Arts
Up & Coming Woman of the Year
Arts
Influential Woman of the Year
Business
Up & Coming Woman of the Year
Business
Influential Woman of the Year
Construction/Manufacturing
Up & Coming Woman of the Year
Construction/Manufacturing
Influential Woman of the Year
Economic Development/Government
Up & Coming Woman of the Year
Economic Development/Government
Influential Woman of the Year
Education
Up & Coming Woman of the Year
Education
Influential Woman of the Year
Finance
Up & Coming Woman of the Year
Finance
Influential Woman of the Year
Healthcare
Up & Coming Woman of the Year
Healthcare
Influential Woman of the Year
Law
Up & Coming Woman of the Year
Law
Influential Woman of the Year
Marketing/Media
Up & Coming Woman of the Year
Marketing/Media
Influential Woman of the Year
Nonprofit
Up & Coming Woman of the Year
Nonprofit
Influential Woman of the Year
Service/Tourism
Up & Coming Woman of the Year
Service/Tourism
Influential Woman of the Year
STEM
Up & Coming Woman of the Year
STEM
Influential Woman of the Year
Overall
Up & Coming Woman of the Year
Overall
Influential Woman of the Year
Community Leader of the Year
Supporter of the Year
Youth Award Winner
Non-Profit Category
Lifetime Achievement Award
Influential Women Alumni
This list of Influential Women alumni includes all the prestigious winners from each year’s banquet. These individuals have all made tremendous impacts on their companies and communities, and are redefining what it means to live, work, and play in Northwest Indiana.
Among these alumni, you’ll find business leaders, teachers, doctors, nurses, entrepreneurs, elected officials, nonprofit coordinators – and all kinds of other individuals that are paving the way forward toward a brighter future for our region.
Arts
Creative and cultural organizations.
Up & Coming Woman of the Year |
Influential Woman of the Year |
|---|---|
2023 – Brittany EdmondsFamous Athletics
|
2023 – Gloria TuohyIndiana Ballet Theatre
|
2022 – Alicia HodgesAlicia Hodges Portraiture
|
2022 – Robin ArvanitisPatti’s All-American Gymnastics
|
2021 – Bridget CovertSouth Shore Arts
|
2021 – Pamela AndersonColor Room Salon & Day Spa
|
2019 – Lita Sena-LopezKahler Middle School
|
2019 – Michelle GoldenBooks, Brushes & Bands for Education
|
Business
Professional services, entrepreneurs and more.
Up & Coming Woman of the Year |
Influential Woman of the Year |
|---|---|
2023 – Lisa HarringtonMermaid Straw
|
2023 – Lynn DuttlingerCLH CPAs and Consultants
|
2022 – Trish GeyerALLSTATE
|
2022 – Stephanie KellerCliftonLarsonAllen
|
2021 – Heather McCollyMcColly Real Estate
|
2021 – Gloria MorrisGoogle
|
2019 – Natalie KrivasAM Stabilizers
|
2019 – Lisa PrestonSt. John Animal Clinic
|
2018 – Farren FelusCrossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce
|
2018 – Patti KomaraPatti’s All American
|
2017 – Stephanie WoodsRevolution Fitness
|
2017 – Danette GarzaJack Gray Transport, Inc.
|
2016 – Kathy NearyIvy Tech Community College
|
2016 – Anita Marie KozlowskiScrew Conveyor Corporation
|
2015 – Rachel GajosMethodist Hospitals
|
2015 – Gerri Davis-ParkerTruck City of Gary, Inc.
|
2014 – Angie Nelson-DeuitchNIPSCO
|
2014 – Shelly IliffDuke Energy
|
2013 – Theresa ValadeSuccessTrek, Inc.
|
2013 – Kimberly BroaderNIPSCO
|
2012 – Julie BieszczatBarney Enterprises Management Services
|
2012 – Violet SistovarisNIPSCO
|
Construction/Manufacturing
Manufacturers, industrial firms, contractors and builders.
