The Women of Distinction program pays tribute to women who have made special contributions to their community through civic, academic or professional involvement.
This year’s Women of Distinction honorees were:
- Career Accomplishments: Tera Wyatt of Northport, Director of TDOT, City of Tuscaloosa
- Community Contributions: Zelpha Storey Wells of Tuscaloosa, Director of Zelpha’s Cultural Development Corporation
- Outstanding Educator: Susan Pace Hamill of Tuscaloosa, Professor at the University of Alabama School of Law
- Lifetime Achievement: Elois Zeanah of Tuscaloosa, civic volunteer
Other nominees included: Pam Askew, civic volunteer; Drew Baker, civic volunteer; Martha Regina Crowther-King of Bessemer, Director of Clinical Psychology at the University of Alabama; Katharine Ross Merrell of Tuscaloosa, Owner, Grand National Equine Sports Massage Therapy; and Betty Northington of Tuscaloosa, accountant, Bama Exterminating
Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox served as Emcee. Pat “Auntie Litter” Mitchell served as the Luncheon’s keynote speaker. Chairing the Luncheon was Nancy Lambert-Brown, Owner, Borgo Design. Committee members included Carolyn Tubbs, Allie Harper and Elizabeth Colwick Hamner.
Five Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts were also honored at the luncheon for earning their Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. These young ladies will be recognized for their leadership and service projects. Leanne Davis, Tracy Hardy, Cameron Nolen, Kelsey Nolen, Laina McDonald, all of Fayette, Alabama, have put in over 65 hours of planning, community service and evaluations to earn their Gold Award.
This is the largest fundraising event of the year. Proceeds from the West Alabama Women of Distinction Luncheon provide direct support to Girl Scouts in North-Central Alabama, which serves more than 18,000 girls in 36 counties. Sponsors included: Mercedes-Benz and Parker Towing. Many other local companies and individuals generously sponsored additional corporate tables.