13 Recognized with Women of Influence Awards in San Diego

Connected Women of Influence (CWI) honored 12 individuals and an organization at its fifth annual Women of Influence awards luncheon held in Mission Valley. The Women of Influence awards are presented in honor of Women’s History Month and are given in recognition of those leading the way in business and industry.

“Our event was filled with energy and excitement as we recognized trailblazing women, achievers who never gave up, and women breaking barriers in business,” said Michelle Bergquist, co-founder and CEO of CWI. “We also are proud to recognize and celebrate men who are champions of women.”

In each of the 13 categories, there were four finalists and one winner announced at the luncheon. The award recipients included:

· Author of Influence: Kara Adams

· Emerging Woman-Owned Business: Reb Risty, REBL Marketing

· Veteran of Influence: Kimberly Mitchell, Veterans Village of San Diego

· Gamechanger: Jennifer Litwak, Housing on Merit

· Lifetime Legacy: Debbie Allen, Eternal Hills Memorial Park

· President’s Award: Christine Givant, La Vita Compounding Pharmacy

· Woman Breaking Barriers: Dr. Ann Clark, ACI Specialty Benefits

· Woman to Watch: Lindsey Head, J Public Relations, Inc.

· Resilience Award: Hollan McBride

· Connected Woman of Influence Award: Michelle Burkart, Diversity Supplier Alliance

· Women’s Advocate of the Year: Erika Werner, Red Door Interactive

· Champion of Women: Athena

· Catalyst for Change: Garry Ridge, WD-40

The Catalyst for Change award category – established in 2018 – recognizes a man who has demonstrated his commitment to the advancement of women by mentoring or supporting women in the workplace.

About Connected Women of Influence

Connected Women of Influence (CWI) is a professional association of women leading people, projects, teams and companies. The goal of the organization, which has chapters in San Diego, Orange County and Los Angeles, is to help more women lead the way in business.

CWI also produces SUE Talks and Women Lead Publishing, a hybrid publisher dedicated to serving established and aspiring women authors as a hands-on publishing partner and custom-fit solution for author services. For more information, visit www.ConnectedWomenofInfluence.com.