Up & Coming Woman of the Year |
Influential Woman of the Year |
|---|---|
2023 – Linda Monge GuerreroNiSource
|
2023 – Robin WitteFacet Architecture
|
2022 – Julianne TattersallKorellis
|
2022 – Norma WilliamsExcellence by Design
|
2021 – Lyndie WaltonContinental Electric
|
2021 – Laura SmallHolladay Properties
|
2019 – Patty StovallHasse Construction
|
2019 – Tannaz JavadiArcelorMittal Global R&D
|
2018 – Zhifen WangArcelorMittal Global R&D
|
2018 – Amy HenningfieldSuperior Construction
|
2017 – Aida HaighNiSource Inc.
|
2017 – Kelly DallasArcelorMittal USA
|
2016 – Jessica VargasHolladay Properties
|
2016 – Teresa IaquintaMatrix North American Construction
|
2015 – Britta HaalboomNIPSCO
|
2015 – Tish RoachBuilding and Construction Resource Center (BCRC)
|
2014 – Anna TristanSargent Electric Company
|
2014 – La Rhonda LenskiMajestic Star Casino
|
2013 – Tricia HanrathSuperior Construction
|
2013 – Melissa NeffMechanical Concepts, Inc.
|
2012 – Melissa StrayerMatrix NAC
|
2012 – Wendy HoppeHoppe PRO Hardware, Inc.
|
2011 – Karyn GallasSchererville Glass & Mirror
|
2011 – Sarah PolmanArctic Engineering Co.
|
Economic Development/Government
Community leaders, development organizations, first responders and municipal entities.
Up & Coming Woman of the Year |
Influential Woman of the Year |
|---|---|
2023 – Wendy MisTown of Munster
|
2023 – Jane JordanTown of Burns Harbor
|
2022 – Mary PerrenStarke County Economic Development Foundation, Inc.
|
2022 – Alexius BarberNiSource
|
2021 – Laura Shurr BlaneyPorter County Commissioner
|
2021 – Sarita TitusGary Police Department
|
2019 – Katie HallCrossroads CASA
|
2019 – Jennifer GadzalaTown of Chesterton
|
2018 – Katie EatonEconomic Development Corporation Michigan City
|
2018 – Sherri RainfordTown of Morrocco
|
2017 – Stephanie KuzielaTown of Chesterton
|
2017 – Rachel OesterreichStarke County Highway Department
|
2016 – Lorri FeldtNorthwest Indiana Small Business
Development Center |
2016 – Lori TubbsCommercial Advantage, Inc.
|
2016 – Maria D’AmbroseNewton County Board of Commissioners
|
2016 – Merrilee FreyLake County Coroner’s Office
|
2015 – Africa TarverCity of Hammond
|
2015 – Denarie KaneCity of Hobart
|
2015 – Victoria GreshamPorter County Republican Party
|
2015 – Christine CidLake County Council
|
2014 – Sherri ZillerNorthwest Indiana Regional Development Authority
|
2014 – Kay NelsonNorthwest Indiana Forum
|
2014 – Tina StevensNewton County Democratic Party
|
2014 – Shelli VanDenburghIndiana State Representative
|
2013 – Tina RongersKarnerBlue Era
|
2013 – Dawn CollinsCentury 21 Executive Realty
|
2013 – Nancy AdamsPorter County
|
2013 – Earline RogersIndiana State Senate
|
2012 – Karen LauermanLake County IN Economic Alliance
|
2012 – Cecile PetroTown of Highland
|
2012 – Donna MutaCity of Hammond
|
2012 – Erica DombeyRegional Development Company
|
2011 – Elizabeth JacobsonCity of Hammond
|
2011 – Diane ThalmannNIPSCO
|
2011 – Mara Candelaria-ReardonCity of Hammond
|
2011 – Olga VelazquezMayor of Portage
|
Education
Teachers, administrators, higher education, faculty and staff.
