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Women’s Initiative presents 2017 Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky to nine honorees


Katie Meyer, Maryanne McGowan, Leigh Ann Hoskins, Joan Tepe Wurtenberger, Laura Berkemeier, Kathlyn Burkhardt, Ed.D, Victoria Boerger, Linda M. Young, Gabrielle Summe

The Women’s Initiative is pleased to announce this year’s Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky honorees. The professional accomplishments of these talented women are an example of the tremendous role models we have in our community.

Outstanding Women of NKY Honorees:

Maryanne McGowan, Manager, Strategy & Implementation, Duke Energy
Gabriel Summe, Kenton County Clerk

Emerging Leader Award:

Katie Meyer, Executive Director, Renaissance Covington

Helen Carroll Champion of Education Award:

Dr. Kathlyn Burkhardt, Ed.D., Superintendent, Erlanger-Elsmere School District

Henrietta Cleveland Inspiring Women Award:
presented by St. Elizabeth Healthcare

Joan Tepe Wurtenburger, Senior Principal, Champlin Architecture

Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award:

Linda M. Young, Executive Director, Welcome House

Nancy Janes Boothe Scholarship:

Leigh Ann Hoskins, Gateway Community & Technical College
Victoria Boerger, Northern Kentucky University
Laura Berkemeier, Thomas More College


The Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky Awards Luncheon will be held 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on April 5 at the St. Elizabeth Training and Education Center (formerly the METS Center) in Erlanger.

To attend the luncheon is $40. For more information, contact Gina Bath at 859-578-6384 or register online at www.nkychamber.com/OWNK

Various levels of sponsorships are available for the event.

Current sponsors include:

Title Sponsor: St. Elizabeth Healthcare;
Education Partners: Toyota, Northern Kentucky University, Thomas More College and Gateway Community & Technical College.

For information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Diana McGlade at 859-578-6381.

The Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky Awards were created in 1984 by the late Nancy Boothe, wife of then-Northern Kentucky University President Leon Boothe and were sponsored by The Kentucky Post. After the newspaper closed in 2008, Toyota became the major sponsor, assumed responsibility for event production and supported the scholarship program.  

With the 2014 announcement of Toyota’s headquarters consolidation and eventual relocation to Texas, the program was again in need of a champion to carry the torch to honor amazing, trailblazing women.

The Women’s Initiative of the NKY Chamber of Commerce has adopted this program and will continue its remarkable legacy.  

Over the past 33 years, more than 160 women have been honored for their outstanding service, integrity and leadership. 


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