The Women’s Economic Development Council (WEDC) Foundation was established in 1998 as a nonprofit, charitable organization to provide educational, financial, and mentoring support for women who are trying to improve their lives. The mission of the WEDC Foundation is to work within our community to help women achieve self-sufficiency and economic independence by providing mentors, development opportunities, grants, and scholarships.

The annual event hosted by the WEDC Foundation is Women Honoring Women, the primary fundraiser for the organization. Money raised at this event provides educational scholarships and assistance to Madison County women. To date, the WEDC Foundation has provided more than $150,000 in scholarship funds.

Women Honoring Women is unlike any other award program in our area, in that it celebrates women who have overcome significant obstacles. Past honorees have included women who were instantly recognizable, as well as those who have not been familiar to many in the community. The common thread, however, is their noteworthy ability to overcome obstacles while positively influencing others.

The WEDC Foundation is now accepting nominations for its 8th Annual Women Honoring Women awards. Nominations for women to be honored are due by Tuesday, July 7, 2009. The awards will recognize women who have excelled in their fields of expertise and in their efforts to help others to improve their quality of life.

Many deserving women in our community have been recognized at past Women Honoring Women events including the 2008 honorees:

• Arts & Humanities: Lady Shivers Tucker, Retired Professor of Music, Alabama A&M University
• Business & Professional: Donna Lamb, CEO, Lamb Commercial Service
• Community & Public Service: Joanne Randolph, President, Women’s Business Center of North Alabama (WBCNA)
• Education: Dr. Kathleen Leonard, Professor, Civil Environmental Engineering, UAH
• Health and Human Services: Bhavani Kakani, Community Volunteer
• Technology: Nhuchi Khong, Chief Software & M&S Engineer, U.S. Army, Future Combat Systems (FCS) & Unmanned Ground Vehicles UGV)

The nominees will be judged on their path to achievement of success despite obstacles, exceptional professional and/or civic contributions, contribution to the community, and a proactive willingness to help other women help themselves. Details about submitting a nomination and the required format can be found on the web site listed below. The winners will be honored at the Women Honoring Women Celebration. Please consider nominating someone you feel meets the requirements and has a story that should be shared with our community as an inspiration to everyone.

The theme of this year’s event is ‘Living Legacies’ with Crestwood Medical Center as the presenting sponsor. While only in its 8th year, this annual fundraiser has become one of Huntsville’s most anticipated events. More than 700 people attended last year’s celebration. Sponsorships for the event are available beginning at $500.00.

Mark your calendars and plan to attend this spectacular event on Thursday, September 17, 2009. Cocktail Hour begins at 5pm with Dinner and Program starting at 6pm in the Von Braun Center North Hall. Tickets sales and Online Auction begin August 1st.

Contact Info:
Debbie Simmons
(256) 541-2443
debbie@tvapsolutions.com
Lori King-Taylor
(256) 468-1095
lori.king-taylor@omniteam.com
www.wedcfoundation.org