Up & Coming Woman of the Year |
Influential Woman of the Year |
|---|---|
2023 – Lydia McNeileySchool City of Hammond
|
2023 – Shaunna FinleyCommunities in Schools
|
2022 – Audrey Faith RandleHammond Area Career Center
|
2022 – Kristin BurtonPurdue University Northwest
|
2021 – Katrina AlexanderSchool City of East Chicago
|
2021 – Raida Abuizam, PhDPurdue University Northwest
|
2019 – Uzoma ObidikeShe Leads Beautifully
|
2019 – Mary Ann ChapkoEisenhower Elementary
|
2018 – Valentine TorresHobart High School
|
2018 – Dr. Sharon Johnson-ShirleyLake Ridge New Tech Schools
|
2017 – Michelle Biel OndasGavit Middle/High School
|
2017 – Dr. Cynthia RobertsIndiana University Northwest
|
2016 – Dr. Karen Bishop MorrisPurdue University Northwest
|
2016 – Dr. Marsha KingUniversity of Saint Francis
|
2015 – Dr. Jenny McGillIndiana Wesleyan University
|
2015 – Barbara Eason-WatkinsMichigan City Area Schools
|
2014 – Dr. Neeti ParasharPurdue University Calumet
|
2014 – Dr. Teresa A. EinemanCrown Point Community School Corporation
|
2013 – Regina Biddings-MuroPurdue University Calumet
|
2013 – O’Merrial ButcheeIvy Tech Community College
|
2012 – Frances Vega-SteeleIvy Tech Community College
|
2012 – Debra CiochinaCrown Point Community School Corporation
|
2011 – Anne Van KeppelValparaiso University
|
2011 – Dr. Charlotte ReedIndiana University Northwest
|
Finance
Financial experts, advisors, banking staff and more.
Up & Coming Woman of the Year |
Influential Woman of the Year |
|---|---|
2023 – Angelica ArambulaThe University of Chicago
|
2023 – Karin DeVriesHorizon Bank
|
2022 – Lisa KuehlHorizon Bank
|
2022 – Helen PenningtonUSAA
|
2021 – Stephany LeonardTeachers Credit Union
|
2021 – Mary WrightHorizon Bank
|
2019 – Candice Kouros LoguePeoples Bank
|
2019 – Kathy IrelandWintrust
|
2018 – Sarah KotysKotys Wealth Professionals
|
2018 – Nicole NalepaHorizon Bank
|
2017 – Tiffany IrvingBMO Private Bank
|
2017 – Kelly ShikanyLakeside Wealth Management
|
2016 – Lauren TrumboSt. Catherine Hospital
|
2016 – Karen CandianoEley-Graham Financial Advisory Services, Inc.
|
2015 – Niccole ZellRegional Development Company
|
2015 – Mary Ann ShacklettCommunity Foundation of Northwest Indiana, Inc.
|
2014 – Jennifer BrockSage-Popovich Inc.
|
2014 – Martha Rivas RamosFirst Midwest Bank
|
2013 – Jocelyn HibshmanLakeside Wealth Management Group
|
2013 – Rachel SaxonHorizon Trust & Investment Management
|
2012 – Martha SandovalFirst Midwest Bank
|
2012 – Rene MartinFirst Merchants Bank
|
2011 – Theresa MuddFirst Merchants Bank
|
2011 – Carol HighsmithCentier Bank
|
Healthcare
Health and wellness professionals, administrators, doctors, nurses and private practice.
Up & Coming Woman of the Year |
Influential Woman of the Year |
|---|---|
2023 – Jervai DumasCASA/IUN
|
2023 – Kristen JeppesonCommunity Hospital
|
2022 – Tiffany ConoverSt. Catherine Hospital
|
2022 – Erica Kaufman West, MDFranciscan Health
|
2021 – Olivia Flaherty, RNFranciscan Health
|
2021 – Michelle ResendezFranciscan Health
|
2019 – Brittany OwenWinfield Family Health
|
2019 – Sister Marlene ShapleyFranciscan Health
|
2018 – Denise CarpenterNorthShore Health Centers
|
2018 – Dr. Janet SeabrookCommunity HealthNet Health Centers
|
2017 – Christina MatoskiOurhealth
|
2017 – Julie MallersFranciscan St. Clare Clinic
|
2016 – Julie BombacinoReal Food Blends
|
2016 – Lori PostmaFranciscan Alliance Inc.
