YWCA Elgin announces recipients of Leader Luncheon awards

More than 400 community members attended the 33rd annual YWCA Elgin Leader Luncheon Awards at The Seville in Streamwood on Thursday, May 12.

Guests were welcomed by Julia McClendon, chief executive officer of YWCA Elgin, who expressed her appreciation to all in attendance, including sponsors, for their support.

Rebecca Hardekopf announced the recipients of the 2017 Leader Luncheon Awards in the following categories:

• Margaret Hillis Award for the Arts: Dr. Sojung Hong, Judson University;

• Beatrice Dorsey Award for Business and Professions: Carol Gieske, president, Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce;

• Marguerite Henry Award for Communication/Technology: Toya Webb, Elgin Community College;

• Harriet Gifford Award for Education: Kathleen Rusniak, Elgin Academy;

• Myrtle Spiegler Gerberding Award for Public Service: Commander Ana Lalley, Elgin Police Department;

• Marie Grolich Award for Social Service: Vivian Maly, TLC Pregnancy Services;

• Marjorie Leonard Award for Volunteer & Community Service: Karen Schock;

• Betty Brown Racial Justice Award: Danielle Henson, Gail Borden Public Library District.

A custom individual professional portrait of each recipient will be taken by Cathy Neuhalfen, owner of Interesting Developments in Algonquin. She and her mother, the late Molly Konitzer, have taken portraits of every recipient since the YWCA Elgin Leader Luncheon was founded in 1984. This year, more than 250 portraits were on display, depicting the community leader recipient in each category.

The keynote speaker, state Sen. Cristina Castro, encouraged women to be active in their community and acknowledged women, including her mother, who have been an inspiration.

The YWCA Elgin is proud to honor women leaders in the community who strive toward its mission of empowering women and promoting racial justice in Elgin. Visit ywcaelgin.org.