YWCA’s Tribute to Women of Influence

The TWIN award is given to women who are role models in their fields, organizations, or community.

Staff reports

The YWCA of Asheville will hold its 20th Annual Tribute to Women of Influence (TWIN) awards event Thursday, September 15 at 7 p.m. at the Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place.

Tickets to the reception and awards presentation are $60 per person. Proceeds from the event support YWCA programs that bridge gaps in education, earning power, health and wellness, and child care.

Music during the reception will be provided by the Jonathan Scales Fourchestra. Videos during the awards program will be by Bourne Media.

The TWIN award is given to women who are role models in their fields, organizations, or community. Twenty-five women will be honored, with featured winners in the categories of equality, empowerment, and transformation.

The 2011 YWCA Tribute to Women of Influence Honorees are:

• Yaira Andrea Arias Soto, Center for Participatory Change

• Judi Bertrand, Pisgah Legal Services

• Jo Blaylock, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino

• Janice Brumit, The Brumit Restaurant Group

• Ellen Clarke, Western Carolinians for Criminal Justice

• Celeste Collins, OnTrack Financial Services

• Lisbeth Cooper, CooperRiis Healing Community

• Amanda Edwards, Buncombe County Literacy Council

• Joanne Ford, CarePartners Health Services

• Judy Futch, Judy Futch Consulting

• Erika Germer, City of Asheville

• Jean McGuire, Eliada Homes for Children

• Anita Metcalf, A-B Tech Foundation

• Sarah Nunez, Western Carolina University

• Leigh Pettus, MANNA Food Bank

• Dr. Anne Ponder, UNC-Asheville

• Sherrie Puffer, Keller-Williams Realty

• Diane Rumfelt, Bank of America

• Keldwyn Teves, BCMS Project Access volunteer

• Kelley Webb, City of Asheville Fire Department

• Glenda Weinert, BrightStar Health Care

• Sarah Wohlmuth, Hands On Buncombe

• Suzanne Holbert, Dixon Hughes, and Dollie Feldmeth-Smith, WomanSong and Women for Women.

For more information or to reserve tickets, go to www.ywcaofasheville.org or call (828) 254-7206 x 207.