Woman of the Year
Since 1983 a local area woman has been recognized and honored for her service to the community, achievement in her profession or workplace and commitment to her family. A celebration evening of roasting and toasting takes place the first week in November.
Greenville Business and Professional Women (BPW) began the tradition of honoring a local woman in 1983. “When BPW disbanded in 2004, Women’s Action Network stepped in to continue the tradition of recognizing a local woman for her community service, professional achievements and family involvement,” said WAN member Vi VanTil. “We felt it was a tradition that should be maintained in our area.”
The honoree is chosen by a WAN committee from nominations submitted by the public. Nominations should be approximately 300 words and contain specific examples of why the nominee should be honored as the Woman of the Year. Submit your nomination to Women’s Action Network, P.O. Box 422, Greenville, Michigan, 48838. Nomination deadline is October 21, 2011. Nominators are asked to be available to help Women’s Action Network in obtain speakers for the evening to roast and/or toast the Woman of the Year.
Past Women of the Year
2011
Michelle Blaszczynski
Michelle Blaszczynski2010 Hilda Sorvari
2009 Janet Ralph
Janet Ralph2008 Norice Thorlund Rasmussen
2007 Michelle Becher
2006 Alison Barberi
2005 Lisa Lund
2004 Andrea Krause
2003Shirley Hayes
Shirley Hayes2002Linda Ferguson
Linda Ferguson2001Merle Finkhouse
Merle Finkhouse2000Pat Barnhart
Pat Barnhart1999
1998Maxine Bacon
Maxine Bacon1997Gloria Guilfoyle
Gloria Guilfoyle
1996Kathy Jo VanderLaan
Kathy Jo VanderLaan1995Linda Drobish
Linda Drobish1994Audrey Malling
Audrey Malling1993Florence Jayne
Florence Jayne1992Audrey Olsen
Audrey Olsen1991Ruth Hansen
Ruth Hansen1990Betty Saeger
Betty Saeger1989Joyce London
Joyce London1988Karen Carbonelli
Karen Carbonelli1987Linda Stafford
Linda Stafford1986Nelda Cushman
Nelda Cushman1985Maureen Burns
Maureen Burns1984Mary Stuewer
Mary Stuewer1983Nancy VanHorn
Nancy VanHorn2008 Woman of the Year
Norice Thorlund Rasmussen
(third from left)
2010 Woman of the Year
Click here for nomination form WOY 2011 nomination form
A celebration of roasting and toasting the 2011 Woman of the year will take place November 3, 2011 6:30 p.m.
2009 Woman of the year
Janet Ralph (center)
Linda Sinclair, WAN president, WOY Hilda Sorvari, Deb Dieckman, WOY nominator
