BY MEGHAN CHANCY LEDINGTON, OURTOWN.COM.
WEST LAFAYETTE — The YWCA Greater Lafayette recognized the achievements and contributions of nine local women at the annual YWCA Salute to Women Banquet on Tuesday, March 2 at the Purdue Memorial Union Ballrooms.
This year’s Woman of Innovation was Stephanie Knoth. The Women of Distinction were Angie Ferguson, Kristel Kaye, Toni Munguia, Anita Werling, and Sharon Martin and Susan Woodson (nominated and honored as a team).
This year’s Women of Wisdom were Anne-Marie Egan and Cicely Ward. The honorees were acknowledged for their exceptional and influential accomplishments in volunteer and professional roles, community involvement and leadership.
To begin the banquet, Grayce Lechtenberg, president of the YWCA Greater Lafayette board of directors introduced the keynote speaker for the evening, Stephanie White, Chicago Sky assistant coach and Big Ten Network analyst.
White played basketball for Purdue, leading them to their first national championship in 1999. White learned very young in West Lebanon that playing sports was her passion. She was able to surround herself with women who empowered her to achieve her dreams.
She played for five years in the WNBA, where she learned that being a professional woman in the workforce is not easy. White closed with some empowering words herself, “Just because it hasn’t been done, doesn’t mean it can’t be done. We need to continue to support each other to make sure our dreams and the dreams of young girls come true.”
Some past recipients of the Salute to Women award, the “Hall of Fame,” were recognized. A total of 258 women have now received this honor.
Knoth was honored as this year’s Woman of Innovation, reserved for women under 40. Knoth is vice president and business banker at Centier Bank, which she helped bring to Lafayette, and president of the Boys and Girls Club of Tippecanoe County board.
Knoth spoke of her belief in helping others and serving the community, especially at the Boys and Girls Club on Beck Lane for which she has expansion plans.
“I am prepared to do anything and everything to see our youth succeed,” said Knoth.
Ferguson is program director at the Hanna Community Center and also works with the Lafayette Police Department. She has implemented after-school programs, developed a summer camp, and many family and senior programs emphasizing social activity and health.
“Recognition is very hard for me to accept. I’m very honored and humbled to have received this award,” said Ferguson.
“I’d like to thank the Academy... I mean the YWCA,” joked Kaye, who gave her acceptance speech in theme with the upcoming Oscars. She thanked her “producers” and her “cast” while making sure to show support for her most important cause — family.
“The greatest contribution a woman can make to her community is to create a great family,” said Kaye.
Munguia, director of technology diversity programs in Purdue’s College of Technology, works to recruit women and under-represented students to the college. Munguia said she draws inspiration from her mother who taught her that “education is key, work hard” even though she had little education herself.
“I love introducing young women to technology,” said Munguia, who enjoys working with students “who are at a major crossroads in life.”
Werling has become a leader in the movement to reestablish Delphi as a center of cultural and business activity. As chairwoman of the Delphi Preservation Society's Opera House advisory board, she is working to raise funds to restore this historical building and bring the performing arts and other events back into the community.
“It takes a community to make it happen. Turning vision into reality takes support, whether it be money or helping hands,” said Werling.
The creators and owners of HELEN magazine, Martin and Woodson were nominated and honored as a team for their work in showcasing the talents, strengths and stories of women in the Greater Lafayette area.
Martin said their goal from the beginning was “to bring women together and to have fun.”
“HELEN is not just a magazine; she has a spirit and an energy all her own,” said Woodson.
Last year, they launched a nonprofit membership organization to raise awareness and funds for women’s issues.
Egan said that she, like some of the other women “prefer to fly under the radar.” Egan taught music and French for 46 years at Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, where she paved the way for women in several roles.
After reflecting on how she has sought out wisdom in her life Egan said, “In recognizing me, you’re also recognizing thousands of persons of wisdom.”
Ward has traveled the world and survived World War II at her home in England. Her remarkable words summed up the meaning behind the Salute to Women Banquet: “When I look at all of you women here, I think to myself, you really are women of worth. What would the world be without you?”
The YWCA Greater Lafayette is a nonprofit social service agency and is a United Way partner. The local YWCA serves six area counties with a domestic violence program and women’s shelter and serves 23 counties with a women’s cancer program that provides free mammograms, Pap tests, and treatment for uninsured and under-insured women. The YWCA also offers youth enrichment, including an after-school program, youth basketball, and dance classes. Learn about the YWCA at www.ywca.org/lafayette.