|
2015 – Jennifer Myers MullenMethodist Hospitals
|
2015 – Maryann FumoFranciscan Alliance Inc.
|
2014 – Khisha AndersonCommunity Healthcare System
|
2014 – Patricia WeberFranciscan Alliance
|
2013 – Cynthia ThompsonHammond Clinic
|
2013 – Jo Ann BirdzellSt. Catherine Hospital
|
2012 – Micki PawlowskiCalumet Orthopedic and Prosthetic Co., Inc.
|
2012 – Janice RybaSt. Mary Medical Center
|
2011 – Marjie LaciakFagen Pharmacy
|
2011 – Barbara AndersonSt. Anthony Health
|
Law
Lawyers, legislators, legal aids and more.
Up & Coming Woman of the Year |
Influential Woman of the Year |
|---|---|
2023 – Rebecca GoddardNewton County Prosecutor’s Office/Ryan Law Offices
|
2023 – Carly BrandenburgEichhorn & Eichhorn
|
2022 – Allison PulliamEichhorn & Eichhorn, LLP
|
2022 – Heather McCarthyLaw Office of Heather A. McCarthy
|
2021 – Tara TauberTauber Law Offices
|
2021 – Tara WorthleyLanger and Langer
|
2019 – Nicole M KeithKrieg DeVault LLP
|
2019 – America McAlpinAustgen Kuiper Jasaitis, P.C. / Lake Superior Court
|
2018 – Angela JonesThe Law Office of Angela M Jones
|
2018 – Julie RosenwinkelKrieg DeVault LLP
|
2017 – Patricia Roman HassIndiana Legal Services
|
2017 – Melissa CohenCohen & Sawochka
|
2016 – Dana ZivkovichZivkovich Law Offices LLC
|
2016 – Leane English CervenNorthWest Indiana Bancorp/Peoples Bank
|
2015 – Julia KwaitEichhorn & Eichhorn, LLP
|
2015 – Elizabeth F. TavitasLake Superior Court Domestic Relations Division
|
2014 – Shelbie J. ByersHoeppner, Wagner & Evans, LLP
|
2014 – Jaime OssHuelat, Mack & Kreppein, P.C.
|
2013 – Dana RifaiBurke Costanza & Carberry LLP
|
2013 – Sean KenyonHoeppner, Wagner, and Evans LLP
|
2012 – Carly BrandenburgEichhorn & Eichhorn, LLP
|
2012 – Melanie DunajeskiDrewry Simmons Vornehm, LLP
|
2011 – Marissa McDermottMcDermott Law Office
|
2011 – Renee J. MortimerHinshaw & Culberson
|
Marketing/Media
Public relations organizations, communications and entertainment.
Up & Coming Woman of the Year |
Influential Woman of the Year |
|---|---|
2023 – Melissa BohacekPaladin
|
2023 – Lauri KeagleFranciscan Alliance
|
2022 – Samantha BeanLubeznik Center for the Arts
|
2022 – Angela SpencerWhite Iris
|
2021 – Charlotte LissCARSTAR Liss Auto Body
|
2021 – Jennifer CosenzaAcorn Marketing by Design
|
2019 – Jen SoffinThe IN Coast
|
2019 – Marie ForsztCommunity Healthcare System
|
2018 – Jenny Craig-BrownIdeas in Motion Media
|
2018 – Carrie KuckHealthLinc
|
2017 – Tricia SenaLuke Oil
|
2017 – Gina AltieriPhenix7 Marketing, Inc.
|
2016 – Kristin JohnsonSecurMAR LLC
|
2016 – Kris FalzonePurdue University Northwest
|
2015 – Alexis Vazquez DedelowWJOB AM 1230
|
2015 – Susan BrychellPurdue University North Central
|
2014 – Angela MooreSt. Catherine Hospital
|
2014 – Andrea Spanburg-SherwinCentier Bank
|
2013 – Brandi AnstineHealthLinc
|
2013 – Chelsea WhittingtonIndiana University Northwest & C WHITT PR
|
2012 – Angie TsikourisSpine Care Specialists
|
2012 – Cheryl JustakGolf Now! Chicago Magazine
|
2011 – Meghan MaumanView Outdoor Advertising
|
2011 – Pat ColanderThe Times
|
Nonprofit
Charitable foundations, business and community groups and more.
