2 0 1 4 Monica Blackwood, Principal/Director of Administration, Rice Fergus Miller Monica Blackwood has served as Principal/Director of Administration for Rice Fergus Miller Architectural Firm for more than 13 years. Monica’s extensive and longtime community involvement includes current president elect of the Olympic College Foundation and vice-president of fundraising, volunteer for Bremerton High School sports, board president for Holly Ridge Center, volunteer and organizer for Compassionate Friends of Kitsap County and active participant in the Parent Advisory Committee for the Olympic College Sophia Bremer Child Development Center. In addition, Monica was accepted into, and is now engaged, with the 2013/2014 class of 72 professionals at Seattle-based leadership tomorrow. Monica is the only member selected from the west sound area.
Charleen (Char) Burnette, Manager, BKAT Charleen (Char) Burnette was born in Chicago and graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in Parks and Recreation. She met her husband, Mark, in San Diego, they have lived in Kitsap County since 1979. They have two sons, an awesome daughter-in-law, and two FABULOUS grandchildren. Her career with the City of Bremerton also began in 1979. She is currently the manager of the local Public Access TV Channel, BKAT. She has served on the Board of Directors for West Sound Arts Council, United Way and Kitsap County Commission on Children and Youth. She is a member and President Elect of East Bremerton Rotary.
Jennifer Forbes, Superior Court Justice Judge Forbes was elected to the Superior Court in 2012. Jennifer’s passion for community service started long-before. Jennifer has served the community in many capacities, as Board President and member of the American Red Cross to serving as a member on the Kitsap County Domestic Violence Task Force Respect Committee. Jennifer’s tenacity is attributed to her personal goal of building a safer and healthier community. Jennifer is passionate about youth issues, which is reflective in her dedication to the Youth Fundraising Campaign at the Haselwood Family YMCA, as a mentor for Kitsap County P.A.L.S and as a member of the Kitsap County Commission on Children and Youth.
THE
WOMEN
H O N O R E E S Charlene Edmond, advocate , ALIVE Shelter Charlene Edmond has served as an ALIVE Shelter advocate for seven years. After leaving in 2000, she returned in 2005, realizing her life’s work was a full dedication to serving survivors of domestic violence and their children. Soon after returning, Linda Joyce challenged Charlene to lead weekly support groups, after seeing her passion for helping women move beyond domestic violence. Charlene enthusiastically accepted the challenge, which is evident in the fact that her groups have outgrown space at the community center. She has taken her ability to touch hearts and minds into the community, not only with her church, but also as a passionate speaker of women’s issues throughout Kitsap County and the State of Washington.
Jamie Haywood , Community Volunteer Jamie Haywood is a passionate and dedicated community volunteer. Jamie has served on the Board of Directors for United Way of Kitsap County, where she also chaired Day of Caring and currently participates in the newly formed Vision Council. In 2008, Jamie was recognized as campaign Executive of the Year. Jamie has served on the Kitsap Community Foundation’s Celebration of Philanthropy Planning Committee, participates in walks for March of Dimes, volunteers at Pinecrest Elementary, Silverdale Pee-Wee’s, Habitat for Humanity and the Point-in-Time Homeless Count.
OF
Carol Johnson, owner, Styling Nook Hair Salon In addition to being a successful business owner of Styling Nook Hair Salon for more than 40 years, Carol Johnson is a passionate supporter of bettering the Kitsap community. Carol served on the Bremerton Parks and Recreation Commission for 14 years, where she assisted the fundraising efforts to build Pendergast Regional Park and for more than 13 years, Carol has contributed valuable hours to the Admiral Theatre Foundation. Carol served as Municipal Services Coordinator for the City of Bremerton Centennial Celebration in 2001, where she helped the city in raising thousands of dollars. In addition to her many volunteer endeavors, Carol is a stand-out soccer player with her team “Go Green”. In 2012, they claimed the title in the “Over-60” division at the Masters Futbol Cup in Bellingham.
ACHIEVEMENT
Amy Burnett was the first woman honored as a YWCA Woman of Achievement in 1989 for her tireless work for both our community and guaranteeing the future of YWCA in Kitsap County. After some challenging financial times during the 1980s’, when the YWCA was close to having to close the doors – Amy Burnett stepped forward with a special commissioned painting “The Circle of a Woman” – the same artwork as seen on this year’s invitations. Amy sold prints of this artwork and desperately needed the proceeds to be poured into the YWCA. Amy’s vision
STORY
escorted YWCA to a secure financial footing and YWCA was able to keep the doors open at both the ALIVE Shelter and to our entire community. Since 1989 Kitsap community members have nominated and honored over 300 extraordinary women. This is a day for celebrating women and community. Together we continue building partnerships and increasing community awareness to create positive social change.