The Lower Cape YWCA is proud to announce the 2013 Women of Achievement Nominees

For the past 27 years, outstanding women of our community have been recognized at the YWCA Lower Cape Fear’s prestigious Women of Achievement Awards. Now, in its 28th year, the tradition continues and on Thursday, May 9 the YWCA is honored to again celebrate women, who through their accomplishments and leadership have made an impact on this region. The Women of Achievement Awards is presented in partnership with Wilma Magazine.

Sixty-six nominees have demonstrated excellence, accomplishment and commitment in their careers, schools and communities. And this year, this reporter is a proud and very honored nominee!

They are role models and mentors. Residing in Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender counties the adult nominees are separated into nine categories: Arts, Business, Communications, Education, Environmental, Health & Wellness, Public Service, Volunteer and the Rachel Freeman Unsung Hero Award. High school seniors are recognized in the Youth Leader Category where three students will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Adult nominees are Leslie Armstrong, Ryanna Battiste, Keisha Bennett-Smith, Donna Bost, Crystal Buie, Gail Calloway, Kelly Casparius, Cacky Catlett, Jo-Ann Craig, Kristin Cooper, * Deborah Culp, Beth Deaton, Carole Ellis, Kelsey Gibbs, Tonia Goudarzi, Amanda Greene, Jenni Harris, Adrienne Hayes, Margee Herring, Connie Hill, Pat Holmes, Laura Hunter, Susan Ivancevich, Jennifer Kraner, Leah Kraus, Heather Loftin, Kristin Magne, Elizabeth Mandel, Sharon Maready, Katherine McKenzie, Panza McNeill, Gaby Merediz, Cheryl Moody, Janet Nelson, Lucybeth Nieves Arriba, Nora Noel, Theresa Norfleet, Beth Quinn, Jill Raspet, Courtney Reilly, Lindsey Roberson, Charlotte Rosenberg, J’nelle Ruscetti, Emma Saunders, Edelmira Segovia, Heather Setzler, Amanda Smith, Lorissa Stefanelli, Lee Anna Stoker, Haylea Sullivan, Sherri Tynes, Tracey Varga, Melanie Welsh and Sonya Young.

Young Leader nominees are Jillian Born, Anna Brodemerkel, Allison Brown, Kayla Buck, Amie Efting, Sophie Kot, Jessica Lama, Caitlin McFee, Alexandria Natoli, Kaylee Shope, Kennedy-Marie Warren and Carrie Moses.

Help recognize and support these amazing women and the YWCA on Thursday, May 9 at the Wilmington Convention Center. Tickets are $60 per person and are now on sale at the YWCA, 2815 S. College Rd, or online at www.wilmingtonwoa.com. Registration and Networking begin at 5:00 pm, and the program will begin promptly at 6:00 pm.

With the help of the following generous sponsors and partnership with Wilma this event is made possible: Title Sponsor: James E. Moore Insurance Agency; Award Sponsors: Julia’s Florist, NHRMC, Vein & Laser Center of Wilmington; Table Sponsors: Costco, NHRMC Auxiliary, PPD, UNCW; Scholarship Sponsors: Women of Achievement Alumnae and Women Attorneys of the New Hanover County Bar; Media Sponsors: WECT, Sunrise Broadcasting and Encore Magazine.

The YWCA Lower Cape Fear is a nonprofit membership organization founded in 1914 as a member of the national YWCA, an autonomous women’s movement. We are committed to self-determined social change for women of all racial, ethnic and economic groups. The YWCA provides leadership in our community, nation and world in the struggle for peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people. For more information contact Katie – Community Outreach Director at volunteers@ywca-lowercapefear.org.

With thought-provoking stories, Wilma Magazine highlights southeastern North Carolina’s most successful women. These movers and shakers encapsulate some of the region’s most unique personalities through in-depth storytelling and beautiful images. Offering the best of dining, entertainment, style, health and career information, Wilmington’s magazine for women is the go-to publication for women in the region. Confident, attractive, interesting and involved, Wilma is Wilmington’s successful woman.