The following women have been named 2010 Women of Excellence:
Umama Alam, principal for the International Academy of Cincinnati, has been recognized by the Chamber as a "dynamic leader who understands the importance of cultural differences. In her job and in her life, Alam shows strength and kindness through her work, volunteering, and support of others."
One nominator called Alam a role model, and said promoting peace and harmony between people comes easily to her.
With experience as a speaker and tour guide for the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati Tours and Talks Education and Outreach Programs, Alam strives for improving interfaith relations and works with different schools and academies of different faiths to bring people together without regard to race, religion, or beliefs. She supports Reach Out Lakota and the Fast & Feed project through Muslim Mothers Against Violence and the International Academy of Cincinnati.
Deborah Brenneman, a law partner at Thompson Hine LLP, was reported by the Chamber as a "role model who has accomplished a balance in career, family and community"
Brenneman helped create the Thompson Hine’s Spotlight on Women program and also is involved in the firm’s 360 Mentoring Program where she promotes the careers of accomplished lawyers and leaders and provides education and social networking.
One nominator said Brenneman assumes a leadership role in programs dedicated to bringing awareness and improvement for women and represents them well in the demanding legal field. Brenneman also is a board member and luncheon committee co-chair for the West Chester - Liberty Chamber Alliance.
Brenda Frazier, vice president-commercial lender for First Financial Bank in West Chester has been called a coach and counselor who challenges other to be more successful, according to the Chamber.
One nominator said Frazier has dedicated more than 30 years of community involvement to enhance the lives of Butler County residents. She has volunteered with numerous organizations and served on multiple boards, including the American Red Cross and the Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty.
Another nominator said Frazier makes everything around her more pleasant and “her clients often refer their friends and colleagues to Brenda, and that’s the best compliment a client can give a relationship manager.”
Sarah Healey, a senior at Badin High School, has been named a Young Woman of Excellence, because she is a role model and "a ray of sunshine" among her peers, community and family, Chamber officials said.
Healey began volunteering at a young age. In grade school she was a member of the Young Vincentians, supporting organizations such as Soup for Seniors. Through this experience Sarah became pen-pals with multiple senior citizens. Once, she had a birthday party and donated all her gifts to the children at St. Joseph’s Orphanage. Recently, she organized a 5K Walk benefiting One Way Farm in Fairfield and plans to make this an annual event. Healey also has participated in Locks of Love, the Giving Circle, and is a Peer Minister at her church.
Susan Hendel, an independent real estate agent, is said to be an example of strength and determination. Her motto is putting clients first. She volunteers her time with multiple organizations, including the Rotary Club of West Chester/Liberty, the Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty and the Chamber. As a June 2005 college graduate, Hendel graduated almost 40 years after taking her first class. Because of this experience, she set up the Susan C. Hendel Scholarship Fund with the Community Foundation to help women at a later age to get a college education. One nominator wrote, "Whatever Susan undertakes it is with professionalism, quality, integrity, lots of knowledge, superior listening skills and above all — 110 percent."
Chris Xeil Lyons recently completed two terms as a board member and chair of the Butler County Alcohol Drug Addiction Services According to one of her nominators, "Chris Xeil uses her time and her talents for the betterment of others. Her outgoing personality, fine-tuned leadership skills and creativity are an asset to our community."
Xeil has served as a volunteer for non-profits, including on the board of trustees for six years with PARACHUTE-Butler County Court Appointed Special Advocate, Partners in Prime; the Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty where she worked on the Key Event and its golf events; St. Susanna Parish and Junior Achievement. Several years ago, she chaired the Butler County Leadership Event where she managed more than 30 volunteers to present an event presented by the five Chambers of Butler County.
Darlene Mack is a business woman, founder and CEO of HR Partners, International. According to one of her nominators, "Darlene is a woman whose essence is that of compassion, sincerity and loyalty and demonstrates these qualities in everything she does. "
Mack is very active in the Chamber, serving as a SCORE counselor, writing HR articles in the VOICE and chairing committees including the Chamber’s Women 4 Women. She has been involved in the Lakota Local School District, Butler County United Way and Habitat for Humanity. She runs a monthly networking session for HR professionals in transition and provides free legal briefings on HR.
Candice DeClark Peace, a shareholder with Clark Schaefer Hackett since 1978, feels a person's kindness can transform someone's life and hard work is the key to achieving goals. She holds one of the largest client lists of any associate and many times that her clients and her co-workers are her friends. Since 1999, Candy has worked with the Atrium Medical Center Foundation as a member of the board and in several leadership positions, serving as the first chair of the Planned Giving Committee. She has been a Girl Scout troop leader, past president of the local American Business Women chapter, board member of the Middletown Community Foundation and PTO member at her children's schools. According to one of her nominators, "Candy makes the community a better place through her service, leadership, mentoring and generosity."
Dorothy Roth heads up Friends of the West Chester Library, volunteers with and for area seniors, helps the Arts Council of West Chester and Liberty, assists the West Chester Historical Society, involves herself in local and national politics and is at nearly every West Chester Liberty Chamber Alliance function. One nominator stated, "To list all of her accomplishments in our community over the years would be impossible, because I might leave something out."
Catherine Stoker, West Chester Twp. trustee for 15 years, volunteers for the West Chester Senior Van Service, has been instrumental in bringing the Voice of American Museum to the forefront of West Chester, is an active member of the VFW Auxiliary, works with Partners in Prime, has been an active leader with the Heroes Fund of the Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty and was instrumental in bringing this past summer's Cardboard Boat Regatta to MetroParks.
A nominators stated, “Catherine is a woman of integrity, passion, sincerity, service, leadership and compassion.” She wants to make West Chester a better place to live and another one of her passions is our area parks.”