President Anne and Kara Gravley-Stack among 41 women nominated for the 50th annual YWCA Women of the Year awards
YWCA Women of the Year tickets on sale now
Forty-one inspiring women and businesses will be in the spotlight as YWCA Cass Clay hosts its 50th annual Women of the Year awards event, including MSUM President Anne Blackhurst and Dean of Students Kara Gravley-Stack.
Since 1973, YWCA has paid tribute to over 500 outstanding Women of the Year honorees whose lives, talents, and passions have made a meaningful difference. All have demonstrated passion for their community, service to women and children, and are an inspiration to the next generation of leaders.
The event takes place Monday, April 24 at Delta by Marriott. The social hour, including a Happy Harry’s wine raffle featuring a variety of prizes and mystery wine wall, begins at 5:30 p.m., with the dinner and program starting at 6:30 p.m. All nominees will be honored, and the evening will culminate with the announcement of this year’s recipients in 13 award categories.
Tickets to the event are $80 and a portion of each ticket is a tax-deductible donation to YWCA Cass Clay. Table sponsorships are also available to showcase your business. Proceeds from this event support the mission and programs of YWCA Cass Clay. For tickets and more information, visit ywcacassclay.org/womenoftheyear.
The following individuals and businesses are being recognized for their outstanding achievements as 2023 Women of the Year Nominees:
- Wendy Allen (Warm Blanket Hugs and Preferred Coupon Book)
- Katie Beedy (Tellwell Story Co.)
- Amy Benedict (Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota)
- Dr. Anne Blackhurst (Minnesota State University Moorhead)
- Tara Bowen (Family Healthcare, Homeless Health Services)
- Nicole Davidson (The Title Company)
- Heather Gades (North Dakota State University – Department of Residence Life)
- Vanessa Gallagher (Transitional Supported Employment of Minnesota)
- Precious Garpeh-Dweh (WIN-Liberia)
- Dr. Kara Gravley-Stack (Minnesota State University Moorhead)
- Sasha Holmes (Regency Title, Inc.)
- Sally Jacobson (Red River Zoo)
- Kayla Jones (North Dakota State University)
- Trisha Lake (TLC Cleaning)
- Sheri Larson (Moorhead Business Association)
- Natalie Lemnus (Emerging Prairie)
- Addison Loerzel (Addie’s Royal Cupcake Stand/Addie’s Spread Your Sunshine)
- Amy Longtin (Fargo Park District and Tech4Kids)
- Kathy Lonski (Sanford Ambulance)
- Sharon Miller (OnSharp)
- Pastor Karin Moberg (Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Parish)
- Julie Norris (Rustad Recreation Center)
- Michelle Parkinson (Prairie St. John’s)
- Katie Peterson (YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties)
- Tanya RedRoad (Indigenous Association)
- Cairn Reisch (Marvin)
- Marjorie A. Schlossman (Artist and Painting Instructor)
- Suzanne Senske (Microsoft)
- Trisha Stibbe (GiGi’s Playhouse)
- Chelsey Strand (Box of Balloons)
- Jennifer Swenson (Kindred Area Arts Partnership)
- Kate Syverson (Sanford Health Fargo)
- Tiffany Taylor (Elite Massage Academy)
- Megan Tee (Lutheran Church of the Cross)
- Rachel Thurs (Great North Insurance, a division of HUB International Great Plains)
- Sharon Traylor (Roots Hair and Soul)
- Samantha Turner Photography
- Jordan Wiedmann (Saint Sophie’s Psychiatric Center)
- Britni Wyum (Faith + Journey Lutheran Church)
- Aimee Zachrison (Oak Grove Lutheran School)
- Helene Zelaya (Peace Corps and Together Women Rise)
About YWCA Cass Clay
YWCA Cass Clay is where survivors of domestic violence come day and night, 365 days a year, to escape crisis and mend emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Annually, YWCA Emergency Shelter provides safety for more than 1,100 women and children. In addition to operating the largest emergency shelter for women and children in North Dakota and northwest Minnesota, YWCA Cass Clay provides 80 units of safe and affordable supportive housing to assist women and families in gaining stability and independence. The YWCA team walks alongside women on their journey, providing crucial basics like food and clothing, and resources for education and employment as they navigate toward independence. Other key YWCA programs are focused on homeless prevention and racial justice. For more information, visit www.ywcacassclay.org.