YWCA Elgin hosts annual Leader Luncheon, awards in May

Posted April 03, 2014 11:00 pm

Submitted by YWCA Elgin

The YWCA Elgin will host its 31st annual Leader Luncheon at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 8, at the Seville, Streamwood. The event is held to recognize and empower women leaders in the greater Elgin area that have made significant contributions in the arts, business and professions, communications/technology, education, public service, social service, volunteer/community service, racial justice and corporate organizations.

Myra Becker of Elgin will be honored with the YWCA Leader Luncheon Lifetime Achievement Award. She has contributed her professional skills and volunteer expertise to the community for over 60 years. In 1965, Becker and her husband came to Elgin where she worked as a speech therapist and raised three children. For most of her life, Becker has played a significant role in various organizations advocating for issues such as mental health, fair housing legislation and education.

Nominated for this year's Leader Luncheon awards in their designated categories are 34 individuals and three businesses:

Margaret Hillis Award for the Arts - Cynthia Hernandez; Solange Sior; Virginia Umberger.

Beatrice Dorsey Award for Business and Professions - Denise Barreto; Becky Hardekopf; Mary Martini; Amy True; Cheryl Wendt.

Marguerite Henry Award for Communications - Kari Christensen; Corinn Hilbert; Janelle Walker.

Harriet Gifford Award for Education - Ann Leider; Dawn Munson; Brittney Nicole Walker; Holly York.

Myrtle Spiegler Gerberding Award for Public Service - Mary Camacho; Cristina Castro; Ana Lalley; Maura Maschinski; Tish Powell; Donna Smith; Peggie Stromberg.

Marie Grolich Award for Social Services - Dr. Mae Hicks-Jones

Marjorie Leonard Award for Community Service - Patricia Harkin; Cathy Headley; Chathia Johnson; Marge LaBrot; Betty Martinez; Nancy Meaney; Krissy Palermo; Susan Quick; Kathleen Rusniak; Velma Sept.

Racial Justice - Maria Christina "Tina" Viglucci.

Corporate Award - Elgin Community College; Elgin Area Chamber; Women's Heart Center of Presence St. Joseph Hospital, Elgin.

Luncheon reservations are $50 each. A variety of table sponsorship opportunities are also available.

For more information on the 2014 YWCA Leader Luncheon awards, visit ywcaelgin.org or call the YWCA at (847) 742-7930.

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