FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Livonia, Michigan (September 30, 2021) – The Great Lakes Women’s Business Council announced the winners of the 2021 Awards, which honored the achievements, support, and dedication of Indiana and Michigan-based Woman-Owned Businesses and Corporate Members. Their leadership and support are an inspiration to all members, partners, and friends.
“Great Lakes WBC is proud to be able to honor Corporate individuals that stand out in their support and dedication of women business owners as well as women business owners that are exceptional members of our network.” Michelle Richards, Founding Executive Director. The Great Lakes Women’s Business Council’s 2021 Awards presentation is a trademark event for our organization. The awards exhibit our history of commitment and dedication to leadership and excellence. These awards are for outstanding members who go above and beyond to support the Great Lakes WBC, and its members will be honored with time and effort. Paula Tutman hosted the 2021 Awards at the 21st Great Lakes Women’s Business Conference.
Sponsored by Stellantis, LaSalle Construction Services, Kellogg’s, and Bay Corrugated Containers.
Award categories are as follows:
Breakout Influencer 2021 | Detroit Voltage | Deana Neely
Recognizing a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) that goes above and beyond to actively promote the WBENC certification and the Great Lakes WBC events to her women business owner peers.
• Phenomenal Mentorship • Active Champion
Corporate Advocate of the Year | flex | Brian Moore
Recognizing a corporate member who goes above and beyond to advocate on behalf of women business owners through the procurement process.
• Advocates on behalf of individual women business owners or as a group
• Identifies procurement opportunities for women business owners
• Makes certain that women are represented in the procurement process
Corporate Champion of the Year 2021 | Ford Motor Company | Marisa Pappalardo
Recognizing a corporate member who goes above and beyond to champion and support women business owners through the procurement process.
(An individual who works for a Corporation)
• Encourages corporate involvement in Great Lakes WBC and support of women business owners
• Demonstrates extraordinary leadership in championing women business owners
• Champions the cause of women’s business ownership
Corporate Volunteer of the Year 2021 | Nippon Seiki International | Therissa Allen
Recognizing a corporate member who goes above and beyond to actively support Great Lakes WBC events, programs, and committees while encouraging other corporate members to participate.
• Involved in Great Lakes WBC Programs/Projects
• Volunteers on committees
• Encourages others to participate in Great Lakes WBC
Indiana WBE of the Year 2021 | CSCI Consulting | Michele Meyer
Michigan WBE of the Year 2021| Green Giftz | Karen Scarpino
Recognizing an Indiana or Michigan Women Business Enterprise (WBE) demonstrates all-around exceptional business conduct while also exemplifying excellent business skills. This person has also gone out of their way to conduct business with other WBEs.
• Offers exemplary customer service
• Proactive in addressing/servicing customer needs
• Conducts business with other women entrepreneurs
• Possesses good business skills (growth, financial stability, creativity, innovation, management)
• Is current on industry trends and incorporates best practices in business operations
Indiana WBE Role Model/Mentor of the Year 2021| Integrity Tax Consulting | Christine Barnes
Michigan WBE Role Model/Mentor of the Year 2021 | LaGarda Security | Jodi Hohman
Recognizing an Indiana or Michigan Women Business Enterprise (WBE) demonstrates extraordinary leadership by serving as a role model or mentor to her WBE peers.
• Demonstrates extraordinary leadership
• Serves as a role model
• Encourages women business owners
• Shares knowledge and experience with other women business owners
Indiana WBE Volunteer of the Year 2021 | Alpha Rae Personnel | Dr. Rae Pearson
Michigan WBE Volunteer of the Year 2021 | Blended Collective | Lydia Michael
Recognizing an Indiana or Michigan Women Business Enterprise (WBE) that goes above and beyond to actively support Great Lakes WBC events, programs, and committees while encouraging other WBEs to participate.
• Involved in Great Lakes WBC Programs/Projects/Committees
• Volunteers on committees
• Encourages others to participate in Great Lakes WBC
Significant Contribution Award 2021 | RSVP Premier Group | Tamika Brown
Significant Contribution Award 2021 | Amarra Naturals | Tiffany Cartwright
Recognizing an Indiana or Michigan Women Business Enterprise (WBE) that goes above and beyond to actively support Great Lakes WBC and women business owners. This person has donated a great deal of both time and resources to the network efforts.
• Phenomenal Mentorship • Has made a contribution of time, talent, or resources beyond that of others
• Has responded to a need the organization has not been able to address
• Has gone above and beyond expectations
The 21st Great Lakes Women’s Business Conference, hosted by The Great Lakes Women’s Business Council (Great Lakes WBC), was a two-day virtual event on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 28 & 29. This year’s theme was Own Your Future because substantial growth comes from determined action. This event typically boasts over 550 attendees (including Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) and beyond and 90+ corporate members. The agenda included keynotes from Nitin Gupta of Citizens Bank, Nancy Giordano, a strategic futurist, educational workshops, business resource clinics, and the Great Pitch Competition.
The Business Conference also featured WEMatch 1:1, where women-owned businesses were matched with corporate and WBE buyers seeking to engage with diverse suppliers. The Business Conference would not be possible if not for these incredible sponsors. The Great Lakes Women’s Business Council (Great Lakes WBC) is a nonprofit champion for women and minority business owners. We provide access to capital, corporate procurement opportunities, certification for women-owned business enterprises, and small business educational support.
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Media Contact:
Shelly Hyland
Marketing & Engagement Manager
586-420-5317
