The Moody on the Market Bold Women of Business Award
I’m Zack East, the Director of the Moody on the Market Award Series! Join me alongside Pat Moody and our judging panel from local businesses and organizations around our community as we once again identify twenty dynamic local female leaders of distinction in our Bold Women of Business award series, featuring our third class in 2023!
If you know a deserving woman in the business, volunteer, or non-profit sector in Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren county that is making a difference in Michigan’s Great Southwest, we want to know who they are! Tell us how this female figure is helping their organization to grow, bring impact, and make a positive change, so we can award them for their inspiring efforts.
Patti Mitchell Named to the Bold Women of Business Class of 2023
Name Patti Mitchell Where do you live? Buchanan, MI Company or Organization St. Anthony What is your job or role there? Secretary/Bookkeeper How do you think that Bold Women of Business demonstrate being bold? Audacious, impulsive, enterprising,
Kelsey Cheyne Named to the Bold Women of Business Class of 2023
Name Kelsey Cheyne Where do you live? Benton Harbor Company or Organization PGA of America What is your job or role there? Volunteer Operations Manager How do you think that Bold Women of Business demonstrate being bold?
Heidi Manger Named to the Bold Women of Business Class of 2023
Name Heidi Manger Where do you live? Previously: Saint Joseph MI | Now: Destin FL Company or Organization Previously: Dr. Kasewurm’s Professional Hearing Services What is your job or role there? Audiology Assistant How do you think
Kimberly Kuriata Named to the Bold Women of Business Class of 2023
Name Kimberly Kuriata Where do you live? Saint Joseph Company or Organization Equus Workforce Solutions What is your job or role there? Apprenticeship Development & Expansion Manager How do you think that Bold Women of Business demonstrate
Jessica Ishmael Named to the Bold Women of Business Class of 2023
Name Jessica Ishmael Where do you live? Coloma Company or Organization Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra What is your job or role there? Executive Director How do you think that Bold Women of Business demonstrate being bold? Bold
Ashley Hines Named to the Bold Women of Business Class of 2023
Name Ashley Hines Where do you live? Benton Harbor Company or Organization Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation (BHCDC) What is your job or role there? Executive Director & Founder How do you think that Bold Women of
Sonja Podjan Named to the Bold Women of Business Class of 2023
Name Sonja Podjan Where do you live? Watervliet, MI Company or Organization The Enchanted Bead What is your job or role there? Owner as well as artist, designer and author How do you think that Bold Women
Tami Fauver Named to the Bold Women of Business Class of 2023
Name Tami Fauver Where do you live? Benton Harbor Company or Organization Krasl Art Center What is your job or role there? Executive Director & Chief Curator How do you think that Bold Women of Business demonstrate
Tonia Betty Named to the Bold Women of Business Class of 2023
Name Tonia Betty Where do you live? Berrien Springs, Michigan Company or Organization Village of Cassopolis What is your job or role there? My title is Village Clerk. My role is the Accountant and the Clerk for
Sarah Tefs Named to the Bold Women of Business Class of 2023
Name Sarah Tefs Where do you live? Saint Joseph, MI Company or Organization Saint Joseph Pilates What is your job or role there? Owner How do you think that Bold Women of Business demonstrate being bold? The
Sarah Lancaster Named to the Bold Women of Business Class of 2023
Name Sarah Lancaster Where do you live? Saint Joseph, MI Company or Organization South Shore Health & Racquet Club What is your job or role there? General Manager How do you think that Bold Women of Business
Amanda Drew Named to the Bold Women of Business Class of 2023
Name Amanda Drew Where do you live? Bridgman, MI Company or Organization United Way of Southwest Michigan What is your job or role there? Senior Director of Impact Strategies How do you think that Bold Women of
Rori Wright Named to the Bold Women of Business Class of 2023
Name Rori Wright Where do you live? Watervliet,MI Company or Organization Golden Eagle Tattoos What is your job or role there? Tattoo Artist How do you think that Bold Women of Business demonstrate being bold? By being
Christina Frank Named to the Bold Women of Business Class of 2023
Name Christina Frank, CEcD Where do you live? St. Joseph Company or Organization Cornerstone Alliance What is your job or role there? Vice President How do you think that Bold Women of Business demonstrate being bold? To
Diana Gramenos Dowd Named to the Bold Women of Business Class of 2023
Name DIANA GRAMENOS DOWD Where do you live? STEVENSVILLE MI Company or Organization GRAMENOS LAW GROUP What is your job or role there? FOUNDER AND LEAD ATTORNEY How do you think that Bold Women of Business demonstrate
Reshella Hawkins Named to the Bold Women of Business Class of 2023
Name Reshella Hawkins Where do you live? St Joseph Mi Company or Organization Emergency Shelter Services What is your job or role there? Executive Director How do you think that Bold Women of Business demonstrate being bold?