Up & Coming Woman of the Year |
Influential Woman of the Year |
|---|---|
2023 – Buffy AdamsIndiana Youth Group
|
2023 – Vickie RainwaterMental Health America of NWI
|
2022 – Juanita BolandCrisis Center, Inc. A Youth Service Bureau
|
2022 – Erika MillerGoodwill Industries of Michiana
|
2021 – Stephanie TrendowskiMom Congress
|
2021 – Prophetess Burgess PeoplesGuaranteed Income Validation Effort (GIVE)
|
2019 – Michelle NovakTradewinds
|
2019 – Nupur AroraFood Bank of NWI
|
2018 – Jean BowmanNazareth Home
|
2018 – Debie CobleGoodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc
|
2017 – Amelia KowalisynEmma’s Footprints
|
2017 – Renae Vania-TomczakMental Health America of Lake County
|
2016 – Mackenna SchonUnited Way of Porter County
|
2016 – Dr. Sharron Hightower-LigginsContinuum of Care Network of NWI, Inc.
|
2015 – Lisa CoyleHabitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana
|
2015 – Sandra NoeMeals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana, Inc.
|
2014 – Donna GolobPATH, Inc
|
2014 – Sister Peg SpindlerSojourner Truth House
|
2013 – Monique RuizLakeshore Chamber of Commerce
|
2013 – Maggi SpartzUnity Foundation of LaPorte County
|
2012 – Melissa Castly-KirinicUnited Way of Porter County
|
2012 – Danita Johnson HughesEdgewater Behavioral Health Services
|
2011 – Heather EnnisNorthwest Indiana Forum
|
2011 – Patricia HuberCrown Point Community Foundation
|
Service/Tourism
Retail services, entertainment, accommodation/transportation providers and tourism-related organizations.
Up & Coming Woman of the Year |
Influential Woman of the Year |
|---|---|
2023 – Natalie PatonLuke Family of Brands
|
2023 – Deborah BachmannPurdue University Northwest
|
2022 – Miranda O’BlockTavern on Main
|
2022 – Stacey BealLuke Family of Brands
|
2021 – Orlee GlazerBarre+Beyond
|
2021 – Kiki EncarnacionHard Rock Casino
|
2019 – Nicole CaylorAftermath Cidery & Winery and Running Vines Winery
|
2019 – Natalie JohnsonSave the Dunes
|
2018 – Diana BosseCity of Crown Point
|
2018 – Kate RatherGreen is Good by Kate
|
2017 – Paula BroutmanPerformance Plus
|
2017 – Toula KliderisPrime Steakhouse
|
2016 – Lydia RamosHammond Horseshoe Casino
|
2016 – Polly Grieger-Rossi, CMP-HC, CMM, HMCCMeeting Achievements
|
2015 – Crystal MartinL’abn MediSpa & Therapy Center
|
2015 – Julie BasichFair Oaks Farms
|
2014 – Dana MoreLuke Family of Brands
|
2014 – Deann PatenaFair Oaks Farms
|
2013 – Allyson BaughmanDuneland Chamber of Commerce
|
2013 – Lorelei WeimerIndiana Dunes Tourism
|
2012 – Jennie BurgessCity of Crown Point
|
2012 – Chareice WhiteMajestic Star Casino
|
2011 – Niko SullivanLost Marsh Golf Course
|
2011 – Dawn Reynolds PettitHorseshoe Casino
|
STEM
Innovators, inventors, science and technology-related firms.
