Outstanding professionals and community leaders will be celebrated on November 6, 2023, during the McLean County Chamber of Commerce’s Leaders of Distinction Awards Reception. The event will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Bloomington, recognizing recipients of The Pantagraph’s prestigious 20 Under 40 program and the Athena Leadership Award.
The annual awards ceremony aims to honor individuals who exemplify excellence in their careers, showcase a strong commitment to community service, and inspire leadership across Central Illinois. The reception will highlight the remarkable achievements of 20 young professionals and several distinguished leaders in the community.
Recognizing Young Talent and Leadership
This year’s 20 Under 40 honorees include a diverse group of individuals making significant contributions to their fields and communities. The recognized professionals are:
– Emily Buhrow
– Joshua Crockett
– Wesley Ernst
– Katy Gesell
– Lyndsey Girod
– Ramsey Shanna
– Hargitt Ethan
– Jenkins Molly
– 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
Profiles of these honorees will be featured in The Pantagraph in the lead-up to the event, showcasing their achievements and impact within the community.
Athena Leadership Award Finalists
The Athena Leadership Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate professional excellence, contribute significantly through community service, and empower others, particularly women, to reach their leadership potential. This year’s finalists include:
– Laura Berk, founder of the 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 formal awards ceremony, providing an opportunity for attendees to network and celebrate the achievements of the honorees.
Tickets for the event are available for $55 and can be purchased online at bit.ly/2025mcleanleaders. This annual celebration not only honors individual achievements but also reinforces the importance of community engagement and leadership in Central Illinois.
