Alexandria to Honor Women at Banquet

Alexandria’s Commission for Women will honor 11 woman at its 33rd Annual Salute to Women Awards Banquet March 18.

The women will be recognized for their accomplishments in civic life and for the improvements they have brought to the well-being of Alexandria’s women. The awards are presented for achievement in a wide range of private and governmental pursuits, including the arts, business, service to youth, public policy, health and safety, public service and civic leadership.

The 2013 Awardees, who were selected by an independent committee appointed by the Commission, are: 

• Brooke Curran, Rising Star Award;
• Becky Davies, Making a Difference Award;
• Faye Gunn, Making a Difference Award;
• Monika Jones, Rising Star Award;
• Erika Kleiner, Women’s Health and Safety Advocate Award;
• Pat Miller, Susan Lowell Butler Lifetime Achievement Award;
• Karyn Moran, Youth Community Services Award;
• Monica Reid, Marian Van Landingham Legislation and Public Policy Award;
• Nina Tisara, Donna Bergheim Cultural Affairs Award;
• Elizabeth Todd, Leadership in Business and Career Development Award; and
• Robin Wallin, Vola Lawson Award.

“These women exemplify the true spirit of the mission of the Commission for Women,” said Elizabeth Johnson, commission chairwoman. “The City Council has charged us to eliminate discrimination because of gender, encourage equal opportunity for women in every aspect of life in Alexandria and to educate all Alexandrians about such issues as domestic violence and sexual assault.

“Women, like our awardees, are instrumental in helping us achieve our goals.  The caliber of nominees this year was truly outstanding.  We wish that each of them could have received an award.”

The banquet will be at the Westin Hotel Alexandria, 400 Courthouse Square. The reception begins at 6:30 p.m., and the dinner is at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $85.00 per person. Sponsorships and ads in the banquet program are also available.

Visit www.alexwomen.com or call Sarah Watson at 703-746-3123 for details or to purchase tickets. Proceeds of the banquet benefit the Alexandria Sexual Assault Center.