By WJBC Staff
NORMAL – YWCA McLean County celebrated 27 years of Women of Distinction at Tuesday evening’s festivities. More than 550 people were in attendance to celebrate the seven new women honored.
The keynote speaker for the evening was Carolynn Brooks, Chief Empowerment Officer at KEYS4Empowerment. Brooks is also a former executive for OfficeMax and Board Member for YWCA Metropolitan Chicago from 2010-2013.
Brooks spoke about “Creating a Legacy that Empowers Community Change.” Touching on how programming through YWCA McLean County and YWCA’s supporters contribute to the strength and future of our community; how diversity and inclusion create a legacy that empowers change and a stronger community; and she encouraged everyone to be a catalyst of change and create their own legacy by making an impact on others, the community and the world.
After the keynote address seven women were announced as this year’s Women of Distinction. Nominations were submitted in seven categories: business, creative arts and entertainment, education, professions, social services, volunteer service, and new this year, young professional. A panel of judges, including local and out of area leaders reviewed 36 nominations and selected one woman for each category.
The 2016 Women of Distinction for outstanding contributions in their fields are:
Business – Jennifer Swearingen
Jennifer Swearingen has more than 10 years of experience in banking and is a Bank Manager at State Farm Insurance. She relentlessly supports the mission of YWCA. She views leadership as a privilege and lives her life to support the following concept: is someone else’s life healthier, wiser and better because of you being in their life? Is someone going to be a better servant leader because of you? Through her work as a facilitator for the Multicultural Leadership Program, she worked tirelessly to promote diversity of perspective and thought. She has also volunteered with the Human Library at Illinois State University, Not in Our Town, and Stepping Stones. She currently serves on the Board of the McLean County Art Center, For a Better Tomorrow, and she leads Financial Literacy efforts for individuals in low to moderate income in McLean County.
Creative Arts & Entertainment – Mickey Lower
For more than 20 years, Mickey Lower, also known as ‘The Zoo Lady,’ has brought valuable art and cultural experiences to our community. She currently teaches theatre and art workshops through Normal Parks and Recreation as well as at the Children’s Discovery Museum and is the Director of Normal Parks and Recreation’s Bring Back Dance, which is a social dance program. Mickey’s unique talent for face painting has positively impacted not only the children who receive her gift, but also for the countless artists and non-artists who she has trained and mentored. Mickey’s leadership within the Bring Back Dance social dance program enables adults of all dance levels to enjoy both the wellness and social benefits of a weekly social dance class. Mickey is a welcome face to numerous theatre productions, from Miller Park’s Summer Theatre to Epiphany School to Farmer City-Mansfield where she shares her gift of face painting. Mickey also donates 20-30 hours of face painting a month to events to raise funds for St. Jude, Shriners, Easter Seals, and Children’s Hospital, Chrohnes and Colitis, and the Humane Society.
Education – Maureen Svob
Maureen Svob is a Learning and Behavior Specialist Teacher at Irving Elementary School. She is making a huge impact on her students and on the community. Maureen is the founder and coordinator of Irving’s SHINE club, an after-school program for high-need 4th and 5th grade female students. The club’s goal is to combat bullying/violence at Irving by teaching the girls conflict resolution skills, focusing on character building and kindness. Maureen engages her students through inspiring guest speakers, group reading, demonstrations of healthy eating, and positive journaling. She has also raised funds for SHINE field trips to Chicago and local businesses.
Professions – Judith Valente
Judith Valente joined WGLT Radio as Senior Correspondent/Producer in 2013, and since then, has earned two Edward R. Murrow Awards among several others. Before this, she was a foreign correspondent for The Wall Street Journal in London, and a two-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in journalism. Judith is also a published and award-winning author of poetry and spirituality books. She serves on the boards of the League of Women Voters, Liguori Publications, and the Cenacle Retreat Center in Chicago. Judith has recently been the keynote speaker at Leadership Illinois and the Bloomington-Normal Chapter of Women in Communications. She has also moderated local panels and conducted workshops on “The Art of Pausing.”
Social Services – Lisa Pieper
Lisa Pieper has been an advocate for children in McLean County since she began working at the former Illinois Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home in Normal. She is currently the Regional Vice President for Children’s Home + Aid, overseeing services and programs such as family services, foster care and child and family counseling to more than 3,000 children and families annually. She is also an adjunct faculty member at Illinois State University School of Social Work and has spoken at university events.
Harriett F. Rust Volunteer Service – Cheryl Hussain
Cheryl Hussain is the founder/owner of Majestic Interior Design. Her enthusiastic approach and positive leadership style enhance her involvement in several committees and events, including the Youth Global Citizen program, Easter Seals Grape Soiree, United Way’s Power of the Purse, OSF Crystal Ball, and American Red Cross Evening with the Stars. She serves on the boards for the Chamber of Commerce, the Illinois Shakespeare Festival, and For A Better Tomorrow. Cheryl is also involved with the Bloomington Sunrise Rotary Club and the Multicultural Leadership Program.
Caribel Washington Young Professional – Mandy Dartt
Mandy Dartt is an Administrative Clerk for the Women’s and Gender Studies Program at Illinois State University. She assists with cultural programming, student outreach initiatives, and informal mentoring opportunities. She is an integral leader in the Lavender Graduation, the Nuestro-Logros Commencement Celebration and the Sister Circles program, which addresses self-esteem, self-awareness, and empowerment issues for female-identified students. She also formed a monthly budget management support group for people to help achieve financial stability. Mandy grew up in a low-income neighborhood and was determined to earn a college degree. She felt compelled to help low-income, first generation students to pursue higher education and earned her Master’s in College Student Personnel Administration in 2015.
2016 is the inaugural year for the Caribel Washington Young Professional award. The award’s namesake was a Bloomington resident who lived from 1914-2011. In 1946 Washington one of the first African-American employees at State Farm Insurance Co., and retired from there in 1979. In 1955 she became the first African-American board member at YWCA McLean County. The Young Professional award is given to someone who is under the age of 40 and has been in their field for five years or less and is making a difference in McLean County.
Each Women of Distinction award winner received a framed certificate and a sterling silver pin specifically designed for the Women of Distinction program by Theobald’s Gold & Silver Design, Inc. and handcrafted by Larry Hustedt of Hustedt Jewelers, Gibson City.
In addition, six women were honored as recipients of the WINGS award. The award provides financial support to those desiring to further their education. WINGS is funded by past Women of Distinction award recipients. Those receiving the award this year were Lauren DiLorenzo, Leigh Hayes, Heather Johnson, Rebecca Kinsey, Crystal Ocampo Fernandez, Tisa Marie Trask.
