Earlier Winners

Arts

Up & Coming Woman of the Year

2024 - LaQuisha Jackson, Soulful Kitchen, Hope for the Hungry

2023 – Brittany Edmonds, Famous Athletics

2022 - Alicia Hodges, Alicia HodgesPortraiture

2021 – Bridget Covert, South Shore Arts

2019 – Lita Sena-Lopez, Kahler Middle School

Influential Woman of the Year

2024 - Debra Bolaños, Xel-Ha Escuela de Danza

2023 – Gloria Tuohy, Indiana Ballet Theatre

2022 - Robin Arvanitis, Patti’s All-American Gymnastics

2021 – Bridget Covert, South Shore Arts

2019 – Lita Sena-Lopez, Kahler Middle School

Business

Up & Coming Woman of the Year

2024 - Shaya Wimple, Marlyngrace Boutique

2023 – Lisa Harrington, Mermaid Straw

2022 - Trish Geyer, ALLSTATE

2021 – Heather McColly, McColly Real Estate

2019 – Natalie Krivas, AM Stabilizers

2018 – Farren Felus, Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce

2017 – Stephanie Woods, Revolution Fitness

2016 – Kathy Neary, Ivy Tech Community College

2015 – Rachel Gajos, Methodist Hospitals

2014 – Angie Nelson-Deuitch, NIPSCO

2013 – Theresa Valade, SuccessTrek, Inc.

2012 – Julie Bieszczat, Barney Enterprises Management Services

Influential Woman of the Year

2024 - Rhonda Zaluckyj, Patti’s All American

2023 – Lynn Duttlinger, CLH CPAs and Consultants

2022 – Stephanie Keller, CliftonLarsonAllen

2021 – Gloria Morris, Google

2019 – Lisa Preston, St. John Animal Clinic

2018 – Patti Komara, Patti’s All American

2017 – Danette Garza, Jack Gray Transport, Inc.

2016 – Anita Marie Kozlowski, Screw Conveyor Corporation

2015 – Gerri Davis-Parker, Truck City of Gary, Inc.

2014 – Shelly Iliff, Duke Energy

2013 – Kimberly Broader, NIPSCO

2012 – Violet Sistovaris, NIPSCO

Influential Woman of the Year

2024 - Morgan Davis, The Blue Phoenix Institute

2023 – Robin Witte, Facet Architecture

2022 – Norma Williams, Excellence by Design

2021 – Laura Small, Holladay Properties

2019 – Tannaz Javadi, ArcelorMittal Global R&D

2018 – Amy Henningfield, Superior Construction

2017 – Kelly Dallas, ArcelorMittal USA

2016 – Teresa Iaquinta, Matrix North American Construction

2015 – Tish Roach, Building and Construction Resource Center (BCRC)

2014 – La Rhonda Lenski, Majestic Star Casino

2013 – Melissa Neff, Mechanical Concepts, Inc.

2012 – Wendy Hoppe, Hoppe PRO Hardware, Inc.

2011 - Sarah Polman, Arctic Engineering Co.

Construction/Manufacturing

Up & Coming Woman of the Year

2024 - Melissa McLindon, NIPSCO/NiSource

2023 – Linda Monge Guerrero, NiSource

2022 - Julianne Tattersall, Korellis

2021 – Lyndie Walton, Continental Electric

2019 – Patty Stovall, Hasse Construction

2018 – Zhifen Wang, ArcelorMittal Global R&D

2017 – Aida Haigh, NiSource Inc.

2016 – Jessica Vargas, Holladay Properties

2015 – Britta Haalboom, NIPSCO

2014 – Anna Tristan, Sargent Electric Company

2013 – Tricia Hanrath, Superior Construction

2012 – Melissa Strayer, Matrix NAC

2011 – Karyn Gallas, Schererville Glass & Mirror

Economic Development / Government

Up & Coming Woman of the Year

2024 - “Miss Robin” Arvantis, Town of Schererville

2023 – Wendy Mis, Town of Munster

2022 – Mary Perren, Starke County Economic Development Foundation, Inc.

