Cover Story

Other nominees

By None

ROCKFORD WOMAN

Dec 20, 2007 @ 01:00 AM

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Read below to learn about the other nominees for the Rockford Woman of the Year Award.

Debra Adkins
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Occupation: Campus administrator, Wesley Willows
Age: 53
Lives in: Loves Park
Nominated by: Claude Ingrassia, Willows West resident
Quote: “She is a tireless administrator who strives to keep things working smoothly and problems to a minimum. Deb has become known as the Problem Solver. She certainly has the interest of staff and residents at heart. I think our director of sales and marketing, Kathleen Siedenburg, also would make a great candidate.”
Reaction: “What lovely words and such a pleasant surprise! Thank you. I’ve worked here four years and I think it’s really key to love what you do and who you’re doing it for and with.”

Diane Didier-Adolphson
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Occupation: Floral designer, Event Floral
Age: 55
Lives in: Rockford
Nominated by: Celebrating Rockford Woman ad
Quote: “Diane Didier-Adolphson started working in her father’s floral shop at the age of 14. She grew to love making people smile with beautiful arrangements. She continues to be inspired, committed and passionate in the same field — hoping to make her employer world famous for service and creativity. To achieve work-life balance, Diane engages in home, family and church life. She loves them all. She also constantly changes the decor in her home in one way or another.”

Karla Clark
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Occupation: Pharmaceutical representative
Lives in: Rockford
Age: 48
Nominated by: Kelly Prindle
Quote: “She was a tremendous friend and help to me (a virtual stranger) in the publishing of my own book. She comes from such a wonderful and amazingly talented family. I highly recommend her book, ‘Between Courses,’ to any reader I meet.”
Reaction: “I was very surprised (to find out I was nominated); I had no idea. It was very nice.” “My life is very interesting and fulfilling. I’m a wife and mother of two boys; I have a one 15-year-old son with autism, and that’s very challenging. In addition to being a full-time pharmaceutical representative, I am an author. I’ve published a novel and a book of short stories. I have a new novel that will hopefully be coming out in 2008 that is set in Rockford called ‘Annie’s Heaven.’”

Janyce Fadden
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Occupation: President, Rockford Area Economic Development Council
Age: 52
Lives in: Rockford
Nominated by: Rockford Woman, May/June
Quote: “My career and continued civic involvement are a satisfying blend of work and volunteerism that make Rockford more than just a good place for me to live. I’ve discovered that by participating in community, I can improve outcomes for businesses and individuals.”

Kristine Schaefer-Frank
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Occupation: Teacher and women’s soccer coach for Rockford College
Age: 34
Lives in: Caledonia
Nominated by: Mike G. Murphy, father of soccer player
Quote: “Mrs. Schaefer-Frank is the epitome of what an excellent citizen of any community in America should exemplify…. The coach is a terrific ‘Goodwill Ambassador’ for the community of Rockford and for the college she represents. I found Mrs. Schaefer-Frank to be a very pleasant communicator, genuine, professional, open and honest. She is a terrific role model for my daughter Wendy and for all the women participating in Rockford College Soccer.”
Reaction: “I was pretty shocked when I heard I was being nominated. I just try to have a positive attitude despite coming into the challenges at Rockford College. I have a hard time saying no and often get involved in too many things. My husband’s very understanding, but it takes a toll. We try to reserve one day a week just for us. And thank goodness for cell phones! I get so much done on the drive between my teaching job in Belvidere and coaching at the college. The players always laugh at me because I come in with notes written all over my arms and legs, but if I don’t write it down, I’ll forget! I just try to use my time as much as possible. You do what you have to do!”

Carolyn Graham
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Occupation: Senior account executive, QPS Companies Inc.
Age: 57
Lives in: Belvidere
Nominated by: Anne Walloch
Quote: “Carolyn is an inspiration to many at QPS. Her community involvement speaks volumes about her character. She is on the board of directors for MELD, works with the Juvenile Diabetes Association, helps to raise funds for the ‘Unforgettable Art’ event and also helps with the Rockford Rescue Mission. … In the world of business where there are many male account executives, Carolyn is a refreshing change. Not only is Carolyn a great example of a woman who has worked her way to the top of her game, but is a great influence in showing others how to care about people and the world we work and live in.”
Reaction: “Wow, thanks. That’s a little overwhelming! I think one of my best qualities is that I have an awesome memory and I really try to get to know people. I remember everything people tell me so I can remember birthdays, anniversaries and more. I put in lots of hours. Hard work has made me successful and helped grow this office in a previously male-dominated area. I was the first woman they hired here and we have the biggest office now.”

