We are proud to announce the 2012 YWCA Tribute to Women Finalists.
The YWCA honors outstanding women in the community through Tribute to Women. This annual event isEast Tennessee’s foremost acknowledgment and appreciation of the contributions of local women. The award ceremony will be held on Thursday, August 16, 2012, at the Bijou Theatre.
This year’s event emphasizes work and dedication to Equality, Empowerment, and Transformation by all eighteen finalists. These themes reflect the mission of the YWCA, which is to eliminate racism, empower women, and create peace, justice, dignity, and freedom for all. There will be six honorees announced at the event in August. The finalists represent nominations from all nine counties of East Tennessee.
Professional Photos by: Rachel Towers of Reflections and Images
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- Lori Santoro
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- Maxine Raines
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- Dawn Coppock
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- Ruth Johnson Smiley
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- Jenny Moshak
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- Amy Cathey
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- Janet Testerman
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- Lisa Duncan
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- Shaun Fulco
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- Wendy Besmann
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- Mary Bogert
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- Leigha Edwards
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- Robin Wilhoit
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- Annie Gray
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- Booth Kammann
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- Danni Varlan
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- Melodie Daniels
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- Trudy Hughes
Nominations were reviewed by three out-of-state judges, including Christine Johnson from Kentucky, Dr. Salome Raheim from Connecticut, and Kathleen Sgambati from New Hampshire. Ms. Johnson is the former president of the Leadership Louisville Center and has been at the forefront of women’s leadership in Louisville. Dr. Raheim is the Dean of Social Work at the University of Connecticut and co-Chair of the Provost’s Commission on Institutional Diversity. Ms. Sgambati is a former Democratic member of the New Hampshire Senate, having represented the 4th District from 2006 through 2010.
The YWCA Tribute to Women event will also induct two individuals into the Lifetime Achievement listing. This year, Helen Ashe and Ellen Turner, founders of the Love Kitchen will be honored. They have served Knoxville’s hungry for over 26 years, and their passion has inspired individuals across the country.
Additionally, the YWCA will honor U.S. Cellular with a new recognition, YWCA’s 2012 Partner in Equality Award, for their excellence in promoting equality in business and community. “We feel they best exemplify the mission of the YWCA. They are a great role model for our community,” said Lorie Matthews, 2012 YWCA Tribute to Women chair.
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