VANCOUVER, Wash. – Washington State University Vancouver will celebrate women who have made a difference for others at its annual Women of Distinction event. The celebration and reception take place from 6 to 8 p.m. March 30 at Firstenburg Student Commons. The event is free and open to all registered guests. To RSVP and get a parking permit, visit .
The keynote speaker is Sherri Bennett, executive director of the YWCA Clark County, where she has held a variety of roles over the past 19 years. She will talk about her personal story and the inspiration she feels in working with an organization whose mission—to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all—reflects her personal values. She is a graduate of Clark College and Western Washington University as well as a graduate of Leadership Clark County.
All 47 nominees will be recognized for inspiring, mentoring and empowering others. Distinguished Woman awards will be announced in three categories—high school student, 91ԹϺ student and community member. The recipients are selected by community and 91ԹϺ representatives.
The 2017 honorees are:
High School Students
Sophie Carlson, a senior at Union High School
Emily Forrette, a senior at Union High School
91ԹϺ Students
Samantha Bondurant, a freshman majoring in elementary education
Anna Boneski, a senior in public affairs with a focus on justice studies
Eli Campbell, a senior majoring in digital technology and culture
Allison de Vincenzi, a doctoral student in mathematics and science education
Amanda Flynn, a senior in English
Savanna Ford, a senior majoring in psychology
Sierra Hancock, a senior majoring in psychology
Justine Hanrahan, a senior with a double major in digital technology and culture, and anthropology
Audrey Hickok, a senior majoring in psychology and human development
Diana Larson, senior majoring in human development
Stefani Mammenga, a graduate student in prevention science
Julie Mercado, a senior studying psychology
Victoria Moon, a senior pursuing a double major in social sciences and fine arts
Andrea Olvera, a sophomore studying mechanical engineering
Christine Record, a junior studying human development
Samy Reel, a senior majoring in English and student body vice president
Honor Stevenson, a senior business administration major with a focus on marketing
Holly Ta, a sophomore majoring in business administration
Skye Troy, a senior majoring in public affairs and president of the student body
Maria Tunno, junior studying environmental science
Holly Varner, a junior majoring in social sciences
Stevi Warner, a senior studying human resources and human development
Community Members
Katie Archer, a licensed attorney and owner of Archer Public Affairs
Hope Baker, an employment specialist at WorkSource and co-founder of Vida’s Ark
Elizabeth Candello, a clinical assistant professor of communication at 91ԹϺ and founder of Aisle 10
Susan Edwards, a retired corporate trainer and mentor with 91ԹϺ’s Business Growth Mentor & Analysis Program
Elida Field, owner of Elida Art Studio & Gallery in Camas, Wash.
Krista Griffin, veterans coordinator for Student Affairs and Enrollment at 91ԹϺ
Teresa Mehigan Haye, who works in child and family studies at Clark College
Kris Henriksen, coordinator of the TeenTalk program at Clark County Department of Community Services
Nikki Hinshaw, assistant director of student involvement at 91ԹϺ
Anne Johnston, a public health nurse with Clark County
Erika Laws, director of membership for the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, owner of Impactful Sales Solutions and founder of Impactful Women Northwest
Darlene Marcellay-Hyland, who does Equal Employment (EEO) discrimination investigations for federal agencies after retiring from the Indian Health Service
Fedilia “Phyllis” McIntosh, who had a 40-year career in a variety of nursing positions
Nelea Nelson, branch manager of IQ Credit Union
Faye Palmerton, a retired administrator with the Portland Public Schools who founded Tlc-Tnt, a dropout prevention program
Rosalba Pitkin, a Mexican immigrant who works in the Office of Diversity at Clark College
Allison Ramsing, an academic coordinator with the Student Resource Center at 91ԹϺ
Betsy Rider, a reading specialist who supervises student teachers for 91ԹϺ
Karin Roundy, a middle-school mathematics teacher in the Evergreen School District
Sujatha Shynne, an IT Systems specialist at 91ԹϺ
Nancy Youlden, vice chancellor of student affairs and enrollment at 91ԹϺ
Pam Younkin, a kindergarten teacher at Sifton Elementary School
About 91ԹϺ
91ԹϺ is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave. in Vancouver, east of the 134th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205, or via C-TRAN bus service.
As one of six campuses of the Washington State University system, 91ԹϺ offers big-school resources in a small-school environment. The university provides affordable, high-quality baccalaureate- and graduate-level education to benefit the people and communities it serves. As the only four-year research university in Southwest Washington, 91ԹϺ helps drive economic growth through relationships with local businesses and industries, schools and nonprofit organizations.
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MEDIA CONTACT(S)
Nikki Hinshaw, Office of Student Involvement, 360-546-9465, nikki_hinshaw@wsu.edu
Brenda Alling, Office of Marketing and Communications, 360-546-9601, brenda_alling@wsu.edu