The history of the Women in Leadership Awards

By Doreen Hughes, Coldwell Banker TGRE

In the spring of 2021, several women from the original Women Who Lunch group met with the former chamber president and CEO, Page Michel. The meeting’s objective was to honor and recognize women in the community with membership in the Texas CityLa Marque Chamber of Commerce who have made significant contributions to the success of their organizations by inspiring others to strive for excellence. The meeting outcome: the Texas City-La Marque

Chamber of Commerce Women in Leadership Awards (WILA) was born.

WILA 2021

The inaugural Women in Leadership Awards (WILA) hosted by the Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce was held Sept. 15, 2021, at the Doyle Convention Center, in Texas City. A large crowd of more than 300 guests attended, celebrating six women in the following categories: education, nonprofit/volunteer, young professionals, woman-owned business, and small and large businesses.

The six women honored were Debbie Fuller, Texas City ISD/Guajardo Elementary, Education; Judy Garcia, CASA of Galveston County, Nonprofit/ Volunteer; Colleen Martin, City of La Marque, Young Professional; Courtni Tello D.D.S, Tello Smiles, WomanOwned Business; Bonnie Baty, Karat Creations Jewelry, Small Business; and Monica Eaton, Texas First Bank, Large Business.

Wila 2022

In 2022, the following women received the prestigious WILA honors: Dr. Melissa Duarte, Texas City ISD, Education; Amy Reid, Galveston County SBDC, Nonprofit/Volunteer; Tracy Pryor, HCA Houston Healthcare Mainland, Young Professional; Lori Carnes, Carnes Funeral Home, WomanOwned Business; Judy Slocumb, The Independence Village, Small Business; and Anita Jones, Linde, Large Business.

WILA 2023

The 2023 Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce luncheon was held May 10 at The Chandelier Reception Hall in Texas City. The WILA honorees were: Caytlyn Stanley, Hospitality Health ER Galveston, Young Professional; Kathy Vasquez, Vettrus Supply, Woman-Owned Business; Debbie Simmons, Anchor Point, Nonprofit/Volunteer; Gina Welsh, Santa Fe Texas Education Foundation,

Education; Dr. Kimberly Grimsley, Exodus Consulting & Psychological Services, Small Business; and Ezmine During, Valero Texas City Refinery, Large Business.

The Judging Criteria

Nominees were judged on the core tenets of WILA Leadership — champion/advocate/mentor of others; connector and collaborator; servant-leadership who gives back; an empowering leader who uplifts others and adds value; a passionate and joyful leader who works with humility, empathy and integrity.