2021 – Laura Shurr Blaney, Porter County Commissioner

2019 – Katie Hall, Crossroads CASA

2018 – Katie Eaton, Economic Development Corporation Michigan City

2017 – Stephanie Kuziela, Town of Chesterton

2016 – Lorri Feldt, Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center

2015 – Africa Tarver, City of Hammond

2014 – Sherri Ziller, Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority

2013 – Tina Rongers, KarnerBlue Era

2012 – Karen Lauerman, Lake County IN Economic Alliance

2011 – Elizabeth Jacobson, City of Hammond

Influential Woman of the Year

2024 - Julie Wendorf, Crown Point Community Library

2023 – Jane Jordan, Town of Burns Harbor

2022 – Alexius Barber, NiSource

2021 – Sarita Titus, Gary Police Department

2019 – Jennifer Gadzala, Town of Chesterton

2018 – Sherri Rainford, Town of Morrocco

2017 – Rachel Oesterreich, Starke County Highway Department

2016 – Teresa Iaquinta, Matrix North American Construction

2015 – Tish Roach, Building and Construction Resource Center (BCRC)

2014 – La Rhonda Lenski, Majestic Star Casino

2013 – Melissa Neff, Mechanical Concepts, Inc.

2012 – Wendy Hoppe, Hoppe PRO Hardware, Inc.

2011 - Sarah Polman, Arctic Engineering Co.

Influential Woman of the Year

2024 - Gisele Casanova, Purdue University Northwest

2023 – Shaunna Finley, Communities in Schools

2022 – Kristin Burton, Purdue University Northwest

2021 – Raida Abuizam, PhD, Purdue University Northwest

2019 – Mary Ann Chapko, Eisenhower Elementary

2018 – Dr. Sharon Johnson-Shirley, Lake Ridge New Tech Schools

2017 – Dr. Cynthia Roberts, Indiana University Northwest

2016 – Dr. Marsha King, University of Saint Francis

2015 – Barbara Eason-Watkins, Michigan City Area Schools

2014 – Dr. Teresa A. Eineman, Crown Point Community School Corporation

2013 – O’Merrial Butchee, Ivy Tech Community College

2012 – Debra Ciochina, Crown Point Community School Corporation

2011 – Dr. Charlotte Reed, Indiana University Northwest

Education

Up & Coming Woman of the Year

2024 - Roxanna O’Rourke, Hammond Education Foundation

2023 – Lydia McNeiley, School City of Hammond

2022 – Audrey Faith Randle, Hammond Area Career Center

2021 – Katrina Alexander, School City of East Chicago

2019 – Uzoma Obidike, She Leads Beautifully

2018 – Valentine Torres, Hobart High School

2017 – Michelle Biel Ondas, Gavit Middle/High School

2016 – Dr. Karen Bishop Morris, Purdue University Northwest

2015 – Dr. Jenny McGill, Indiana Wesleyan University

2014 – Dr. Neeti Parashar, Purdue University Calumet

2013 – Regina Biddings-Muro, Purdue University Calumet

2012 – Frances Vega-Steele, Ivy Tech Community College

2011 – Anne Van Keppel, Valparaiso University

Finance

Up & Coming Woman of the Year

2024 - Shvonne Barber, Horizon Bank

2023 – Angelica Arambula, The University of Chicago

2022 – Lisa Kuehl, Horizon Bank

2021 – Stephany Leonard, Teachers Credit Union

2019 – Candice Kouros Logue, Peoples Bank

2018 – Sarah Kotys, Kotys Wealth Professionals

2017 – Tiffany Irving, BMO Private Bank

2016 – Lauren Trumbo, St. Catherine Hospital

2015 – Niccole Zell, Regional Development Company

2014 – Jennifer Brock, Sage-Popovich Inc.

2013 – Jocelyn Hibshman, Lakeside Wealth Management Group

2012 – Martha Sandoval, First Midwest Bank

2011 – Theresa Mudd, First Merchants Bank

Influential Woman of the Year

2024 - Katie Craig, bp

2023 – Karin DeVries, Horizon Bank

2022 – Helen Pennington, USAA

2021 – Mary Wright, Horizon Bank

2019 – Kathy Ireland, Wintrust

2018 – Nicole Nalepa, Horizon Bank

2017 – Kelly Shikany, Lakeside Wealth Management

2016 – Karen Candiano, Eley-Graham Financial Advisory Services, Inc.

2015 – Mary Ann Shacklett, Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana, Inc.

