The 12th annual Influential Women of Northwest Indiana Awards banquet highlighted the Region's top female influencers.
“This event never fails to light up the year,” said Erica Dombey, Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association board chair, in a press release. “Witnessing the unbridled joy in our finalists, winners and the people who support them is a true testament to the exceptional spirit of our NWI women. Our winners have faced daunting challenges, defied the odds, and carved out influential, promising careers. We're not just proud of them; we're ecstatic to revel in the stories that showcase NWI women as some of the world's fiercest forces.”
The organization gave out 28 awards this year to women of varying backgrounds and professions.
Special 2023 awards were given to Jessica Kish, a broker and owner of New Chapter Real Estate, as the overall Influential Woman of the Year; and Teri Wallace, partner and tax manager with Wallace Consulting, as the overall Up-and-Coming Woman of the Year.
Winners were chosen in 12 industry categories from 165 finalists. The community nominated 320 women for the awards. Award alumni evaluated the nominees.
2023 Influential Women Award winners are:
Special Awards
- Influential Woman of the Year: Jessica Kish, owner and broker, New Chapter Real Estate
- Up and Coming Woman of the Year: Teri Wallace, partner and tax manager, Wallace Consulting
- Community Leader of the Year: Sherri Ziller, president and CEO, NWI Regional Development Authority
- Supporter of the Year: Deanna Chase, corporate paralegal, Horizon Bank
Arts
- Influential: Gloria Rose Tuohy, founder and CEO, Indiana Ballet Theatre
- Up and Coming: Brittany Robinson, owner and head coach, Famous Athletics
Business
- Influential: Lynn Duttlinger, senior director, CLH, CPAs and Consultants
- Up and Coming: Lisa Harrington, CEO, Mermaid Straw
Construction/Manufacturing
- Influential: Robin Witte, lead architect, Facet Architecture
- Up and Coming: Linda Monge Guerrero, manager operations planning, NiSource
Economic Development/Government
- Influential: Jane Jordan, clerk-treasurer, town of Burns Harbor
- Up and Coming: Wendy Mis, clerk treasurer, town of Munster
Education
- Influential: Shaunna Finley, senior advisor of district and community engagement, Communities In Schools
- Up and Coming: Lydia McNeiley, college and career coordinator, School City of Hammond
Finance
- Influential: Karin DeVries, AVP commercial loan officer, Horizon Bank
- Up and Coming: Angelica Arambula, senior financial analyst, University of Chicago
Healthcare
- Influential: Kristen Jeppeson, director surgical services and community surgery center, Community Hospital
- Up and Coming: Jervai Dumas, health care consultant and adjunct, Casa, IUN
Law
- Influential: Carly Brandenburg, partner, Eichhorn & Eichhorn
- Up and Coming: Rebecca Goddard, chief deputy prosecutor, Newton County prosecutor's office; associate attorney, Ryan Law Offices
Marketing
- Influential: Lauri Keagle, communications and media relations specialist, Franciscan Alliance
- Up and Coming: Melissa Bohacek, development and marketing officer, Paladin
Nonprofit
- Influential: Vickie Rainwater, program specialist, Mental Health America of NWI
- Up and Coming: Buffy Adams, donor relations manager, NWI, Indiana Youth Group
Service & Tourism
- Influential: Deborah Bachmann, administrator of honors student leadership and programming, Purdue University Northwest
- Up and Coming: Natalie Paton, commercial account manager, Luke Family of Brands
STEM
- Influential: Erin Bemis, laboratory superintendent, bp
- Up and Coming: Gianna Gomez-Mayo, manager asset and risk management, NiSource
The Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association is a 501c3 nonprofit that fosters professional development of women and their careers.
Caption: The 12th annual Influential Women of Northwest Indiana Awards banquet celebrated the outstanding achievements of the Region's most accomplished female professionals. (Provided by NWIIWA)
