Full Breakdown
Celebrating Leadership: The 2025 Influential Women of Northwest Indiana Awards
9/27/2025, 12:02:14 PM
Overview of the Event
On September 25, 2025, the Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association (NWIIWA) hosted the 14th annual Influential Women of Northwest Indiana Awards Banquet. This event recognized the achievements of women across various industries, highlighting their contributions to the community and their respective fields. A total of 258 finalists were selected from 517 nominees, with each finalist receiving a medallion during the ceremony. Andrea Pearman, executive director of NWIIWA, emphasized the event's role in celebrating the extraordinary talent and leadership of women in the region.
Award Winners by Category
The awards featured two winners in each of the 13 industry categories: one Up and Coming and one Influential. The winners included:
- Arts: Up and Coming - Dru Downen; Influential - Jayde McAloon
- Business: Up and Coming - Lindsey Liesenfelt; Influential - Gretchen Sipp
- Construction/Manufacturing: Up and Coming - Drew Sarkisian; Influential - Kathy Trebiani
- Economic Development/Government: Up and Coming - Amy Blaker; Influential - Vanessa Lynch
- Education: Up and Coming - Samantha Horn; Influential - Linda Padilla
- Finance: Up and Coming - Alicia Perez Johnson; Influential - Carrie Upchurch
- Healthcare: Up and Coming - Faye Stokes; Influential - Christina Matoski-Timm
- Law: Up and Coming - Amanda Alasauskas; Influential - Kirsten Kaiser Kus
- Marketing: Up and Coming - Claudia Airey; Influential - Stacy Travis
- Nonprofit: Up and Coming - Julie West; Influential - Regina Beard
- Real Estate: Up and Coming - Krystal Zamora; Influential - Micky Gallas
- Service/Tourism: Up and Coming - Ann Cain; Influential - Amy McCarthy
- STEM: Up and Coming - Laura Sigward; Influential - Julie Peller
Additionally, Kim Roller (Dray) was named Overall Influential Woman of the Year, while Shelby Case received the Overall Up and Coming Woman of the Year award. Kelly Anthony was recognized as Community Leader of the Year, and Ari Hensley was honored as Supporter of the Year.
Significance of the Awards
The Influential Women of Northwest Indiana Awards serve not only as a celebration of individual achievements but also as a platform to inspire future generations of leaders. By recognizing the contributions of women across diverse sectors, the event aims to foster a culture of empowerment and resilience within the community.
Official Statements
Andrea Pearman stated, “As this event continues to grow each year, we are reminded of the extraordinary talent thriving across all industries in our region.” This sentiment underscores the importance of acknowledging and celebrating women's leadership in various fields.
What's Next
Nominations for the 2026 awards are already open, encouraging continued recognition of impactful women in Northwest Indiana. The NWIIWA aims to build on this year's success, further promoting the achievements and potential of women in the region.
This annual event not only honors past accomplishments but also sets the stage for future advancements in women's leadership and community engagement.