2014 – Martha Rivas Ramos, First Midwest Bank

2013 – Rachel Saxon, Horizon Trust & Investment Management

2012 – Rene Martin, First Merchants Bank

2011 – Carol Highsmith, Centier Bank

Healthcare

Up & Coming Woman of the Year

2024 - Kele Ivey, BSN, RN, SANE-A, STAR Center at Methodist Hospital

2023 – Jervai Dumas, CASA/IUN

2022 – Tiffany Conover, St. Catherine Hospital

2021 – Olivia Flaherty, RN, Franciscan Health

2019 – Brittany Owen, Winfield Family Health

2018 – Denise Carpenter, NorthShore Health Centers

2017 – Christina Matoski, Ourhealth

2016 – Julie Bombacino, Real Food Blends

2015 – Jennifer Myers Mullen, Methodist Hospitals

2014 – Khisha Anderson, Community Healthcare System

2013 – Cynthia Thompson, Hammond Clinic

2012 – Micki Pawlowski, Calumet Orthopedic and Prosthetic Co., Inc.

2011 – Marjie Laciak, Fagen Pharmacy

Influential Woman of the Year

2024 - Regina Nelson, Optimal Neuroscience Services

2023 – Kristen Jeppeson, Community Hospital

2022 – Erica Kaufman West, MD, Franciscan Health

2021 – Michelle Resendez, Franciscan Health

2019 – Sister Marlene Shapley, Franciscan Health

2018 – Dr. Janet Seabrook, Community HealthNet Health Centers

2017 – Julie Mallers, Franciscan St. Clare Clinic

2016 – Lori Postma, Franciscan Alliance Inc.

2015 – Maryann Fumo, Franciscan Alliance Inc.

2014 – Patricia Weber, Franciscan Alliance

2013 – Jo Ann Birdzell, St. Catherine Hospital

2012 – Janice Ryba, St. Mary Medical Center

2011 – Barbara Anderson, St. Anthony Health

Law

Up & Coming Woman of the Year

2024 - Courtney Smith, Smith Legal Group, LLC

2023 – Rebecca Goddard, Newton County Prosecutor’s Office/Ryan Law Offices

2022 – Allison Pulliam, Eichhorn & Eichhorn, LLP

2021 – Tara Tauber, Tauber Law Offices

2019 – Nicole M Keith, Krieg DeVault LLP

2018 – Angela Jones, The Law Office of Angela M Jones

2017 – Patricia Roman Hass, Indiana Legal Services

2016 – Dana Zivkovich, Zivkovich Law Offices LLC

2015 – Julia Kwait, Eichhorn & Eichhorn, LLP

2014 – Shelbie J. Byers, Hoeppner, Wagner & Evans, LLP

2013 – Dana Rifai, Burke Costanza & Carberry LLP

2012 – Carly Brandenburg, Eichhorn & Eichhorn, LLP

2011 – Marissa McDermott, McDermott Law Office

Influential Woman of the Year

2024 - Amy Nowaczyk, O’Drobinak & Nowaczyk, P.C.

2023 – Carly Brandenburg, Eichhorn & Eichhorn

2022 – Heather McCarthy, Law Office of Heather A. McCarthy

2021 – Tara Worthley, Langer and Langer

2019 – America McAlpin, Austgen Kuiper Jasaitis, P.C. / Lake Superior Court

2018 – Julie Rosenwinkel, Krieg DeVault LLP

2017 – Melissa Cohen, Cohen & Sawochka

2016 – Leane English Cerven, NorthWest Indiana Bancorp/Peoples Bank

2015 – Elizabeth F. Tavitas, Lake Superior Court Domestic Relations Division

2014 – Jaime Oss, Huelat, Mack & Kreppein, P.C.