Amelia Briske Named to the Bold Women of Business Class of 2023
Name Amelia Briske Where do you live? Millburg, Michigan Company or Organization Blue dress barn, Sundance & MillCreek Wilde What is your job or role there? Everyday Operations leader, Human Resources, Marketing and Customer Service How do
Lacey Lucas Named to the Bold Women of Business Class of 2023
Name Lacey Lucas Where do you live? Bridgman MI Company or Organization Lake Side Fit What is your job or role there? Owner, Group Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer How do you think that Bold Women of Business
Heather Welsh-Johnson Named to the Bold Women of Business Class of 2023
Name Heather Welsh-Johnson Where do you live? South Haven Company or Organization South Haven Ambassadors Program & Education Inc. What is your job or role there? President How do you think that Bold Women of Business demonstrate
Renee Borah Named to the Bold Women of Business Class of 2023
Name Renee Borah Where do you live? Saint Joseph Company or Organization Affinity Salon & Spa What is your job or role there? Owner/Stylist How do you think that Bold Women of Business demonstrate being bold? Taking
REQUIREMENTS:
Starting Monday, September 11, 2023, you will find a nomination form here at MoodyontheMarket.com.
This award recognizes BOLD women of businesses and organizations in the region. Nomination submissions will ask for stories of growth, impact, and change that identify women making a difference in their communities. An independent selection committee, led by a past 40 Under 40 or Bold Women of Business female winners, will review each nomination along with Pat Moody and select the final 20 Bold Women. Sponsors and MoodyontheMarket.com/Mid-West Family (WSJM Inc.) employees or clients do not receive automatic submissions/wins, special consideration, etc. and are judged alongside all other submissions equally by the independent committee.
Eligibility Requirements:
– Nominations close Sunday, October 1, 2023, at 11:59 PM. Nomination window may be extended at the discretion of MoodyontheMarket.com if sufficient numbers of nominations have not been received
– Women being nominated must work or live in the following Southwest Michigan counties: Berrien, Cass and Van Buren
– Nominees must identify as female and be above the age of 18 before October 1, 2023 to qualify. There is no age limit to this award.
– Women nominated may be from all “walks of life,” whether working or retired, volunteering, an entrepreneur or business owner, professional, or working in the non-profit sector, as long as their impact on their community and organization is demonstrated appropriately in the nomination form
– Chosen women are expected to attend the awards presentation on Wednesday, November 1st, 2023, or invite someone to accept their award on their behalf
– Selected winners are expected to be available to take a high resolution photo when available, and additionally be available for a short Q&A-style interview for the recognition in a profile here on MoodyontheMarket.com; failure to make time to complete these assets will result in disqualification from the program
– Self-nominations ARE permitted for this program, but all entries will be scrutinized for completeness, correctness, and honesty
– Nominations that are not substantially, fully completed, or that simply feature incomplete or cursory information, will be, at minimum, given less than full consideration, or, at worst, be removed from consideration completely
– One single nomination for your woman of choice is requested. Multiple entries do NOT enhance a person’s chances. Nominations featuring identical responses will be removed; please refrain from repeatedly submitting the same nomination or asking others to do so on your behalf
– Only one nomination is permitted in each questionnaire. If you wish to submit more than one nominee, you must submit separate nominations for each entry
– It is highly encouraged to submit nominated professionals that are actively engaged in best practices, have outside interests in the community that they are passionate about, and include any information you have on achievements and recognitions they have been honored for elsewhere in the community, in their industry, or among their peer groups as evidence of their own drive for excellence
– Each essay question should be answered in complete sentences. Do not use bulleted or hyphenated lists unless they are appropriate to the question asked
– Women may only win a Bold Women of Business award once within their lifetime so we may allow others in the community to win. Please check the past winners on the Bold Women of Business page before you make your nomination!
