Nominees sought for Elgin leader lunch

The co-chairs of the YWCA Elgin Leader Luncheon are looking for women to honor at their annual feast.

Elgin residents Murna Hansemann and Nancy Schueneman are co-chairwomen for the annual event, in what will be a 25th year celebration of excellence on May 8.

"The ongoing success of this event has been based on the high caliber of women nominated each year," stated Hansemann. "This, and the response from colleagues who pay tribute, has made this a true 'leader' in the community."

Awarded to women who excel in their area of expertise, nominations are being accepted through Thursday and can be obtained at the YWCA Elgin, 220 E. Chicago St. or at www.ywcaelgin.org.

Women are eligible for nomination in business and professions, arts, education, social services, communication/technology, volunteer/ community service, public service and racial justice. One corporate award will be presented.

Hansemann taught in Elgin Area School District U-46 for 31 years, and supervised Streamwood High School's Silver Spoon, a premier student managed restaurant. She was awarded State of Illinois Home Economics Teacher of the Year. A concert pianist, she serves on the boards of the Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame and Hamilton Wings, and is a former member of the YWCA Elgin Board of Directors. A recipient of the D. Ray Wilson community service award, Hansemann was named Altrusa Woman of the Year and Elgin Junior Women's Club Woman of the Year.

Schueneman has donated time and direction to the YWCA Elgin since 1992.

"The Leader Luncheon is the perfect occasion to honor individuals and businesses that exemplify the YWCA Elgin mission, providing opportunities for the empowerment of women from all backgrounds and areas of life," she stated.

According to YWCA Elgin CEO Julia McClendon, "Nancy's involvement is dynamic. Her team approach to fundraising helped to raise over $200,000 for programs and services. Her professional and volunteer efforts have helped all those who need it -- especially those with the smallest of voices -- children."

Responsible for instituting the YWCA Leader Luncheon Racial Justice Award, Schueneman is past president of Elgin Junior Woman's Club and active on the Families Impact Council for United Way of Elgin and the Greater Elgin Family Care Center. She was named 2002 Altrusa Woman of the Year.

Leader Luncheon nomination forms are available at the YWCA Elgin, 220 E. Chicago, St. or www.ywcaelgin.org. Leader Luncheon will be held at The Seville in Streamwood.