Nancy Kalchbrenner
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Occupation: Rockford School Board president
Lives in: Rockford
Age: 52
Nominated by: Rockford Woman, March/April
Quote: “I often hear, ‘Oh, another meeting or initiative that doesn’t go anywhere.’ To those people, I pass along a light-bulb moment …: Even if an action plan doesn’t occur, having a conversation is worthy in itself. It is through hundreds of meetings over the years that I have learned we have so much in common, everybody has something of value to bring to the table.”

Becky Cook Kendall
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Occupation: Executive director, Rockford Health Council
Lives in: Rockford
Nominated by: Rockford Woman, July/August
Quote: “I see my ‘brand’ being composed of three things: family, professional experience and community involvement. … Don’t think you can achieve business success or become a leader on your own.”

Rebecca Kopf
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Occupation: Owner, P.R. Etc.
Age: 41
Lives in: Rockford
Nominated by: Rockford Woman, September/October
Quote: “My guiding principle for all communication, whether it’s a news release to hundreds of media outlets or a one-on-one conversation, is honesty. As my agency sometimes is involved in controversial issues, people may not like the information we share on behalf of clients. However, no one will ever argue that we aren’t honest.”

Lynn Washburn-Livingston
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Occupation: Rockford Fire Department district chief
Lives in: Rockford
Age: 49
Nominated by: Dean Livingston, husband
Quote: “Lynn is breaking new ground every day she works. She is an inspiration to women inside and outside the fire service.”
Reaction: “First of all, I was very surprised (I was nominated). It’s very humbling because I don’t do what I do for recognition, and to receive that recognition means that I am doing a positive or am being a positive role model in the community, and that’s very important.”

Michele Massoth
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Occupation: Advertising director, Rockford Register Star
Age: 51
Lives in: Winnebago
Nominated: Celebrating Rockford Woman ad
Quote: “Advertising clients range from large automotive dealer groups to families having annual garage sales. Her job is hectic as she has to keep her hand on the pulse of the local economy and what customers have on their minds. She has to ensure that the department is keeping clients satisfied by delivering audiences through multiple platforms: the daily newspaper, the Web site, magazines or booklets. It’s critical for staff to be responsive on short notice and deliver new strategies to help them grow.”

Fran Morrissey
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Occupation: Owner, The Morrissey Family Businesses and CEO of Staff Management, Inc.
Lives in: Rockford
Nominated by: Jayne Hampton, sister-in-law …
Quote: “I have watched her go from an assistant to her husband (John F. Morrissey accounting), then to office manager, then to co-running the business, and ‘finally’ to starting her own employee leasing firm when employee leasing was just on the frontier. She has been a very strong voice in the community, from both a business and a not-for-profit aspect.”
Reaction: “Quite a surprise. I feel honored to be considered as one of the nominees. I’m not usually at a loss for words.” Why she felt speechless: “My activities over the last several years have been focused on just a few not-for-profits in Rockford as well as our businesses, therefore I haven’t been as involved in the community as I have previously and as much as I plan to in the future.”

Linda Oshita
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Occupation: Title I curriculum coordinator, Rockford School District 205
Lives in: Rockford
Age: 59
Nominated by: Nancy Taylor
Quote: “Linda shares many of the character traits of the women who have been featured in previous issues of Rockford Woman. She’s hard working, intelligent, self-confident, generous and exhibits leadership.” She is active in the Northern Illinois Reading Council, Delta Kappa Gamma, Girl Scouts and Starlight Theatre. And she is pursuing a doctorate.
Reaction: “I’m flabbergasted. I’m surprised and delighted that someone thought so much of me to put my name in for this. It’s very satisfying. I’ve worked for the Rockford School District for almost 25 years and almost all of it in the Title I department, so I meet a lot of wonderful teachers and coaches and enjoy supporting their efforts in the schools. I came late to my decision to get my doctorate, and I’m in the last stage of that, and I’ve really expanded my views of how leaders can support the educational institutions that we have. I’m certainly hoping to use that after I get it (my doctorate).”

