Women of Distinction Dinner

The Women of Distinction event is designed to recognize women who, by consistent and effective use of their resources and talent, have shown commitment, creative approach, outstanding leadership, inspiration, and tangible accomplishments. This year, we are honoring women who have taken action, demonstrated leadership, inspired those around them, and are Champions of Challenge!

Click here to read all about the 2008 honorees.

 

 

 

 

 

Sponsors

Lead Sponsor

Major Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

• Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation
• Dr. Mary Anne Herron and Family
• United Bank
• Westfield Bank

Silver Sponsor

• Northwestern Mutual Financial Network

Blue Sponsor

• Patricia Hallberg

Women of Distinction Dinner - Sponsor Benefit Description

Honorees

• Gina Barry is a partner in the law firm of Bacon and Wilson in Springfield and recently founded Joy of Jasper, a non-profit organization which provides sanctuary to abused, abandoned and neglected horses. Barry’s hope is to bring adolescent girls to the barn allowing them to gain confidence, discipline and trust while working with the horses.
• Nurse educator Elizabeth D'Amour was instrumental in developing the Simulation Center, an innovative training tool for nurses, medical students, residents and other health care professionals at Baystate Medical Center. The Simulation Center includes “Sim Man,” a rubber mannequin simulator complete with eyes, pulse, lungs, voice and other mechanized responses that allow students to practice their skills.
• Milta Franco is a dynamic community leader. As Director of North End Outreach Network, she uses innovative outreach techniques to work with the Latino community in Springfield; changing the way that this population is engaged with the larger community. Franco was also a social service specialist for Head Start for 15 years.
• Cathy Frye and Maureen Viturale are adjustment counselors at Juniper and Paper Mill elementary schools respectively, both in Westfield. They are also co-founders of a monthly support group that addresses an important phenomenon of the times: grandparents who are raising their children's children. In keeping with their holistic approach to student well-being, Frye and Viturale also teach the parental counterpart of a Westfield schools program that instructs children in emotional management and problem-solving skills.
• For six years, Carol Johnson was part of a dedicated band of volunteers committed to transforming a ruined movie theater into a lively arts center. In 2007, she became head of that complex and now, as Executive Director of the Amherst Cinema Arts Center (ACAC), her leadership and fund raising skills ensure that ACAC remains a vital community resource. Her vision for the center has brought economic stimulus with stores and coffee shops, resulting in a transformed downtown Amherst.
• Patricia Spradley is Chief Administrator for Parent and Community Engagement in Springfield Public Schools. In this position, she has played a key role in designing and implementing programs which aim to fully engage parents and families in their children’s education.