iBi - December 2011 | PeoriaMagazines.com

Eleven Women Who Made a Difference in 2011

Photography by Kira Kwon

They are business owners and entrepreneurs, mayors and political leaders, presidents and CEOs. They wield influence in business, healthcare, government and education. Their lives are in transition, and many have stepped out of their comfort zones. And they are making a difference in central Illinois.

Reflecting on Female Leadership

Jan Wright, Publisher, iBi

In spite of the progress that has been made, women still earn just 81 percent of what men do, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Certainly, it still makes sense to spend some time reflecting on female leadership, in business and in the community.

Networking For The Professional Woman

Central Illinois is home to a variety of business networking groups that focus on the needs and interests of professional women. Learn more about these groups and their unique missions, and find out how you can get involved.

Joanne Glasser

President, Bradley University

During 2011, Bradley continued to experience extraordinarily positive change, in and out of the classroom.

Katie McCord Jenkins

President, Illinois Mutual

The Illinois Mutual team has achieved a lot in 2011, all in support of our mission.

Deborah Simon

Interim President/CEO, Methodist Medical Center

2011 has been an exciting year for Methodist, and for me personally.

Mary Ardapple

Founder/CEO, Apple’s Bakery

2011 is best described as a pinnacle year, both personally and professionally.

Laurie Barra

Mayor, City of Pekin

My major accomplishment of 2011 would be successfully running for mayor of Pekin.

Jehan Gordon-Booth

State Representative, Illinois House of Representatives

One of my biggest accomplishments this year was the historic education reform that we ushered through the General Assembly.

Grenita Lathan

Superintendent, Peoria Public Schools

It has been an active year for us at Peoria Public Schools.

Sara Rusch

Regional Dean, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria

This has been a great year for the College of Medicine, as several long-term projects are coming into reality.

Doris Symonds

Founder/Owner, T.A.L.K.

As a retiree, I wanted to make a difference in the lives of women business owners.

Gail Amundson

President/CEO, Quality Quest for Health of Illinois

2011 has been a landmark year for Quality Quest. Most notable has been the establishment of the Central Illinois Health Information Exchange (CIHIE) and allcharts.

Diane Cullinan Oberhelman

Founding Partner, Cullinan Properties

Despite the recent turbulent economic times, this has been a strong year for Cullinan Properties.

Region

Occupy Peoria
The Manias Way
Mayor Jim Ardis - City of Peoria
Morton’s Women of Influence
Jennifer Daly, Greater Peoria Economic Development Council
Infrastructure Investment Necessary
Congressman Aaron Schock
Community Assessment Trends
Michael Stephan - Heart of Illinois United Way
The HP’s Women Leaders
Jim McConoughey - Heartland Partnership

Finance

A Year-End Checklist and a Fresh Start
by Daryl Dagit Savant Capital Management
Strategic Spending Helps Family Business Grow in Tough Economy
by Natalie Hughes
Keeping Your Organization Under Control
by Lisa Martin Heinold-Banwart, Ltd.

Workplace

Turn Customers Into Advocates
by Jimmy L. Smith S-Squared Enterprises USA
A Snowy Day and Exempt Employees’ Pay
by Richard A. Russo Davis & Campbell L.L.C.

Healthcare

Women of Influence
The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis
by Shelli Dankoff OSF Saint Francis Medical Center
The Law and Economics Support Breastfeeding in the Workplace
by Amanda Bridson Peoria City/County Health Department

More...

The Honorable Kate Gorman
Woman of Influence
by Grace Mata Howard & Howard Attorneys

Balance

Growing The Partnership

Thanks to a $5 million pledge from The Caterpillar Foundation, the Nature Conservancy’s Great Rivers Partnership is again expanding.