ROCKFORD – The YWCA of Rockford honored five individual’s of distinction and named three scholarship winners at its 33rd annual Leader Luncheon on Monday at Giovanni’s Restaurant.
Each year, the Leader Luncheon recognizes individuals who strive to make a positive difference in their community and promote the success of women, families and diversity.
This year’s award winners are:
Business Award - This award is presented to a woman in the business or non-profit sector who makes a significant contribution in their field: Deanna Berg, director of Ambulatory Services and Nursing Education at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center
Community Leadership Award - This award is presented to women who are professionals and volunteers in government, public service, politics and community action: Rosalind Reis, director of Rockford Day Nursery Early Learning Center
Mentorship Award - This award is given to a male or female whose mentoring relationship has had a major impact on the personal and professional development of women and has fostered excellence: Pastor Annie Davis, Greater Emmanuel Pentecostal Church
Professions Award - This award recognizes women in the fields of medicine, law, education, science, engineering, architecture and other fields which require professional accreditation in order to perform work in that field: Lois Lundgren, Dean of Nursing, Rock Valley College
Promise Award - This award is given to a young woman with sufficient community service and professional success to indicate her potential for extraordinary leadership and service. This honor is given to reaffirm the YWCA’s commitment to young women and their importance to the future of the organization and its mission: Kelly Vinge, Account Executive, Gordon Flesch Company
This year the YWCA was able to present three $1,500 Bright Future Scholarships to local female high school seniors who demonstrate leadership and the potential to affect positive change in their school and community. Recipients of the $1,500 scholarships were Katelyn Mae Toot from River Ridge High School, Abigail Pauley from Keith Country Day School and Krista Nettgen from Belvidere North High School.
The Leader Luncheon is the YWCA’s largest single annual fundraiser. Proceeds from this event enable the YWCA of Rockford to develop and expand programming and advocacies for women and families’ economic self-sufficiency with a clear commitment to promoting equality and diversity.