Rose Mary Sandahl
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Occupation: Owner, Cannoli Caffe and Around the World Tours
Age: 47
Lives in: Rockford
Nominated by: Mary Keenan, friend 815-398-3700 or 815-226-8383
Quote: “Rose makes all the cannoli. The days are long, but very rewarding, as she sees both businesses thrive with the aid of the entire family. … She also “puts her children first” and has been involved in Rockford’s Sicilian Ladies Club, Make-A-Wish Foundation and Light the Night.
Reaction: “I’m very elated. I’m surprised to hear that (I was nominated), actually. I guess you don’t think of what you do. You do what you do because it’s something normal, not to get any recognition. My life is very full and exciting and there’s a new experience every day.”

Deborah Sink
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Occupation: Veterinarian
Age: 47
Lives in: Roscoe
Nominated by: Tom Sink, husband
Quote: “After 17 years in the insurance field, Deb’s company, Aetna, announced it was leaving Rockford. She decided to take the opportunity to go back to school (to achieve her dream). Through all the studying and stress, she has still managed to be a wife, mother, student and terrific role model.”
Reaction: “It’s quite an honor. I had no idea that I was even being looked at. I started this endeavor so late in my life — I had been out of school for 20 years. It was a hardship for my family. I was living in Champaign for the last four years. It was a difficult thing for all of us. My family and friends were a big support system for me. It (going back to school) was very scary but so fulfilling.”

Kris Smith
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Occupation: Production director, Rockford Register Star
Age: 47
Lives in: Loves Park
Nominated by: Celebrating Rockford Woman ad
Quote: “Kris is a female in a male-dominated job. She managed a $27.6 million project to build a new press. And she stayed on time and on budget for six years. Her job is fun, challenging, rewarding and sometimes overwhelming. Her focus is to continue to grow RiverView Printing, our commercial printing branch.”

Ruth Snyder 
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Occupation: Author
Age: 43
Lives in: Rockford
Nominated by: Herself
Quote: “The woman I am requesting to be included in your magazine has suffered from being a strong leader and an outspoken woman. She has found that self advocacy belongs in all areas of life and believes that, for women, it is the most important aspect of self esteem.”

Sue Stephens
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Occupation: News director, WNIJ (nominated twice)
Age: 40
Lives in: Rockford
Nominated: Twice, by John Gradick, and Christyn Rittenhouse
Quote: “Sue is a supporter of any venue trying to make Rockford a more culturally progressive city…Sue is also a very active member of the League of Women Voters.”
“Sue is inspiring in many ways. Not only has her high standards for reporting raised the bar in her field, she has a strong and compassionate character. She is funny, smart, loyal, kind, witty, and continually seeks to evolve and improve herself. She has inspired many of us to join her ‘monthly goal setting’ — from changing all our watch batteries to taking a trip to the Mississippi River to see the bald eagles...It’s those small steps that help us grow and bring meaning to our lives. All this and she does it with grace, humility, and an infectious laugh.”
Reaction: “Oh dear God, really? That’s so nice! I feel so honored and undeserving. It must be because I stay overly busy. With all the projects I’m involved in, there’s always other people there doing the hard work. I do enjoy my role as figure head for those handworkers! Really, this is an honor, thank you. I never meant to stay in this city so long but now I can’t leave!”

Jaimie Turner
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Occupation: Founder, Rock of Character Association for city of Rockford
Age: 27
Lives in: Rockford
Nominated by: Sarah Stokes
Quote: “Though Jamie is young, she has an old soul. Many people do not know that the program she oversees is one she created and seeks contributions and grants for yearly. (It) gives young men who otherwise would revolve in and out of the penal system an opportunity to turn their lives around. … She always has a smile on her face and continues to encourage and enable the youth of tomorrow.”
Reaction: “It’s just confirmation that I’m going the right way. What I’m doing someone is hearing about, and it’s encouragement for me to keep doing what I’m doing.”

Julia Scott-Valdez
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Occupation: Assistant city administrator, Rockford
Lives in: Rockford
Age: 46
Nominated by: Rudy Valdez
Quote: “Julia epitomizes all that is a woman, through her nurturing, guidance, perseverance, courage, generosity, commitment, diligence, passion, intelligence, elegance, and beauty. She actually personifies all that is Rockford.”
Reaction: “It wasn’t even on my radar. You just come in and do your job and hope you’re doing something well.” “My life is great. I have the best life. Busy and crazy but we’ve been really blessed.”

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