Up & Coming Woman of the Year |
Influential Woman of the Year |
|---|---|
2023 – Gianna ZylaNiSource
|
2023 – Erin Bemisbp
|
2022 – Brianna StyckNewton County Soil and Water Conservation District
|
2022 – Nasim AzimiMonoSol
|
2021 – Maureen CarrollMonoSol
|
|
2019 – Michele MurdayEnviroForensics
|
2019 – Megan GlarosCBS Chicago
|
Overall
Up & Coming Woman of the Year |
Influential Woman of the Year |
|---|---|
2023 – Teri WallaceWallace Consulting LLC
|
2023 – Jessica KishNew Chapter Real Estate
|
2022 – Claudia JonesHard Rock Casino Northern Indiana
|
2022 – Audra PetersonPorter County Education Services
|
2021 – Anne AndersonCity of Hammond
|
2021 – Denise ConlonNIPSCO
|
2019 – Vicki UrbanikPorter County Auditor
|
2019 – Kim BlaesingTiger Plumbing
|
2018 – Heather GarayCity of Hammond
|
2018 – Stacey BrockNIPSCO
|
2017 – Michelle Biel OndasGavit Middle/High School
|
2017 – Julie MallersFranciscan St. Clare Clinic
|
2016 – Kristin JohnsonSecurMAR LLC
|
2016 – Leane CervenNorthwest Indiana Bancorp/Peoples Bank
|
2015 – Africa TarverCity of Hammond
|
2015 – Gerri Davis-ParkerTruck City of Gary, Inc.
|
2014 – Dr. Neeti ParasharPurdue University Calumet
|
2014 – Sister Peg SpindlerSojourner Truth House
|
2013 – Tricia HanrathSuperior Construction
|
2013 – Jo Ann BirdzellSt. Catherine Hospital
|
2012 – Melissa StrayerMatrix NAC
|
2012 – Chareice WhiteMajestic Star Casino
|
2011 – Niko SullivanLost Marsh Golf Course
|
2011 – Barbara GreeneBoard of Directors, Community Foundation of NWI
|
Community Leader of the Year
2023 – Sherri ZillerNorthwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA)
|
2022 – Kelly VatesFair Haven Rape Crisis Center
|
2021 – Tammi DavisThe Obama Foundation
|
2019 – Andrea GracianoVictim Advocate Hobart Police
|
2018 – Helen GarrisonAlbert’s Diamond Jewelers
|
2017 – Karen MaravillaIt’s Just Serendipity
|
2016 – Sue ReedCrossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce
|
2015 – Analisa Warring(Up & Coming Community Leader)
REGIONAL federal credit union |
2015 – Linda WoloshanskyLM Woloshansky & Associates
|
2014 – Desila RosettiOrganizational Development Solutions
|
2013 – Denise DillardMethodist Hospitals
|
2012 – Jill RitchieLost Marsh Golf Course
|
Supporter of the Year
2023 – Deanna ChaseHorizon Bank
|
2022 – Kylee Fraze NormanCLH, CPAs & Consultants
|
2021 – Lisa KuehlHorizon Bank
|
2019 – Cynthia J. Warner-LoweHammond Adult Education
|
2018 – Erica DombeyRegional Development Company
|
2017 – Charles NordykeVibra Hospital of Northwestern Indiana
|
2016 – Ed KaszaThe Little Guys Home Technology
|
2015 – Carly BrandenburgEichhorn & Eichhom, LLP
|
2014 – Sister Aline ShultzFranciscan Alliance
|
2013 – Calvin BellamyKrieg DeVault
|
Empowering Business of the Year
2019 – Jay Marie Salon and Spa |
2018 – Lippert Components and Acts of Service |
2017 – Horseshoe Casino Hammond |
2016 – Strack & Van Til |
2015 – Mental Health America of Lake County |
2014 – Community Healthcare System |
2013 – NIPSCO |
2012 – Fair Oaks Farms |
Torch Award
2018 – Rhiannon KinseyMental Health America of Northwest Indiana
|
2017 – Dawn BuckleyDown Syndrome Association of Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland
|
2016 – Ellen DeMartinisOpportunity Enterprises, Inc.
|
2015 – Jenny Harty-LynnVibra Hospital of Northwestern Indiana
|