Event Honors Women in Leadership Roles

10/16/2022

The Leadership Finalists: L-R April Storms, Diane Schindlbeck, Mary Rangel, Lola Harmon-Ramsey, Melissa Miller, Jalisa Denhof, Tara Nelson, Manda Hample, Kelly Wawsczyk, Amy Stockwell, Nicole Klomp, Darcie Witte and Lisa Lightfoot

Gathering honors three who lead

On Wednesday October 12, over 100 folks from throughout the county witnessed three awards given to local women who have excelled in their leadership roles.
The event drew double the attendance from last year according to Rachel Porter of the River Country Chamber. Among the presenters were Karen Baird of the Fremont Chamber, Julie Burrell of The Right Place and recipient of the first award given last fall, and Shelley Kasprzycki, President and CEO of the Fremont Area Community Foundation.
Keynote Speaker for the luncheon was Keleigh Grim, CEO of Haven Design Build.

While there were many fine choices among the 14 nominees, Nicole Klomp was the recipient of the Emerging Leader award, Lola Harmon Ramsey took home the Community Leader award and Tara Nelson was chosen as Overall Woman in Business.

Klomp who collaborated with the Newaygo Police Department to develop the position of Police Social Worker, had colleagues from the NPD as well as city leaders on hand to support her including mayor Ed Fedell and Police Chief Georgia Andres.
“While humbled to receive the award I helped develop this position not for the recognition but because of what I saw as a need throughout the community.”

Harmon-Ramsey exemplifies the role of community leader. A successful businesswoman, Ms. H-R is also on the board of the Fremont Area Community Foundation with a seat on the Executive Committee as well as serving on the Fremont City Council.
“With so many great candidates it is truly an honor to be recognized. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of the work being done by the Foundation and the city of Fremont.”

Nelson, Executive Director of the NC Prevention of Child Abuse had a huge hand in helping create the facility that hosted the event. The programming of PCA reaches youth throughout our area with efforts aimed at protecting our most valuable resource, our children.
“Thanks to the River Country Chamber for hosting a day centered around the accomplishments of women. It’s an honor to be on a team with empowering women who make me want to be better every day.”

Kudos to the River Country Chamber, the Fremont Chamber, the Newaygo Economic Development Partners and the Fremont Foundation for this celebratory collaboration aimed at recognizing the vision and drive of these women who have inherited the mantle of leadership from those who came before.
Their predecessors who blazed the trail through determination and an unwillingness to be silenced gave birth to the impressive assembly that came together at this event.
And for that, they should be proud.