Outstanding professionals and community leaders will be recognized at the upcoming Leaders of Distinction Awards Reception, hosted by the McLean County Chamber of Commerce. This annual event will take place on November 6, 2023, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Bloomington, Illinois. The ceremony will celebrate recipients of the Pantagraph’s 20 Under 40 program and the prestigious Athena Leadership Award.
The event acknowledges individuals who exemplify excellence in their careers, demonstrate a strong commitment to community service, and inspire others through their leadership across Central Illinois. Profiles of the 20 Under 40 honorees and Athena finalists will be featured in an upcoming edition of The Pantagraph.
This year’s 20 Under 40 honorees include:
– Emily Buhrow
– Joshua Crockett
– Wesley Ernst
– Katy Gesell
– Lyndsey Girod
– Ramsey Shanna
– Hargitt Ethan
– Jenkins Molly
– Johnson Noah B.
– Lamb Ashlie
– Marcy Michael J.
– Meyer Destiny
– Ramsey Aaron
– Schaidle Sean
– Seibring Jada L.
– Taylor Noah
– Tang Laura
– Vollmer Ashley
– Waring-Sparks Rev. Matt
– Wilcox Andy
– Zilch
The Athena Leadership Award honors individuals who not only achieve professional excellence but also give back to their communities. This award specifically recognizes those who support others, particularly women, in reaching their leadership potential. The finalists for this year’s award are:
– Laura Berk, founder of Illinois Art Station and distinguished professor of psychology emerita at Illinois State University
– Vivian Kong Doctora, owner of Bao Destination and Beyond Social Immersive Cooking Classes, co-owner of Kobe Revolving Sushi Bar, and founder of The Collective Entrepreneur Group
– Peggy Hardy, founder and director of Pads4Girls
– Darla Price Heath, executive director of Faith in Action
The awards program will commence at 17:00 on November 6 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, located at 10 Brickyard Drive, Bloomington. A cocktail reception will follow the ceremony. Tickets are priced at $55 and can be purchased online at bit.ly/2025mcleanleaders.
This celebration of local talent and community spirit highlights the commitment of leaders who strive to make a positive impact in their fields and within their communities.