YWCA Elgin to honor local leaders Thursday

YWCA Elgin will recognize 31 people, including a school counselor and a local pastor, for their service during its 33rd annual Leader Luncheon at noon Thursday at The Seville banquet hall, 700 Barrington Road, Streamwood.

Larkin High School counselor Brittney Walker and the Rev. Janie McCutchen of Elgin are among the honorees.

The event celebrates women volunteers and employees who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and made contributions to the community.

"We're very excited about this year's group of honorees," said Julia McClendon, YWCA Elgin chief executive officer. "The nominations come from the community, and it gives women who may not seem to be in the forefront an opportunity for much-deserved recognition."

McCutchen, who is associate pastor at the Second Baptist Church in Elgin, retired from Elgin Area School District U-46 as a social worker in 2014. Soon after, she was back in the schools serving as a mentor at Timber Trails Elementary and Larsen Middle School. She also helps support staff members at Harriet Gifford Elementary and has been a driving force behind the "Read to Succeed" program, said Carolyn O'Neal, a former U-46 principal who nominated McCutchen.

McCutchen and Walker are being honored in the racial justice category.

Walker also earned a nomination in the education category. She has helped lead community discussions on race and guides Larkin students on how to pursue scholarships and make informed choices about college.

Nominees are:

Arts - Elizabeth Bellaver, Darlene Hulin, Candace Kresmery, Danae Molitor, Gareth Sitz, Erin Rehberg and Sara Sitzer.

Business and Professions - Katherine Hurt, Sharon Konny and Kate Volarath.

Communications and Technology - Molly Center.

Education - Rebecca Jurs, Danae Molitor and Brittney Walker.

Public service - Miriam Lytle and Ana Lalley.

Racial justice - Rev. Janie McCutchen, Angelene Naw and Brittney Walker.

Social services - Judy Cornelius, Tina Link, Vivian Maly, Karen Oswald and Frances Teti-Teal.

Volunteer and Community Service - Jean Bednar, Diane Campbell, Danielle Henson, Margaret Keen, Sherry Kinser, Kay Loeloff, Cherie Murphy and Catherine Olson.

The awards also recognize local businesses that significantly enhance the role of women in the workplace by providing them with support and opportunities for advancement. This year's nominees are Ebco, Inc., and Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra.

For tickets or more information, visit ywcaelgin.org.