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Guiding the Way: Indiana Women Celebrated During 13th Annual IW Banquet

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Since 2012, over 1,700 Indiana women have been recognized for their outstanding contributions and achievements in their respective industries and communities.

Now in its 13th year, the Influential Women of Northwest Indiana Awards Banquet has grown to record-breaking attendance and is regarded as one of the most anticipated events of the year. The annual program, which is presented by the Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association (NWIIWA), allows strong, passionate women to come together to celebrate each other and the positive impact each has made in the lives of others.

“An influential woman doesn’t wait for permission to lead — she creates the path for others to follow. Her strength isn’t just in her achievements, but in the way she empowers those around her to rise. She redefines what’s possible, lifting as she climbs, and in doing so, she changes not just her world, but ours,” Mary Wright, board chair of NWIIWA told the attendees during the banquet. “Our finalists didn’t simply break through barriers — they dismantled them, creating pathways. Their influence is profound, not because of their position, but because of the legacy they build. True influence doesn’t just open doors; it builds bridges, lights the way, and transforms communities. To be influential is to be the catalyst for change, the voice of possibility, and the heartbeat of progress.”

NWIIWA received 430 nominations for this year’s awards from peers and other members of the public. Each nominee was then invited to complete a comprehensive application that details her achievements and perseverance as she forged her path.

“The journey to this evening began nearly a year ago, and it all starts with you. Many of you took the time to nominate someone you believe is making a meaningful impact – whether in their career or in their community,” Aida Haigh, NWIIWA vice chair told the crowd. “While the act of nominating an extraordinary woman takes less than five minutes, the lasting impact you’ve made on their lives is immeasurable.”

Of the nominees, 226 were selected as finalists following evaluation from Influential Women alumni. All finalists received a gold medallion during the banquet. During the banquet, an Up and Coming winner and an Influential Woman winner were announced in each of 12 industry categories. Additionally, special awards were given to the Overall Up and Coming Woman of the Year, Overall Influential Woman of the Year, Support of the Year, and Community Leader of the Year.

Two special, surprise award announcements drew standing ovations from the attendees during this year’s banquet. Maddie Wimple, creator of Madisyn’s Spread the Love Project, received the Nonprofit Youth Award. In addition, Andrea Pearman, CEO of Diversified Marketing Strategies and executive director of NWIIWA, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

During her opening remarks at the program, Pearman echoed sentiments regarding the impact that all of the finalists make in their businesses, communities and throughout Northwest Indiana.

“Our finalists have touched every part of our lives, and tonight is a great opportunity to recognize that,” she said.

Nominations are already being accepted for next year’s event and can be made by visiting www.nwiiwa.org/nominations.

2024 Influential Women Award Winners

Arts:

Up and Coming: LaQuisha Jackson, Soulful Kitchen/Hope for the Hungry

Influential: Debra Bolanos, Xel-Ha Escuela de Danza 

Business:

Up and Coming: Shaya Wimple, MarlynGrace Boutique

Influential: Rhonda Zaluckyj, Patti’s All-American

Construction/Manufacturing:

Up and Coming: Melissa McLindon, NIPSCO/NiSource

Influential: Morgan Davis, The Blue Phoenix Institute

Economic Development/Government:

Up and Coming: Robin Arvanitis, Schererville Council

Influential: Julie Wendorf, Crown Point Community Library

Education:

Up and Coming: Roxanna Lugo O’Rourke, Hammond Education Foundation

Influential: Gisele Casanova, Purdue University Northwest

Finance:

Up and Coming: Shvonne Barber, Horizon Bank

Influential: Katie Craig, bp

Healthcare:

Up and Coming: Kele Ivey, BSN, RN, SANE-A, Methodist Hospitals STAR Center

Influential: Regina Nelson, Optimal Neuroscience Services

Law:

Up and Coming: Courtney Smith, Smith Legal Group, LLC

Influential: Amy Nowaczyk, O’Drobinak & Nowaczyk PC

Marketing:

Up and Coming: Susan Thompson, Illiana Indoor Billboards

Influential: Christi Hardesty, Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana

Nonprofit:

Up and Coming: Brittany Caraballo, Geminus Regional Care Group

Influential: Sheila Chandler, TradeWinds Services

Service/Tourism:

Up and Coming: Tracee Jury, Steamwhistle Coffee Roasters

Influential: Jeny Burkhart, The Waxi Taxi

STEM:

Up and Coming: Rachel Ritter, Powers Health

Influential: Alyssa Nyberg, The Nature Conservancy, Indiana

Overall Up and Coming Woman of the Year:

Dr. Maria V. Hughes, Purdue University Northwest

Overall Influential Woman of the Year:

Amy Henningfield, Superior Construction Co., Inc.

Nonprofit Youth Award:

Maddie Wimple, Madisyn’s Spread the Love Project

Supporter of the Year:

Aida Haigh, NiSource

Community Leader of the Year:

Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch, City of Michigan City, Indiana

Lifetime Achievement Award:

Andrea Pearman, Diversified Marketing Strategies