2013 – Sean Kenyon, Hoeppner, Wagner, and Evans LLP

2012 – Melanie Dunajeski, Drewry Simmons Vornehm, LLP

2011 – Renee J. Mortimer, Hinshaw & Culberson

Nonprofit

Up & Coming Woman of the Year

2024 - Brittany Caraballo, Geminus Regional Care Group

2023 – Buffy Adams, Indiana Youth Group

2022 – Juanita Boland, Crisis Center, Inc. A Youth Service Bureau

2021 – Stephanie Trendowski, Mom Congress

2019 – Michelle Novak, Tradewinds

2018 – Jean Bowman, Nazareth Home

2017 – Amelia Kowalisyn, Emma’s Footprints

2016 – Mackenna Schon, United Way of Porter County

2015 – Lisa Coyle, Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana

2014 – Donna Golob, PATH, Inc

2013 – Monique Ruiz, Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce

2012 – Melissa Castly-Kirinic, United Way of Porter County

2011 – Heather Ennis, Northwest Indiana Forum

Marketing/Media

Up & Coming Woman of the Year

2024 - Susan Thompson, Illiana Indoor Billboards

2023 – Melissa Bohacek, Paladin

2022 – Samantha Bean, Lubeznik Center for the Arts

2021 – Charlotte Liss, CARSTAR Liss Auto Body

2019 – Jen Soffin, The IN Coast

2018 – Jenny Craig-Brown, Ideas in Motion Media

2017 – Tricia Sena, Luke Oil

2016 – Kristin Johnson, SecurMAR LLC

2015 – Alexis Vazquez Dedelow, WJOB AM 1230

2014 – Angela Moore, St. Catherine Hospital

2013 – Brandi Anstine, HealthLinc

2012 – Angie Tsikouris, Spine Care Specialists

2011 – Meghan Mauman, View Outdoor Advertising

Influential Woman of the Year

2024 - Christi Hardesty, Hard Rock Casino Northern indiana

2023 – Lauri Keagle, Franciscan Alliance

2022 – Angela Spencer, White Iris

2021 – Jennifer Cosenza, Acorn Marketing by Design

2019 – Marie Forszt, Community Healthcare System

2018 – Carrie Kuck, HealthLinc

2017 – Gina Altieri, Phenix7 Marketing, Inc.

2016 – Kris Falzone, Purdue University Northwest

2015 – Susan Brychell, Purdue University North Central

2014 – Andrea Spanburg-Sherwin, Centier Bank

2013 – Chelsea Whittington, Indiana University Northwest & C WHITT PR

2012 – Cheryl Justak, Golf Now! Chicago Magazine

2011 – Pat Colander, The Times

Influential Woman of the Year

2024 - Sheila Chandler, TradeWinds Services Inc.

2023 – Vickie Rainwater, Mental Health America of NWI

2022 – Erika Miller, Goodwill Industries of Michiana

2021 – Prophetess Burgess Peoples, Guaranteed Income Validation Effort (GIVE)

2019 – Nupur Arora, Food Bank of NWI

2018 – Debie Coble, Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc

2017 – Renae Vania-Tomczak, Mental Health America of Lake County

2016 – Dr. Sharron Hightower-Liggins, Continuum of Care Network of NWI, Inc.

2015 – Sandra Noe, Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana, Inc.

