Nine exceptional women were honored on Monday by the YWCA of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
The women were selected for their leadership skills and positive influence in the Tri-Cities community.
“This year marks the 31st year that the YWCA NETN and SWVA will honor nine extraordinary women who nurture, transform, or empower their communities,” YWCA board member Heidi Dulebohn said.
“Please join us in celebrating these remarkable recipients, who are models for those served by the YWCA and its mission to eliminate racism and empower women.”
(List of nine winners)
Kay Ward is a champion for at-risk students. Her 27-year tenure with Bristol Tennessee City Schools began with teaching in the classroom, she has spent the last 15 years within their Family Resource Center.
Dr. Kim Kirk serves as principal of Tennessee High School. She leads her community with compassion and wisdom.
Vivian Dorn-Stuckey has worked tirelessly as a mentor and educator in her community.
She is an honors graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where she received a BS in Business Education.
Professor Carolyn Ferrell serves as vice president of human resources for a company of 430 employees.
She is an early adopter of Bristol’s Promise’s Innovative Bristol Connect Workforce Sustainability program known for her ability to understand the needs of employees and their families.
Kathy Whitaker has grown the First Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability (FTAAAD) into a $6.2 million organization that administers over 16 programs to house, feed, transport, and protect seniors.
Kristie Hammonds serves as CEO of Frontier Health. She has been instrumental in supporting school-based mental health services and a recent Regional School Mental Health Summit.
Dr. Jodi Helbert is the developer of the Bachelor of Social Work program at King University and a clinical psychologist. She empowers her students to embrace community involvement.
Kaylin Render joined the district attorney’s office as a STOP Domestic Violence prosecutor. She has also become involved with other agencies and groups that deal with domestic violence cases.
Stella Robinette is creator of the concept of a Dream Book, where young people put on paper their adulthood plans and dreams. She has spent years working with youth in the Kingsport area and has personally mentored approximately 200 children.