YWCA announces Women of Excellence nominees
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) - The YWCA St. Joseph announced Friday the full list of nominees for the 25th annual Women of Excellence Awards.
According to a news release, the luncheon and fundraiser, scheduled for Thursday, June 18 at Civic Arena, is the YWCA's most significant annual fundraiser. Funds raised directly sustain shelter, advocacy and critical support services for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse.
A winner from each category will be announced during the event, which will be emceed by Jennifer Milbourne who will be joined by guest speaker, Courtney Rowe.
The award for Lifetime Achievement in the Workplace will be presented to Esther George, area native and former president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.
The award for Lifetime Achievement in Volunteerism will be presented to Jo Anne Grey, artisan and advocate for the local arts and historic preservation of St. Joseph. Both women will be recognized along with other winners at the event.
Seat reservations will be available to the public starting on Thursday, April 30. Individual seats will be available for $50 each and a table of 10 for $500. Reservations will be made by calling 816-232-4481 during regular office hours.
The 2026 Women of Excellence nominees are listed below.
Future Leader
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Joslin Ungles
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Ambrielle Jones
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Brooklynn Johnson
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Emilee Dulcan
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Lily Phillips
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Gracie Ide
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Melody Montgomery
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Eliana Arambula
Emerging Leader
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Madison Douglas
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Ashley Cook
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Tannah Buhman
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Hannah Parks
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Cassy Thornton
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Courtney Rowe
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Kelsey Jensen
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Makayla Brassfield
Employer of Excellence
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Western Reception Diagnostic Correctional Center
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Tolly & Associates Inc
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Mosaic Life Care - Women's Health Clinic
Entrepreneur of Excellence
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Miu Sutton
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Adrienne Waggoner
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Amy Brooks
Woman in Volunteerism
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Jen Kline
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Marileidy Marques Arraga
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Traci Magee
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Allison Atkinson
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Shanen Middendorf
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Judy Hausman
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Stacie Sanders
Woman in the Workplace
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Nikkole Biever
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Siobhan Jackson
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Erin Bradley
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Debbie Griffith Fujinami
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Ashley Grippando
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Chastity McCourt
Woman in Workplace Leadership
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Chanler Williams
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Kelly Lock
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Trish Blakely
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Dawn Lanning
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Trina Clark
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Rachel Copeland
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Robin Caton
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Michelle Mears
Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients*
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Esther George (in the Workplace)
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Jo Anne Grey (in Volunteerism)
*These awards are pre-determined honors
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