After some great opportunities for networking, checking out opportunity drawing items, things quickly got underway at the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce’s 14th Annual Women in Leadership Luncheon (WILL) held at the Town and Country Resort & Convention Center on Sept. 16.
After some great opportunities for networking, checking out opportunity drawing items, things quickly got underway at the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce’s 14th Annual Women in Leadership Luncheon (WILL) held at the Town and Country Resort & Convention Center on Sept. 16.
Founder of the Pacific Arts Movement and news anchor/reporter for KGTV-10, Lee Ann Kim served as the Mistress of Ceremonies. With an inspirational story of dealing with growing up with little self-esteem, choreographer and fitness instructor Dionne Thomas had every one up dancing, literally, after a powerful interactive speech as the keynote speaker for the event.
Out of 35 nominees from peers in their communities, seven recipients received the honor of the WILL award for their “outstanding leadership, exemplary character and integrity in the community, as well as their efforts to empower women to succeed an prosper in life and business.”
SDECCOC Chair Chair Leah McIvor said that all of the nominees and awardees deserved the recognition received due to their positive impact on the local community, many reaching out beyond East County borders, reaching further out into the greater San Diego area.
Out of the 25 nominees, the following women received the 2016 WILL Award.
* Alison Cumming, Board Chair St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center
* President and Chief Creative Officer of MJE Marketing, Marlee J. Ehrenfeld
* Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Theresa Kemper, Grossmont Union High School District
* Jill Meyers, president of Women in Aviation International’s San Diego Chapter
* Dana Rivers, community relation manager of Barona Resort & Casino
* Catt Field White, co-founder of San Diego Market
* Sherry Yarbrough, executive director of Associated Builders and Contractor’s Apprenticeship Training Academy
Many of these honorees stood out for their contributions to their community and profession, many of which come from professions that are male-dominated industries. Their contributions go well beyond their daily jobs, flowing out into the communities with their time, talents and will to help women achieve their goals in life. The amount of time that these honorees place into the community within their work and outside of it is inspirational and empowering. Bringing light to these outstanding women in our region is the reason that the Will Awards have been so successful for the past 14 years, said McIvor. She also said that without the community support that nominates these individuals, many of these women, both nominated and awarded would not receive the recognition that they deserve for the leaders, professionals and dedication to the community.
