidential setting.
For all things WI, including the Mentor Application, Mentee Application, Roundtable Application, WI Interest Form and more, visit nkychamber.com/wi and connect today.
For more information contact Holly Nibert at hnibert@nkychamber.com or (859) 426-3651.
GCHKFZZEN 0423Title Sponsor
Presenting
Outstanding
Helen
Event Sponsors
Education
Corporate
Cincinnati/Northern
Duke
Emergency
Freestore Foodbank
The