2014 – Sister Peg Spindler, Sojourner Truth House

2013 – Maggi Spartz, Unity Foundation of LaPorte County

2012 – Danita Johnson Hughes, Edgewater Behavioral Health Services

2011 – Patricia Huber, Crown Point Community Foundation

Service/Tourism

Up & Coming Woman of the Year

2024 - Tracee Jury, Steamwhistle Coffee Roasters

2023 – Natalie Paton, Luke Family of Brands

2022 – Miranda O’Block, Tavern on Main

2021 – Orlee Glazer, Barre+Beyond

2019 – Nicole Caylor, Aftermath Cidery & Winery and Running Vines Winery

2018 – Diana Bosse, City of Crown Point

2017 – Paula Broutman, Performance Plus

2016 – Lydia Ramos, Hammond Horseshoe Casino

2015 – Crystal Martin, L’abn MediSpa & Therapy Center

2014 – Dana More, Luke Family of Brands

2013 – Allyson Baughman, Duneland Chamber of Commerce

2012 – Jennie Burgess, City of Crown Point

2011 – Niko Sullivan, Lost Marsh Golf Course

Influential Woman of the Year

2024 - Jeny Burkhart, The Waxi Taxi

2023 – Deborah Bachmann, Purdue University Northwest

2022 – Stacey Beal, Luke Family of Brands

2021 – Kiki Encarnacion, Hard Rock Casino

2019 – Natalie Johnson, Save the Dunes

2018 – Kate Rather, Green is Good by Kate

2017 – Toula Klideris, Prime Steakhouse

2016 – Polly Grieger-Rossi, CMP-HC, CMM, HMCC, Meeting Achievements

2015 – Julie Basich, Fair Oaks Farms

2014 – Deann Patena, Fair Oaks Farms

2013 – Lorelei Weimer, Indiana Dunes Tourism

2012 – Chareice White, Majestic Star Casino

2011 – Dawn Reynolds Pettit, Horseshoe Casino

STEM

Up & Coming Woman of the Year

2024 - Rachel Ritter, Powers Health

2023 – Gianna Zyla, NiSource

2022 – Brianna Styck, Newton County Soil and Water Conservation District

2021 – Maureen Carroll, MonoSol

2019 – Michele Murday, EnviroForensics

Influential Woman of the Year

2024 - Alyssa A Nyberg, The Nature Conservancy

2023 – Erin Bemis, bp

2022 – Nasim Azimi, MonoSol

2019 – Megan Glaros, CBS Chicago

Overall

Up & Coming Woman of the Year

2024 - Dr. Maria Hughes, Purdue University Northwest

2023 – Teri Wallace, Wallace Consulting LLC

2022 – Claudia Jones, Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana

2021 – Anne Anderson, City of Hammond

2019 – Vicki Urbanik, Porter County Auditor

2018 – Heather Garay, City of Hammond

2017 – Michelle Biel Ondas, Gavit Middle/High School

2016 – Kristin Johnson, SecurMAR LLC

2015 – Africa Tarver, City of Hammond

2014 – Dr. Neeti Parashar, Purdue University Calumet

2013 – Tricia Hanrath, Superior Construction

2012 – Melissa Strayer, Matrix NAC

2011 – Niko Sullivan, Lost Marsh Golf Course

Influential Woman of the Year

2024 - Amy Henningfield, Superior Construction

2023 – Jessica Kish, New Chapter Real Estate

2022 – Audra Peterson, Porter County Education Services

2021 – Denise Conlon, NIPSCO

2019 – Kim Blaesing, Tiger Plumbing

2018 – Stacey Brock, NIPSCO

2017 – Julie Mallers, Franciscan St. Clare Clinic

2016 – Leane Cerven, Northwest Indiana Bancorp/Peoples Bank

2015 – Gerri Davis-Parker, Truck City of Gary, Inc.

2014 – Sister Peg Spindler, Sojourner Truth House

2013 – Jo Ann Birdzell, St. Catherine Hospital

2012 – Chareice White, Majestic Star Casino

2011 – Barbara Greene, Board of Directors, Community Foundation of NWI

Community Leader of the Year

2024 - Mayor Angie Nelson Dueitch, City of Michigan City

2023 – Sherri Ziller, Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA)

2022 – Kelly Vates, Fair Haven Rape Crisis Center

2021 – Tammi Davis, The Obama Foundation

2019 – Andrea Graciano, Victim Advocate Hobart Police

2018 – Helen Garrison, Albert’s Diamond Jewelers

2017 – Karen Maravilla, It’s Just Serendipity

2016 – Sue Reed, Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce

2015 – Analisa Warring, (Up & Coming Community Leader) REGIONAL Federal Credit Union

2015 – Linda Woloshansky, LM Woloshansky & Associates

2014 – Desila Rosetti, Organizational Development Solutions

2013 – Denise Dillard, Methodist Hospitals

2012 – Jill Ritchie, Lost Marsh Golf Course

Supporter of the Year

2024 - Aida Abuelizam, NiSource

2023 – Deanna Chase, Horizon Bank

2022 – Kylee Fraze Norman, CLH, CPAs & Consultants

2021 – Lisa Kuehl, Horizon Bank

2019 – Cynthia J. Warner-Lowe, Hammond Adult Education

2018 – Erica Dombey, Regional Development Company

2017 – Charles Nordyke, Vibra Hospital of Northwestern Indiana

2016 – Ed Kasza, The Little Guys Home Technology

2015 – Carly Brandenburg, Eichhorn & Eichhom, LLP

2014 – Sister Aline Shultz, Franciscan Alliance

2013 – Calvin Bellamy, Krieg DeVault

Special Recognition

2024 - Maddie Wimple, Madisyn’s Spread the Love Project

Lifetime Achievement Award

2024 - Andrea Pearman, Diversified Marketing Strategies