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SPECIAL SECTION Honoring Women In Business
December 2020
THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com
Introducing the 2020 Women-in-Business Awards PRESENTED BY
The Rockford Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the 2020 Women-in-Business Honorees. Although typically presented in-person at our Women-in-Business Luncheon, honoring women and the important work they do in the business community is too important to go unnoticed. The Rockford Chamber firmly believes that women in business — at all levels, in all industries — are an important economic driver for business, our community and our region. The Rockford region has an abundance of outstanding female leadership. This year’s honorees are resilient, creative, and down-right driven. In a year of constant change, these women continually give back, lead with grace and passion, and continue to move their organizations forward. Congratulations to our 2020 Honorees. We appreciate everything you’ve given to the business community and look forward to your continued success.
EMERGING LEADER OF THE YEAR
Sarah Lambert Community Investment Director | Community Foundation of Northern Illinois Designed to honor a female professional in the early stages of her career, this honoree exhibits leadership skills, a commitment to professional growth and contributes positively to her team and/or organization. This individual is hard-working, passionate and eager to learn. (Formerly Woman Business Leader of Tomorrow)
From the words of her nominator: “When I think of a strong female leader — it is Sarah. Sarah has been a manager for what may be seen as a short time, but, she has the skill and the moxie of a seasoned leader. In the two years that Sarah has been my supervisor, she has made me feel empowered and valued, and encouraged me to be the best version of myself in and out of the workplace. I am confident that this is only the start of her leadership; she is poised to become one of the standout female leaders in our community.”
WOMAN BUSINESS OWNER OF THE YEAR
Danna Krischke Insurance Agent | State Farm Designed to honor a female entrepreneur/ business-owner (minimum 51% female ownership) this honoree exhibits leadership skills and a commitment to her craft. The individual is dedicated to her organization, her team and her clients — and is able to demonstrate examples of business success.
successful business she had started and
From the words of her nominator:
persevered and flourished. She and
“Danna knows how difficult it can be to start a new business, as she has started and maintained several other roles during this time. Her leadership style is to model what her expectations are. She will never ask her team to do something she won’t do, or hasn’t done, herself. She leads by example and enthusiastic coaching. Praising her team to bring out their greatest potential is her secret to success.” A lifelong resident in our community, a mother of nine, and a grandmother to two, Danna understands people. She recently took a leap of faith and left a
opened her own State Farm agency in Loves Park. With months of pondering, studying, and preparing, she finally opened December 1, 2019. In the midst of a global-wide pandemic, Danna has not only trudged through, she has her team have risen to the top of their territory’s top agents. Danna understands that staying optimistic
and
genuine
has
real
strength. She works hard to continue to develop her team through coaching, unique company-wide programs, and continued feedback empowering her employees to succeed. Danna is a board member at the Pregnancy Care Center of Rockford and volunteers her time and treasures to other nonprofits including Miss Carly’s and the Fatherhood Encouragement Project.
A lifelong leader, Sarah’s innovative spirit and civic mindedness has strengthened her organization’s strategic initiatives. She has the innate ability to make others feel comfortable and supported while empowering them to work through a variety of tasks – no matter how big or small. Focused on collaboration and relationships, Sarah builds relationships with other female leaders in the community, builds connections in the community, and works to find creative solutions that best serve the needs of all those involved. Sarah is currently involved with Alignment Rockford as co-lead of the Ready to Learn Policy Team. She also volunteers with Make-A-Wish foundation as a Wish Granter. A true servant leader, Sarah continually strives for the betterment of our community and those around her.
Join Us in Celebration — Virtually! Stay tuned to Business Direct & the Rockford Chamber Facebook page for more information on an upcoming celebratory video honoring our Women-in-Business Honorees. Packed with great stories of outstanding women, this will be a feel-good celebration you won’t want to miss!
