Women of Distinction Luncheon

The Girl Scouts' Women of Distinction Luncheon recognizes women who embody the courage, confidence and character that define Girl Scouting. This event gives companies and organizations the opportunity to honor women who:

• Show exceptional dedication to their profession
• Exceed the expectations of their position
• Are an inspiration to their co-workers
• Make contributions to their community

These women are role models who provide girls with examples of who and what they can become. Each Woman of Distinction, though not necessarily a Girl Scout herself, personifies the qualities of the Girl Scout experience: strong values, social conscience, and conviction about the potential and self-worth of every girl. As part of the luncheon, each Woman of Distinction is invited on stage to accept a small token of our appreciation for her dedication to herself and her community. In addition to the awards ceremony, guests at the 2008 luncheon have the opportunity to hear keynote speaker, Pattie Hallberg, newly named CEO of Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts.


Women of Distinction 2008

Darlene Belliveau, Assistant Director of the YWCA's Child Care Center, believes it's better to give than to receive. As an early childhood teacher, Girl Scout leader, church volunteer and mother, Darlene has spent her entire adult life helping others grow and reach their full potential.

Cheryl Berthiaume is a true brand champion in her role as Learning Manager at Fallon Community Health Plan. Her passion and energy shine through the people she has coached, trained and inspired.

Paulette Boyko, editor of the Blackstone Enlightener, is a catalyst that binds people to a purpose. Her enthusiasm is contagious. She is an advocate for special education and a very active member of her local community. With her exceptional leadership qualities, sincerity, and strong moral values, humility is Paulette's greatest achievement.

Christine Cassidy, Fallon Community Health Plan's (FCHP) Director of Communication, exudes the qualities of a leader. For someone whose job it is to "talk," she quietly and effectively influences the tone and quality of FCHP's communications to ensure that every word represents the values of FCHP: integrity and respect.

Karen Chapman is Vice President of the Corridor Nine Area Chamber of Commerce. In this role, Karen has been instrumental in the success of numerous business and community events, such as an annual golf tournament, 5K Road Race and a regional business expo. She is an exemplary leader and devoted to helping our communities, schools and businesses thrive.

Debra Desposito has been an integral member of PENTA Communications' team for nearly a decade. Reliable, dependable and supportive of her colleagues, Debra is key in keeping things moving fluidly in the office. She has a wonderfully optimistic outlook, a relentless spirit and an amazing ability to do a million things at once.

Kathleen Dow is a member of the Worcester Community Action Council Head Start and Early Head Start senior management team. She has dedicated more than 20 years to the care and education of young children. Always energetic, Kathy is committed to children, supports her staff, and is a creative problem-solver, who thinks "outside of the box."

Robin Duncan is the Assistant Vice President of Community Relations at Mount Wachusett Community College, where she provides leadership, integration, and administration for the college's community activities, programs and initiatives.

Barbara Dusoe's innate ability to lift everyone's spirits serves her well as a volunteer at Abby's House. For over 10 years, she has been a favorite among the residents and guests and always greets everyone with a brilliant smile and sincere, "How are you today?" Her patient and caring nature helps ensure that every phone call gets to the right advocate.

Rhonda Engelking works as PENTA Communications' liaison to the significant pro-bono marketing project contributions the company makes to help strengthen the business and arts community. Her daily leadership behind the scenes keeps the Creative Team focused on priorities and maintains a strong and fluent feedback loop between clients and associates.

Carol Faron has served as a Human Resource professional at Worcester State College since 1997. "Carol works tirelessly in all aspects of the mission to provide world class service to the college community, both current and prospective. To say that she exceeds the expectations of her position would be an understatement."

Lynn Feraco, Assistant Vice President for Campaign Operations for the United Way of Central Massachusetts, is committed to performing her responsibilities at the highest levels, always looking to further the United Way and its positive impact on the community. Her work has helped make central Massachusetts a richer, healthier place to work, live and raise a family.

Katie Flaherty is a mortgage specialist for Clinton Savings Bank and a revered leader in the community. Her philosophy is to treat everyone with personal attention, honesty and integrity, all with a rich sense of humor. Katie is dedicated to taking on challenges, expanding her knowledge, and illustrating what achievement is all about.

Marisa Higgins is an attorney with Fletcher, Tilton and Whipple, P.C. who concentrates her practice in all areas of domestic relations law. Marisa is an inspiration to women in her firm as she is a successful, positive, family advocate. She has dedicated her career to helping families through some of the most difficult adjustments in life.

Michele Hoey-Sloan began working in the family business, W.J. Hoey Tire, Inc., in 1994 and continues to run it today with her husband. In addition, Michele is a devoted mother and a very active community volunteer.

Laura Howe has spent more than 12 years working at Arbour Counseling Services of Worcester, but she is far more than just an Office Manager. Laura is the voice of reason for those in crisis who are calling desperation. She sets a positive tone for a fast-paced clinic, always making sure that it is a professional, welcoming and cheerful place.

Eileen Keane is Family Health Center's school-based Health Center Nurse Practitioner at South High School in Worcester. A superb clinician, Eileen uses her clinical skills and Peace Corps experience to provide first-rate, culturally competent heath care for traditionally underserved, multi-lingual patients.

Rosalie La France has been a loyal, dedicated, hard-working employee of Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) for the past 29 years. She has truly embraced WCAC's mission and vision. "People helping people" is how Rosalie lives her life and what she continues to do every day.

Sherry Lynn MacNeil, Education Coordinator at the Devereux School, is known for her superior organizational skills and the caring and compassionate manner in which she works with students and staff. Sherry Lynn is a true leader who is relied upon for her wisdom as a mentor and advisor by students and staff alike.

Patricia Maher-Harrington began working at Commonwealth National Bank while the bank was in formation. She was initially hired to manage a branch and develop business, but since that time, she as assumed many additional roles. Her dedication, positive outlook and flexibility are critical in ensuring the bank's on-going success.

Melinda Napolitano loves her job, and it shows! She is an enthusiastic, creative manager, overseeing the Health Services Department of the American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts. Melinda is an inspiration to her co-workers, always willing to lend a helping hand and go the extra mile. Her hard work and sense of humor have earned her the respect of everyone she works with.

Elizabeth Proko is co-owner of Mill Street Motors. Along with her husband, she is growing a successful family business, but community work does not take a back seat! Beth spent six years on the City of Worcester Parks and Recreation Commission and led the restoration of Dodge Park, where she still coordinates the annual Earth Day cleanup.

Jennifer Stanovich has served as Executive Director of the Holden Area Chamber of Commerce for the past 4 ½ years, where she has built a strong and loyal constituency of local business members. Jennifer's positive outlook, advocacy and keen business sense have helped create a prosperous, growth-oriented environment.

Sheila Veideman is the Assistant Vice President, Senior Branch Manager for Southbridge Savings Bank at the West Boylston Street branch in Worcester. Her commitment to delivering exceptional customer service exemplifies her professional excellence. With a positive attitude and contact smile, she always find the time to give words of encouragement to her peers.

Gayle Weiss is a consummate professional with genuine dedication to the legal profession and to her responsibilities as an attorney. As Vice President and Chief Litigation Officer for the U.S. Operation of Unum, she dedicates herself to excellence in everything she does. She is a successful attorney and mentor to girls as well as legal professionals.

Sharon Yager is Director of the Shrewsbury Senior Center. Her dedication and caring leaves lasting footprints on the lives of the "family" she has formed there. In addition, Sharon serves as the High School Catechist at Our Lady of Lourdes Church where she strives to achieve strong relationships with youth at the church.


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