– If a nominee has previously been submitted for, or won, the 40 Under 40 award, they will still be eligible to win this award (provided they have not also won a Bold Women of Business award in the past as well, as mentioned above)
– Nominations must be submitted through this online process only and will not be accepted via email, or any other format, under any circumstances
– Nominated persons will be contacted by the selection committee to verify their willingness to participate
Judging:
– A panel of independent judges will review each nomination submitted and assign a score to each entry. This is done privately, and the judges do not share information. The scores are totaled and compared to all entries submitted to help the selection committee determine the 20 honorees. Outside of one vote on the committee from Pat Moody, the staff of Mid-West Family (WSJM Inc.) and this program’s associated sponsors and advertisers do not have any say or vote in the process. Sponsorship of this program does not guarantee that an organization’s women are automatically considered, or considered with any further weighting to win an award in the judging process.
If you are chosen:
You will be notified within two weeks after the entry deadline. All women will be invited as guests to the Bold Women of Business reception at a later date where they will have two seats reserved in their honor and be presented with their award. In addition, the winners will be recognized in advertising promoting their recognition across Mid-West Family brands on-air, online, and in other advertising forms.
Due to the large amount of submissions to this program, we are unable to contact all entrants about their win or loss status. We will only be able to process winners in the short period of time we have after the adjudicating process is complete to quickly process awards, speeches, and confirmations of attendance at the event.
The Bold Women of Business Class of 2022
Kelley Rich Named to Bold Women of Business Class of 2022
Kelley Rich has always been a “do-er,” who builds momentum with those around her to get things done. Throughout her life, both professionally and personally, she has been a big thinker, and a prime motivator, driving towards
Meredith George Named to Bold Women of Business Class of 2022
When Meredith George sees something that needs to be done — she does it, and does it well. In fact, her new St. Joe Wine Shoppe inside The Market at 301 Main Street in St. Joseph is
Susan Toothman Named to Bold Women of Business Class of 2022
Lakeshore Middle School Principal Susan Toothman is a living example of author Tom Peter’s quote, “True leaders don’t create followers, they create more leaders.” Since the very beginning — first as a teacher, then as a Director
Allie Kibler-Campbell Named to Bold Women of Business Class of 2022
Thanks to the incredible work ethic and dedication of Allie Kibler-Campbell, advocacy for children who are, or will become, victims of abuse or neglect, is gaining support with every passing day. Serving as the first ever Outreach
Johanna White Named to Bold Women of Business Class of 2022
For Johanna White, if you are the best at what you do, you deserve to look like it. That’s why she created Design by Jo, where for the past decade she has worked with individuals, startups, and
Zena Burns Named to Bold Women of Business Class of 2022
When Zena Burns moved to Dowagiac from Chicago a couple of years ago, she came with the intent of helping put the city on the map through a collaborative she had formed with a couple of other
Laura Hollister Named to Bold Women of Business Class of 2022
While Laura Hollister of Niles largely sees herself as “terribly insecure and self-critical,” her friends and colleagues characterize her in the very strongest of terms as “the heart and soul” of her highly successful enterprise known across
Sekenah Tennison Named to Bold Women of Business Class of 2022
If bold women keep clear priorities, our Class of 2022 has a prime example in the form of Sekenah Tennison who was at the height of her professional career several years ago when she realized that she
Heather Campbell Named to Bold Women of Business Class of 2022
A rather circuitous route has brought Heather Campbell of South Haven into the spotlight as a Bold Woman of Business. Her background is in Exercise Science from Grand Valley State University where, as an All-American high jumper,
Christine Vanlandingham Named to Bold Women of Business Class of 2022
“An unstoppable force, inspiring and supporting others individually and collectively.” That’s the opening salvo fired by the nominator of Christine Vanlandingham, the Chief Executive Officer of the Region IV Area Agency on Aging headquartered in St. Joseph.
