Samantha Herrell, Colleen Kannaday, Marilyn Tarver. Angelique Racki, Alicia Lenard, Laura Beavers, Brandy McNalis, and Marie Denzler-Farley. (Photo by Eric Stock/WJBC)
By Howard Packowitz
NORMAL – YWCA McLean County honored eight Women of Distinction as part of the 29th annual awards banquet, held Tuesday night in Uptown Normal.
A panel of judges selected the women from a list of 45 nominees in eight separate categories.
Marilyn Tarver was honored for her contributions to business. She’s the business manager at Spare and Share Thrift Shop in Gridley and worked 21 years as a team leader at Mitsubishi.
Angelique Racki, founder of Breaking Chains and Advancing Increase School of Arts, was the recipient in the Creative Arts and Education category.
Alicia Lenard was the honoree for education. She’s development director of YouthBuild McLean County, which is an alternative high school.
In the Professions category, YWCA honored Advocate BroMenn Medcical Center President Colleen Kannaday.
Laura Beavers was chosen for her social services work. She’s the behavioral health division manager for the McLean County Health Department.
Brandy McNalis received the honor in the STEM or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics category. She’s Country Financial’s director of business process and applied analytics.
The Caribel Washington Young Professional Award was given to Samantha Herrell. She’s executive assistant for the PATH crisis center does volunteer work for the LGBTQ community.
The Harriett F. Rust Volunteer Service Award went to Marie Denzer-Farley, whose devotion to agriculture comes from her late husband, Adam, who died in farming accident 10 years ago. She chairs the membership services committee for the McLean County Farm Bureau, is a member of the Ag Education Committee, is a 4-H group leader, and superintendent of the swine department.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected].
