The AWC Chapter Star Award Winners 2019

 

The AWC Chapter Star Award is given to honor a member who has excelled in activities promoting the chapter as well as actions toward advancement of the communications field. Only one person may be nominated by the chapter and a member may not receive the Star Award more than once.

Chances are, several women in your chapter have received the Star Award. Why not get to know them?  As you read through the accomplishments of the 2019 awardees, I hope several dedicated professional women in your local chapter come to mind and that you will submit their nomination in 2020.

It was my honor to recognize the 2019 Star Award winners at the recent AWC Professional Development Conference. Please join me in congratulating these outstanding women and recognizing their many contributions to their chapter, the communications field and their community.

The Tulsa (OK) chapter honored Jillian Schillaci as their Star Award winner. As the 2019-2020 chapter president, Jillian set an aggressive agenda to bring more diversity to the Tulsa AWC board. She initiated the idea to invite someone to each event that is different than herself. As Immediate Past President, Nicole Burgin said, “This is where we want to be as a local chapter with a more diverse group of members and board members.”

Jillian stepped in as the current president when the president-elect had to step down mid-year. In a short time, she recruited her board and identified priorities. She also had a huge impact as outgoing education co-chair. This past year, we had the highest number of scholarship applicants vying for two $2,000 scholarships given by the Tulsa chapter at Newsmakers, our annual lunch honoring outstanding Tulsa women.

Jillian attended the 2019 AWC national conference and is an active participant in the monthly webinars. She believes strongly in helping women become the best versions of themselves and creatively contributes to the definition of a communication professional.

Carlye Wannenmacher was chosen by the Springfield (MO) chapter. Since 2012, Carlye Wannenmacher has been an active member of the local chapter. She always shows enthusiasm for the organization and has willingly stepped up to lead the group for multiple terms as secretary, president, co-president and treasurer. In Carlye’s words, “Her membership in AWC and the information she has gained from the programs have given her the confidence to excel in the workplace and in service on various area boards.”

Carlye attended AWC conferences in St. Charles and Kansas City, participates in webinars and encourages others to utilize the webinars to further their careers. She graciously provides a meeting location for the board and socials that are open to new and prospective members.

As Vice President of Marketing at Guaranty Bank, Carlye is a member of the executive management team driving strategic direction and tactical initiatives.  She also serves as marketing and public relations department director and manages the marketing team. This year, she was recognized for her skills and professionalism by 417 Biz magazine and Springfield Business Journal.

Springfield MO AWC chapter president, Jessie Hughey believes, “We are truly blessed that Carlye Wannenmacher is an active member of our chapter. We can always count on her professionalism, enthusiasm, and faithful participation to help wherever she is needed.”

Lubbock (TX) selected Valerie Moreno as their Star Award winner. In her role as Vice President of Programs, she brought exceptional programs to the chapter while serving as Treasurer-in-Training.  She led planning efforts for the Fall Professional Development Workshop, “Business of the Future,” which strengthened the Lubbock AWC brand and helped to grow their membership.

Valerie is present at every meeting, greeting members, engaging with new members and inviting prospective members to join in on the fun!

Valerie graciously accepts each challenge the chapter requests of her and completes it with dependability and professionalism.

Valerie was the first to make plans to attend the AWC National Professional Development Conference. She believes, “Attending the conference will strengthen my communication skills and make me a stronger asset for the community, my employer and my local chapter.”

Valerie is now the Treasurer of the Lubbock chapter. Amidst all the support she brings to her chapter, she still prioritizes time to spend with her family, church, professional career and other volunteer organizations.

Cecelia Munzenmaeier was nominated by the Greater Des Moines (IA) chapter. Cecelia has played a vital role in this chapter for many years, serving in every position on the executive board at some point in time.

Cecelia strives to help every member and officer be their best and continuously makes suggestions, provides advice and pushes everyone in a way that produces results. In the words of chapter president, Kristen Anderson, “She simply makes our chapter great!”

Cecelia immerses herself in every role she takes on, works hard and gives it her all. Although our numbers have dropped over the years, it hasn’t deterred Cecelia. When needed, she steps up to serve as an officer and works to recruit friends, colleagues and clients to attend AWC meetings.

Even after a personal health incident, Cecelia fulfilled her duties on the board and was front and center at member meetings.

We are grateful to count Cecelia Munzenmaeier as a member of the Greater Des Moines AWC Chapter.

The AWC National Board of Directors is delighted to recognize the contributions of these women. However, we know there are many independent members who deserve to be recognized and honored for their contributions to the communications field and community. Discussions are underway on the best way to accomplish this—if you have any thoughts on this topic, please share them with us at [email protected].

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About the Author

LaDonna is the Immediate Past Chair of the AWC National Board. She is an author, photographer and motivational speaker with a focus on gratitude and wellbeing.

LaDonna Greiner currently inspires businesses and individuals to discover the power of gratitude in the workplace, their lives and the world and act on it. She is a public speaker, entrepreneur, author and photographer with a published book series that gives employers, coworkers and individuals 21 suggestions how to express gratitude and a line of notecards featuring her photos.

LaDonna, Chief Gratitude Officer of LG Consulting & Training LLC, leads hundreds of people each year toward increased gratitude, meaningful appreciation and effective recognition through speaking engagements, coaching and workshops. She creatively brings the benefits of gratitude to life through canvas painting, photo journeys and other innovative activities.