More than 750 people and over 300 businesses gathered to celebrate the achievements of more than 25 of NWI’s female leaders at the 2016 Influential Women of Northwest Indiana awards banquet. Attendees included representatives from many corporate entities, as well as elected officials, entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizers, and more.
Twenty-two women received accolades in 11 different industry categories; one Influential Woman and one Up-And-Coming Woman. Also, six additional awards were distributed for overall winners, empowering business of the year, the Torch Award, and supporter of the year. The 2016 winners were selected from a pool of over 200 nominees.
This year’s Overall Up & Coming Woman of the Year is Kristin Johnson of SecurMAR LLC, and the Overall Influential Woman of the Year is Leane Cerven of Northwest Indiana Bancorp/Peoples Bank.
“The Influential Women alumni have impacted NWI region in many inspiring ways,” said Mary Ann Shacklett, Senior Vice President of Finance & CFO with Community Healthcare System and 2015 Influential Women winner. “Many of us are the first women in our organization that broke through the glass ceiling to reach the top management rung. We were able to achieve that status by working hard, proving ourselves, and making our companies more successful.”
Additionally, throughout its history, Influential Women has donated over $80,000 to charities and non-profits that are dedicated to assisting women and children.
About Influential Women of NWI
Every year, Influential Women of Northwest Indiana celebrates women who have achieved success in 11 different industry categories. Nonprofits are also selected to receive funding for important projects that make a positive impact on the community.
2016 Influential Women Award Winners
Business
Influential – Anita Marie Kozlowski – Screw Conveyor Corporation Up & Coming – Kathy Neary – Ivy Tech Community College
Construction
Influential – Teresa Iaquinta – Matrix North American Construction Up & Coming – Jessica Vargas – Holladay Properties
Economic Development
Influential – Lori Tubbs – Commercial Advantage, Inc.
Up & Coming – Lorri Feldt – Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center
Education
Influential – Dr. Marsha King – University of Saint Francis
Up & Coming – Dr. Karen Bishop Morris – Purdue University Northwest
Financial
Influential – Karen Candiano – Eley-Graham Financial Advisory Services, Inc. Up & Coming – Lauren Trumbo – St. Catherine Hospital
Government
Influential – Merrilee Frey – Lake County Coroner’s Office
Up & Coming – Maria D’Am-brose – Newton County Board of Commissioners
Health Care
Influential – Lori Postma – Francis-can Alliance, Inc. Up & Coming – Julie Bombacino – Real Food Blends
Law
Influential – Leane English Cerven – NorthWest Indiana Bancorp/-Peoples Bank
Up & Coming – Dana Zivkovich – Zivokvich Law Offices LLC
Marketing
Influential – Kris Falzone – Purdue University Northwest Up & Co-ming – Kristin Johnson – SecurMAR LLC
Non Profit
Influential – Dr. Sharron High-tower-Liggins – Continuum of Care Network of NWI, Inc.
Up & Coming – Mackenna Schon – United Way of Porter County
Service/Tourism
Influential – Polly Rossi – Meeting Achievements
Up & Coming – Lydia Ramos – Hammond Horseshoe Casino
2016 Community Leader of the Year – Sue Reed, Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce
2016 Overall Up & Coming Woman of the Year – Kristin Johnson, SecurMAR LLC
2016 Overall Influential Woman of the Year – Leane Cerven, North-west Indiana Bancorp/Peoples Bank
2016 Empowering Business of the Year – Strack & Van Til
2016 Supporter of the Year – Ed Kasza, The Little Guys Home Technology
2016 Torch Award – Ellen De-Martinis, Opportunity Enterprises, Inc.