Aiye Akhigbe Named to Bold Women of Business Class of 2022
Already recognized as the SCORE Kalamazoo/Southwest Michigan 2021 Entrepreneur of the Year for her amazing business in Niles, Aiye Akhigbe now adds Bold Woman of Business to her resume thanks to her selection to the class of
Lisa Cripps-Downey Named to Bold Women of Business Class of 2022
When the Covid-19 pandemic gripped Southwest Michigan, many non-profit entities for forced to change the manner in which they conducted operations and provided services to their clients. The result saw many of those organizations experiencing deep declines
Tami Gould Named to Bold Women of Business Class of 2022
Seemingly every time that Tami Gould sets a goal for herself and her organization, she achieves that goal. More noteworthy, is that side-by-side with reaching her own goals, she encourages and assists everyone around her to accomplish
Christina Hardy Named to Bold Women of Business Class of 2022
Plante Moran’s Christina Hardy is a true homegrown talent who has advanced dramatically in her chosen career. Chris joined the major accounting firm immediately after graduating from Michigan State University more than 20 years ago as a
Julee Laurent Named to Bold Women of Business Class of 2022
“Striking is normally a word used to describe someone’s looks,” writes the nominator of Think Tank Marketing Founder Julee Laurent, adding, “Which in this case does apply, but she has a gift to command attention to the
Mandy McDonald Named to Bold Women of Business Class of 2022
When Mandy McDonald envisioned her plans for M Squared Modern Hair in St. Joseph, she wanted to not only create a unique experience for her customers, she planned to craft a training ground for new stylists as
Rebecca Medlin Named to Bold Women of Business Class of 2022
Asked about the most important trait of a bold woman, Rebecca Medlin suggests it is displaying compassion for others and for your community. She certainly follows that mantra on multiple fronts serving not only as the owner
Stephanie Ott Named to Bold Women of Business Class of 2022
If you’re looking for the human personification of a perpetual motion machine, find your way to the new Base Bowls & Company in Southtown St. Joseph and watch the whirlwind performance of owner and founder Stephanie Ott.
Olivia Starks Named to Bold Women of Business Class of 2022
Professional Funeral Director Olivia Starks was a member of the inaugural class of the Moody on the Market 40 Under 40 back in 2018, and her star has continued to soar ever since. Now a co-owner of
Meagan Francis Named to Bold Women of Business Class of 2022
You will never find Meagan Francis idly sitting on the sidelines. The twists and turns her career path have taken could actually be behind the name she has evolved her personal brand to — Reinvention Media. In
REQUIREMENTS:
Starting Monday, September 26, 2022, you will find a nomination form here at MoodyontheMarket.com.
Our newest award recognizes BOLD women of businesses and organizations in the region. Nomination submissions will ask for stories of growth, impact, and change that identify women making a difference in their communities. An independent selection committee, led by a past 40 Under 40 or Bold Women of Business female winner, will review each nomination along with Pat Moody and select the final 20 Bold Women. Sponsors and MoodyontheMarket.com or WSJM Inc. do not receive automatic submissions/wins, special consideration, etc. and are judged alongside all other submissions equally.
