YWCA Leader Luncheon award winners

Margaret Hillis Award for the Arts

Jeanne Hebeisen nominated by Elgin Area Branch of AAUW. Jeanne has served the Arts community for over 50 years through her involvement in the Elgin Art Showcase, Elgin Symphony League and Music Parents.

Beatrice Dorsey Award for Business and Professions

Kathy Hannell nominated by The Fideliter Club. Ms. Hannell is an owner/operator of the Learning tree which is comprised of four successful child development centers in Elgin, Algonquin and Huntley.

Marguerite Henry Award for Communications

Heather J. Gates nominated by Provena St. Joseph Hospital. Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Provena St. Joseph Hospital, Ms. Gates’ career has focused on marketing and communications for the healthcare industry.

Harriet Gifford Award for Education

Dr. Roberta Nauman nominated by The Larkin Center has been affiliated with The Larkin Center as a member of the board of directors, staff member in the special education facility, and Director if Special Education.

Myrtle Spiegler Gerberding Award for Public Service

Nancy Rohr nominated by James Hanson & Larry Jones has been a dedicated public servant through her membership on the South Elgin Planning Commission and long time position as a Trustee to the South Elgin Village Board.

Marie Grolich Award for Social Services

Shelley Wasmond Lewis nominated by Little Angels & Barbara Smorynski. As Executive Director of Little Angels, she has guided this home in becoming a state-of-the-art, nationally recognized pediatric facility for children with disabilities.

Marjorie Leonard Award for Community Service

Sheri Darmon, nominated by P.E.O. Chapter JG, has been actively involved in several organizations including Fideliters, Elgin Junior Service Board, Sherman Hospital Auxiliary and various school organizations.

Racial Justice

Adriana Carpio de Palma nominated by Cynthia Wendt. A bilingual teacher of gifted and talented students, Adriana has been a strong presence at Sheridan School and works on a districtwide level to advocate for equitable educational opportunities for all students.

Corporate Award

Gail Borden Library nominated by The Literacy Connection. Gail Borden encourages continuing education, career development and other programs that help employees reach their highest potential.

YWCA Elgin Leadership Award for Young Women

The first winner of the YWCA Elgin Leadership Award for Young Women is “Portia Anderson” who attends Streamwood High School.