Women of Distinction Ceremony Celebrates Local Honorees

Forty-four Inland Empire women from the 23rd State Senate District were honored for their community work and service by state Sen. Mike Morrell, R-Rancho Cucamonga, in the 11th Annual Women of Distinction Ceremony and Dinner held Oct. 16 in the Orton Center at the University of Redlands. The local women received their accolades to a group of over 340 guests. “We sold out,” said Senator Morrell. “We squeezed in 340 people.” This year’s awardees joined the ranks of over 550 Inland Empire women who have been recognized over the last decade for their service and demonstration of commitment to their communities and have been named a “Woman of Distinction.” Each year, the Women of Distinction Ceremony showcases the service of women from throughout the region. Awardees are nominated by members of the public from business leaders to colleagues and friends. Finalists are selected by a panel of previous Women of Distinction honorees. Sen. Morrell shared, “Our local event seeks to shine a spotlight on women here in the Inland Empire who have demonstrated a dedication to services and are role models for future generations.” "It's a privilege every year to honor women from around the Inland Empire who demonstrate a deep commitment to their friends, family, and the community at large," said Morrell. "Their service is a testament to the strength of our region. I'm grateful for the work they do." Vicki Carpenter, Mistress of Ceremonies, also aided the ceremonial process. “It’s an honor to be here tonight,” Carpenter said. At the conclusion of dinner, Women of Distinction nominees from the city of Redlands, Heidi Mayer, Jenny Wright and Kimberly Brickley were, were brought to the stage. "When I found out I was nominated, I was stunned - what an honor," said Wright. "To be honored among them was one of the greatest experiences in my life." Mayer, who was named this year's Redlands Woman of Distinction finalist, is Executive Director of the independent, non-profit organization, YouthHope Foundation, which seeks to build confidence and promote self-sufficiency for the homeless and runaway youth by providing trust, hope, support, and education. Their program helps youth exit street life and develop life skills for employment, to become self-sufficient adults. Sen. Morrell closed the event with this sentiment: “Year after year, I find it incredibly encouraging and moving to see the accomplishments of the women we honor. America’s greatness comes from her people, those that go out of their way to better their community and help their neighbor. These women not only live up to that ideal, they exceed it. They set extraordinary examples for all of us to follow.” Honorees from the cities of Loma Linda, Redlands and San Bernardino are as follows: * Sylvia Beasley, Loma Linda * Jannike Petrovska, Loma Linda * Laura Morales, Loma Linda * Heidi Mayer, Redlands * Jenny Wright, Redlands * Kimberly Brickley, Redlands * Carolyn Eggleston, San Bernardino * Karen Dicarlo, San Bernardino * Shelley Burnach, San Bernardino In addition to recognizing these local leaders, this year's ceremony served to highlight the work of two "Women of the Year" – Sally Myers of Riverside County and Maribel Brown of San Bernardino County. Brown is an accomplished business owner, wife, mother, and grandmother. She and her husband, Kevin, own and operate Minuteman Press of Rancho Cucamonga, and she has been active in local chambers of commerce for over 15 years. Myers is the VP of Marketing for BMW Management, a company that is now the largest Sizzler restaurant franchise owner in the country. Her most satisfying passion is her High School Student of the Month Recognition and Scholarship Program. The event was sponsored by The National Latina Business Women Association of the Inland Empire (NLBWA-IE), an association dedicated to promoting, developing and supporting the rapid growth of Latina business owners, professionals, and their families, along with a group of other local businesses and organizations. Cecilia Bolbolian, NLBWA-IE President, spoke at the event. “You’re always serving our community, so thank you,” said Senator Morrell in gratitude of Bolbolian’s accomplishments. Other Inland Empire honorees include the following: • BANNING: Mayda Cox, Susan McQuown, Sandra Moyer • BEAUMONT: Lynn Bogh Baldi, Arlene Garcia, Jackie Johnson • BIG BEAR VALLEY: Sara Tully, Jennifer Walker, Kristine Yoshida • CALIMESA: Jackie Davis, Darlene Gerdes, Donna Lotz • HEMET: Connie Hall, Elena Kern, Laurie VanArsdale • HIGHLAND: Yolanda Davis-Smith, Anne Viricel, Laura Smith • LAKE ARROWHEAD: Andrea Willerth, Polly Sauer, Susie Stuart • MENIFEE: Gloria J. Sanchez, Joan Ring, Betty Bouris • RANCHO CUCAMONGA: Wendy Rogina, Judi Noble, Brandi Johnson • SAN JACINTO: Stephany Borders, Diane Perez, Sonia Ramos • YUCAIPA: Kandie Barnett-Cansler, Lenore M. Will, Megan Wo