Eligibility Requirements:
– Nominations close Sunday, October 16, 2022, at 11:59 PM. Nomination window may be extended at the discretion of MoodyontheMarket.com if sufficient numbers of nominations have not been received
– Women being nominated must work or live in the following Southwest Michigan counties: Berrien, Cass and Van Buren
– Nominees must identify as female and be above the age of 18 before October 16, 2022 to qualify
– Women nominated may be from all “walks of life,” whether working or retired, volunteering, an entrepreneur or business owner, professional, or working in the non-profit sector, as long as their impact on their community and organization is demonstrated appropriately in the nomination form
– Chosen women are expected to attend the awards presentation, either virtually or in-person, on a date to be determined, or invite someone to accept their award on their behalf
– Selected winners are expected to be available to take a high resolution photo when available, and additionally be available for a short Q&A-style interview for the recognition in a profile here on MoodyontheMarket.com; failure to make time to complete these assets will result in disqualification from the program
– Self-nominations ARE permitted for this program, but all entries will be scrutinized for completeness, correctness, and honesty
– Nominations that are not substantially, fully completed, or that simply feature incomplete or cursory information, will be, at minimum, given less than full consideration, or, at worst, be removed from consideration completely
– One single nomination for your woman of choice is requested. Multiple entries do NOT enhance a person’s chances. Nominations featuring identical responses will be removed; please refrain from repeatedly submitting the same nomination or asking others to do so on your behalf
– Only one nomination is permitted in each questionnaire. If you wish to submit more than one nominee, you must submit separate nominations for each entry
– It is highly encouraged to submit nominated professionals that are actively engaged in best practices, have outside interests in the community that they are passionate about, and include any information you have on achievements and recognitions they have been honored for elsewhere in the community, in their industry, or among their peer groups as evidence of their own drive for excellence
– Each essay question should be answered in complete sentences. Do not use bulleted or hyphenated lists unless they are appropriate to the question asked
– Women may only be selected for a single Bold Women of Business program within a 12 month period and may not be selected for the same program more than once (with exception in calendar year 2022, when the program was introduced in the early year and held again later in the same year)
– If a nominee has previously been submitted for, or won, the 40 Under 40 award, they will still be eligible to win this award
– Nominations must be submitted through this online process only and will not be accepted via email, or any other format, under any circumstances
– Nominated persons will be contacted by the selection committee to verify their willingness to participate
Judging:
– A panel of independent judges will review each nomination submitted and assign a score to each entry. This is done privately, and the judges do not share information. The scores are totaled and compared to all entries submitted to help the selection committee determine the 20 honorees. Outside of one vote on the committee from Pat Moody, the staff of Mid-West Family (WSJM Inc.) and this program’s associated sponsors and advertisers do not have any say or vote in the process. Sponsorship of this program does not guarantee that an organization’s women are automatically considered, or considered with any further weighting to win an award in the judging process.
If you are chosen:
You will be notified within 2-4 weeks after the entry deadline. All women will be invited as guests to the Bold Women of Business reception at a later date where they will have two seats reserved in their honor and be presented with their award. In addition, the winners will be recognized in advertising promoting their recognition across Mid-West Family brands on-air, online, and in other advertising forms.
