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Kathleen Caldwell

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Difference Makers

Meet the 2019 Women of Distinction, McHenry County’s representative role models as leaders in their fields and communities.

By MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE / Photos By JANET KAY-NANCY MERKLING PRODUCTIONS / Makeup By AMY HENNING, BELLA BEAUTY BOUTIQUE

F

or many, the work they do is more than a job, it is a passion.

That is just one of the many reasons the Women of Distinction honors is so special. It celebrates the passion, the heart and dedication, and the love for community, caring for others and a determination to make the world a better place.

very inspiring,” says Jim Ringness, General Manager of the Northwest Herald. “They are part of what makes McHenry County such a great place to live.”

The program has assembled a wonderful base of alumnae, who often return the favor, nominating those who they find inspiring, so that This award has highlighted some amazing members of the community others can learn about their work, their dedication, their triumphs and with their stories featured in McHenry County Magazine in the past. their interesting stories.

Now, their stories will be brought to the Northwest Herald readership.

“It helps shed the spotlight on the organizations and the causes and They are the stories of everyday people who are the fabric of the hopefully, it will benefit all,” Ringness adds. community, making important contributions in McHenry County and beyond.

Each of the nominees was celebrated at a community event, and will by featured in profile stories in the coming months.

“They aren’t looking for recognition, but we find their stories are • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

ON THE COVER

The 2019 Women of Distinction honorees, pictured first row, from left: Susan M. Kirby, Sarah Schrempf, Rhienna McClain Trevino and Dawn M. Iselin. Second row, from left: Mary Denney, Annette Hammortree, Bev Thomas and Jennifer Johnson. Third row, from left: Laurie Crain, Kelli Wegener, Connee Meschini and Kristina Zahorik.

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Mary Denney GENOA CITY, WI

Laurie Crain

It’s impossible to quantify the number of lives that Mary Denney has impacted in her 27 years of service at Turning Point, a domestic violence agency. During her tenure, she has filled several roles from counselor to fill-in caseworker while carving out her specialty as a liaison legal advocate and supervisor at the McHenry County Courthouse. She is there to help victims navigate the court system.

WOODSTOCK

It’s impossible to calculate just how many lives Laurie Crain has saved through her work and community service. She was a volunteer with the McHenry County Substance Abuse Coalition prior to being named to the paid position as the coalition’s Drug-free Coordinator.

She has been instrumental leading the fight against substance abuse in the county. In her role, she is an educator as well as one who helps those in need.

Her work is her passion, and that is demonstrated in the way she goes above and beyond to help others, and along the way, serve as a mentor and inspiration to those around her.

She also serves on the Suicide Prevention Task Force, has helped train others in suicide awareness, and she is a volunteer with the Family Violence Coordinating Council. She is a leader, mentor and dedicated to her community.

Annette Hammortree MARENGO

From business owner to volunteer in the community, Annette Hammortree generously gives her time and skills to make her community a better place. She is the President of Hammortree Financial Services where she is a leader for her team and a financial advisor for residents in McHenry and beyond. Besides managing a successful business, Hammortree lends her time and talents to several local organizations including the United Way of Greater McHenry County.

She serves on several boards and committees, including the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association Foundation.

She is active with St. John’s Lutheran Church in Union where she is the Chairwoman of the Endowment Committee.

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Jennifer Johnson JOHNSBURG

Whether at work or serving in the community, Jennifer Johnson is a leader. She is an Executive Vice President and Wealth Advisor for Exemplar Financial, where for the last 18 years, she has served her clients’ financial needs while developing the talent of her team, serving as a role model for others.

Dawn M. Iselin SPRING GROVE

On the professional side, Dawn M. Iselin is a Chief Administrative & Operations Officer for American Industrial Werks and Ductwerks Mechanical. Additionally, she is the President of Brewery Werks, Inc., which provides home brew supplies, and will be opening a brewing test kitchen in the community.

And that is just part of her professional role. She is also the Director of Professional Development and Public Affairs for the Illinois Wing Civil Air Patrol where she volunteers in the emergency services and cadet learning programs. Though she is a volunteer, she generally spends around 30 hours a week with the program and has assisted many seniors and cadets in their success.

