The Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce pleased to announce the winners of their Women of Distinction – Rising Star Awards. The awards and luncheon were held on Nov. 19 and honored and celebrated women under the age of 40 who are excelling in their chosen professions.
The winners of the Rising Star Awards were: Tricia Lazare –Community Services Excellence Award. Tricia is a Community Resource Manager with Community Care Connections of Wisconsin; Leah Brown – Young Professional Excellence Award. Leah is the owner and director of Dawn Troyer Dance Studio; and Jamie Emanuel – Leadership Excellence Award. Jamie is the Plant Manager at Northern Wire.
The other nominees were Laura Boquist –a Shoreland Specialist with the Lincoln County Land Services Department; Amanda Kostman – a 4-H Advisor and Family Living Educator with Lincoln County U.W. Extension; and Melissa Wrycha – Vice President of Sales and Marketing with Park City Credit Union
The Women of Distinction program highlights the successes and talents of women in all stages of life, but the Rising Star celebrates women under the age of 40. “We strongly believe that every woman has a story to tell, no matter her age,” said Debbe Kinsey, Merrill chamber CEO, “and that none of us get to where we are in life alone. Each of us stands upon the shoulders of those who came before us. And each of us should help lift-up those who are coming after us.”
The keynote speaker for the Rising Star event was Cathy Dworak, Director of Community Outreach & Player/Alumni Relations for the Green Bay Packers. Cathy is a Wisconsin native and started with the Green Bay Packers in 2000. She oversees donation requests, players and coaches’ appearances, NFL programs, community events, Youth Football and Make-a-Wish visits. Cathy spoke to the group about the challenges of being a woman working with the Packers and several of the warm moments that have taken place working with the players and the many charities they support.