The Inaugural Class of 2021 (Awarded April 2022)
Ashley Slack Named to Bold Women of Business for 2021
Already honored earlier this year as one of Moody on the Market’s 40 Under 40 Young Professionals in Michigan’s Great Southwest and tabbed as a Rising Star by the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber for 2022, Ashley Slack’s
Lori Marciniak Named to Bold Women of Business for 2021
While millions across the globe were deeply impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic, it was deeply personal for Lori Marciniak whose charge was to keep a HANDS ON children’s museum relevant when everyone was mandated to remain home
Kelly Ferneau Named to Bold Women of Business for 2021
The first thing you need to know about Kelly Ferneau is just how unique her position is, not only here in Michigan’s Great Southwest, but across the globe. Kelly is the first woman to hold the title
Lanie Schrubba Named to Bold Women of Business for 2021
Dreams are frequently met with twists and turns, and Personal Trainer Lanie Schrubba is a living example of that. Originally dreaming of a life of dance and working as a dance instructor, Lanie stared-down the disappointment of
Gabrielle Engle Named to Bold Women of Business for 2021
Talk about bold! According to her nominator, Gabrielle Engle helped turn the non-profit Mosaic CCDA “from a near-failed and very cash-poor entity” into a hope-filled, very promising community development association. However, the growth was anything but a
Karen M. Klug Named to Bold Women of Business for 2021
While Karen Klug has been with the Berrien County Youth Fair for 27 years now, dating back to 1995…reality is she’s been pretty much a lifer there inasmuch as her mother anchored the fair for more than
Rosa Skinner Named to Bold Women of Business for 2021
When your nominator begins with the statement, “Rosa is one of the most empathetic and courageous women I know,” and adds, “She cares deeply about our community, and beyond her work in social responsibility for the global
Nicole Railsback Named to Bold Women of Business for 2021
Nicole Railsback’s “boldness” factor is essentially off-the-charts. She has always had a drive for health and helping people become better versions of themselves. As a result seven years ago she decided to combine those two passions and
Maria Kibler Named to Bold Women of Business for 2021
United Federal Credit Union’s Maria Kibler has a small plaque on her desk that asks, “What would you be willing to do if you knew you could not fail?” While the original quote might not be her’s
Amanda Britton Named to Bold Women of Business for 2021
When Amanda Britton and her husband moved to St. Joseph in 2009, she was hired into the Cook Nuclear Plant’s rotational program and quickly was assigned as a structural engineer. She briefly put her nuclear career on
Elizabeth Voglewede Named to Bold Women of Business for 2021
Elizabeth Voglewede’s storied career as a community volunteer, especially for the Girls Scouts of our region, is legendary. Her nominator writes, “Her dedication across so many organizations has truly built momentum within our community that is undeniable.”
Anne Reitz Named to Bold Women of Business for 2021
The nomination of Anne Reitz suggests that while many descriptors suit her, before you can be any of the others you must first be confident in your beliefs and actions knowing that you’re making the right choice.
Gretta Volkenstein Named to Bold Women of Business for 2021
After going through a divorce, Gretta Volkenstein dove directly into the renovation of a 100-year old farmhouse in Benton Township, and her nominator says that while the project proved to be a bit of a nightmare for
Emilie LaGrow Named to Bold Women of Business for 2021
To witness firsthand the leadership and success of Emilie LaGrow, all you really need to do is climb into your car and drive through the Village of Cassopolis where she holds the reins as Village Manager. Her
Leah Peat Named to Bold Women of Business for 2021
Leah Peat is a veritable whirlwind of activity, working not only for a major public relations and marketing agency, but also as co-founder and co-owner of a popular stop along the Makers Trail in Southwest Michigan and
Rachel Wade Named to Bold Women of Business for 2021
In reviewing the seven core actions that embody bold individuals, Rachel Wade’s nominator suggests that Rachel epitomizes every one of them, but quickly notes that her ability to pair action with knowledge sets her apart because she
Afiya Latham Named to Bold Women of Business for 2021
Afiya Latham continues to be a rapidly rising star in the universe of Michigan’s Great Southwest. Her story is building by the day. Earlier this year she was named among the 40 Under 40 Young Professionals in
Mary Dockerty Named to Bold Women of Business for 2021
Mary Dockerty has been identified by her nominator as a woman who sees the potential in even the smallest things. A visionary who pushes the boundaries of what an assisted living community should provide to its clientele.
Jackie Huie Named to Bold Women of Business for 2021
Born and raised into an entrepreneurial family, Jackie Huie from JohnsonRauhoff grew up in a magical world that she has likened to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. As a child she loved joining her dad, Don Johnson, when
Dashuna Robinson Named to Bold Women of Business for 2021
Dashuna Robinson’s nominator says that she leads with strength and humility for both the State of Michigan and the Benton Harbor Area School Board, “using her voice to fight for the equitable distribution of resources for the