In addition to her career, she works with the United Way of McHenry County and the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce. She is an active member of the Johnsburg Educational Partnership Foundation, and she has volunteered as a teacher and leader for mission trips for Holy Apostles Church in McHenry.

Susan M. Kirby WOODSTOCK

In her career and in her service to the community, Susan M. Kirby is a leader and mentor to those around her. After a career in finance and accounting, she and her business partners acquired Associated Electrical Contractors LLC in 2015 where Kirby has demonstrated a strong leadership in a maledominated industry while at the same time, building consensus and fostering a supportive and encouraging work environment.

In the community, she serves as the Vocational Chairwoman of the Rotary Club of Crystal Lake Dawnbreakers. She is on the Executive Committee and Events Co-Chair of the McHenry County College Education to Empowerment, which supports women students seeking support in their educational goals.

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Sarah Schrempf CRYSTAL LAKE

Building upon experiences like layers on a cake is how Sarah Schrempf has ascended to her role today as the Executive Director for Senior Care Volunteer Network, which assists seniors and their families in retaining independence in the community.

Connee Meschini CRYSTAL LAKE

It’s been said that Connee Meschini embodies the principles of servant leadership. This is evident in her more than 17 years of service on the McHenry County Mental Health Board, including her role as President of the Board for the last five years where she has helped to set policies, allocate funds and foster the board’s vision. She is also an active member of the McHenry County Substance Abuse Coalition.

Additionally, Schrempf volunteers throughout the community, including the Crystal Lake Food Pantry, the annual Community Harvest for the last 17 years and a volunteer with the Crystal Lake Kiwanis Club. She coordinates volunteers for the annual Johnny Appleseed Festival with the Downtown Crystal Lake Association Promotions Committee. She is also on the board of directors for the Junior Bowling Association of McHenry County.

Additionally, she models healthy behaviors in her role as a student assistance counselor at Community School District 200, where she spends her days working with high school students.

Bev Thomas LAKEWOOD

With her ability to connect people, resources and places, it is no surprise that when Bev Thomas joins an organization or board, she quickly rises through the ranks to a leadership role. She was the first Executive Director of the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association. She served for more than 25 years on the McHenry County Mental Health Board, and currently serves on the executive boards for the Family Health Partnership Center and the Child Advocacy Center, as well as the Executive Committee of MCC Foundation Education to Empowerment.

She is a founding member of the People in Need Forum. She recently retired as the Events and Outreach Coordinator for the McHenry County College Foundation.

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Kelli Wegener CRYSTAL LAKE

Rhienna McClain Trevino CRYSTAL LAKE

“Everyone deserves good food” is more than a motto, it’s the vision behind 1776 Restaurant. Owner and entrepreneur, Rhienna McClain Trevino, has taken the farm-totable philosophy to new heights by crafting an experience, which builds community through food and provides allergy-friendly options to all diners. This passion has transformed into a movement and redefined what fine dining looks like.

McClain Trevino serves on the board for the Gavers Community Cancer Foundation, the McHenry Board of Health and is involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County. Whether volunteering in the community, raising her family or running a restaurant, she is proof that when you have a vision and a plan, no one can stop you from achieving it.

While many talk about making a difference, Kelli Wegener steps up to take on the challenges and brings people together.

She coordinated more than 70 volunteers to cook, pack and deliver 300 meals to McHenry County residents in need. Wegener is an active member and volunteer with First Congregational Church and is currently the church’s Financial Administrator. Kelli believes that more women in leadership roles are necessary, so she organized publicity and transportation from McHenry County to the Women’s March-Chicago in 2017 and 2018 and spoke at the Women’s MarchWoodstock in 2019.

Last year, she headed the call to serve her community winning a seat on the McHenry County Board.

Kristina Zahorik OAKWOOD HILLS

From supporting the campaigns of others, to her election as a village trustee, Kristina Zahorik embodies the democratic values of good government and the importance of serving others. She is the first woman elected as President of the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association, is a Vice Chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois and serves as the Chair of the Democratic Party of McHenry County. She has initiated programs to engage voters and encourage overall participation in the Democratic Party.

