Right on the heels of the Oscars came another highly anticipated awards program.
The Women’s Network of Santa Maria Valley has made its mark with its annual Women of Excellence Awards. Santa Maria had long been remiss in recognizing the talents and contributions of the women of the community, and the Women’s Network has done its part to remedy that.
This year’s award dinner was held Thursday evening, March 3, at the Santa Maria Country Club.
This year (a sign of the times?), three of the awards went to women steeped in the world of the entrepreneur. The fourth award went to a woman whose job as Executive Director of the YMCA impacts a whole bunch of adults and kids alike.
These four women have something in common: They make you wonder what they will do next. There is no sitting on their laurels for these dynamic dames.
Shannon Seifert, the irrepressible executive director of the Santa Maria Valley YMCA, was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Women Helping Women Award went to Wendy Stellar, who is well known for her entrepreneurial persona—she owns and manages Old Orcutt’s Déjà Vu Antiques (located in the former Loading Dock).
Wendy’s husband Mark Stellar stepped up to the plate and accepted the award for his wife. Alas, she had to be out of town on her special evening.
The Women Taking Creative Risks Award went to another entrepreneur, Anne Cremarosa. She recently opened MIYB Spaces, the only co-working/business services facility between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara.
Victoria Conner took home the Women of Spirit Award. Over the years, Vikki has been involved with many aspects of community activism, but is perhaps best known at the moment for being a co-founder of the Economic Alliance of Northern Santa Barbara County. She is currently the Economic Alliance’s Initiatives Director.
This dynamic new organization puts on regular events that focus on various aspects of the local economy, e.g., higher education, agriculture, the oil industry, and economic opportunity potential for north county residents.
The Women’s Network president, Amy Curti, told me that they pre-sold 120 tickets for the dinner and had 30 walk ins, making for a total attendance of 150. Attendees enjoyed filet mignon, chicken piccata, or vegetarian meals. Strawberry shortcake provided a fine seasonal finish to the meal.
The bubbly and vivacious Jessica Chavez, Santa Maria native and the host of an early-morning radio show in San Luis Obispo, was the emcee. She delighted the audience with tales of her upward career trajectory.
Each award recipient received a handsome inscribed plaque made of glass. Doug Coleman presented each of the winners with an official (and really good-looking) certificate of recognition from the office of State Assemblyman Katcho Achadjian.
Dan and Peggy Blough, Eddie Taylor, and Kristine Mollenkopf were among the guests. A contingent of breakfast club Rotarians showed up to support Seifert, who is their president.
I shared a table with past President Michelle Shipman, past President Donna Randolph, photographer Amanda Mills, Susan Gonzalez, and Alysm Chavez.
Faith Come was chairperson for this event, which was a lot of fun, thanks to the entertainment value of the award recipients, who know how to squeeze a laugh from a crowd.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Mar 17-24, 2016.