In addition to being honored at the awards ceremony, each 2025 Salute to Outstanding Women honoree also received a Citation Certificate from Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon. This special recognition further acknowledged their exceptional contributions and impact on the Mohawk Valley community. The certificates served as a testament to their dedication and service, highlighting their achievements and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
Meet the 2025 Honorees:
- Shawna Papale: Business & Industry, sponsored by Utica National Insurance Group.
- Dr. Cheryl Beckett-Minor: Education, sponsored by Kristin’s Fund.
- Kathleen Rutishauser: Entrepreneur, sponsored by Adirondack Bank.
- Maria Kontaridis, Ph.D.: Healthcare, sponsored by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.
- Kelly Walters: Human and Public Service, sponsored by Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig, Inc.
- Adelynn Leslie: Outstanding Youth, sponsored by Adorino Construction, Inc.
- Ace Morreale: Social Justice, sponsored by Fort Schuyler Club.
- Amy (Singletary) Jaworski: STEAM, sponsored by Indium Corporation.
YWCA Mohawk Valley invited everyone to join in celebrating the Outstanding Women in our community. Presented by Bank of Utica, the 36th annual Salute to Outstanding Women awards ceremony and luncheon honored eight local women for their contributions to the Mohawk Valley community. Each of the honorees was officially inducted into the Salute Academy, a collective of 289 empowered women who have been honored since the first celebration in 1989.
In the News:
YWCA Mohawk Valley salutes outstanding women – Oneida Dispatch
Eight honorees receive YWCA Salute to Outstanding Women awards | News | romesentinel.com
YWCA holds Mohawk Valley Salute to Outstanding Women awards: See winners
Salute to Outstanding Women – Central New York Business Journal