After opposing a controversial power plant proposed in her village, Kristina was appointed as a village trustee. She has since been elected to her second four year term. Early in her career, she served on the Washington D.C. staff of the late Senator Paul Simon.

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Classes of 2012-2019 In 2012, Shaw Media began a tradition of honoring women who have given their time and talents to create nonprofit organizations, head local advisory boards, volunteer at activities and businesses outside of their own workplace and, most of all, lead by example. On the next few pages, reacquaint yourself with the Women of Distinction alumnae from 2012 through 2019.

CLASS OF 2012 Back row, from left: Nancy Fike, Diana Kenney, Cheryl Niemo and Suzanne Hoban.

Seated, from left: Lorraine Kopczynski, Kay Rial Bates and Charie Zanck.

Photo by Scott Graham

CLASS OF 2013 Back row, from left: Donna Frett, Vicki Nielsen, Catherine Williams, Kelly Weaver and Susan Dalton. Seated, from left: Susan Milford and Camille Caffarelli.

Photo by Bethany Detert

YOU MADE IT HAPPEN.

WO MEN OF DIST INCT ION

Since 2001, The Community Foundation has partnered with our generous donors, the nonprofit community and community leaders to improve the quality life in McHenry County.

This past year we distributed more than $2 million in grants and scholarships to 72 nonprofit organizations and 21 local students, thanks to the overwhelming support and generosity of our community. For more information on how you too can make a difference, please contact us at 815.338.4483.

Connecting People who Care with Causes that Matter

theCFMC.org

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CLASS OF 2014 Back row, from left: Jamie Maravich (sponsor), Laurie Dayon, Debbie Lazarski, Shira Greenfield (keynote speaker), Linnea Kooistra and Kim Qualls. Seated, from left: April Doherty (sponsor), Ellen Spencer Ebann and Betty Zirk. Not pictured: Pamela Althoff.

Photo by Ron McKinney, Ron McKinney Photography

CLASS OF 2015 Back row, from left: Denise Wasserman, Colleen Geils, Rebecca Saffert, Denise Barreto, Pam Cumpata, Kathleen Caldwell (sponsor) and Sue Dobbe. Front row, from left: Rosemary Kurtz, Karen M. Lavin, Judy Pelinski and Susan F. Hutchinson.

Not pictured: April Dougherty, Inez Young and Dr. Jill Howe.

Photo by Janet Kay-Nancy Merkling Productions

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CLASS OF 2016 From left: Robin Doeden, Gloria Mack, Susan Ling, Kathy Rauch, Kathryn I. Martens, Linda Stengele, Jackie Speciale, Maralee Gordon, Ann Viger, Hadley Streng and Jamie Maravich.

Photo by Janet Kay-Nancy Merkling Productions

CLASS OF 2017 From left: Kathie Comella, Jean Marie Saidler, Isabelle Linklater, Elizabeth Kessler, Captain Carol Lewis, Kate Curtin, Jill Dinsmore, Kathy Hinz, Nancy Wenzel, Mary Margaret Maule and Kim Loewe. Not pictured: Nancy RoozĂŠe.

Photo by Janet Kay-Nancy Merkling Productions

CLASS OF 2018 Back row, from left: Bobbi Baehne, Sue Miller, Elizabeth Felt Wakeman, Carole Peters and Erin Smith. Front row, from left: Geri Condon, Patti Lutz, Regina Belt-Daniels, Shira Greenfield and Lori Harms.

Photo by Nancy Merkling, Nancy Merkling Productions

CLASS OF 2019 L to R: Dawn M. Iselin, Annette Hammortree, Susan M. Kirby, Laurie Crain, Mary Denney, Bev Thomas, Sarah Schrempf, Connee Meschini, Kelli Wegener and Jennifer Johnson.

Not pictured: Rhienna McClain Trevino and Kristina Zahorik.

Photo by Janet Kay-Nancy Merkling Productions

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www.nwherald.com/magazine

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TRAVEL

MCHENRY COUNTY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2019 | 33 Sunday, May 12, 2019 | WOMEN OF DISTINCTION | 11

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