Honoring 2016's Women of Influence

With delight, I read the award winners of Saratoga Today’s 2016 Women of Influence award. The award recognizes women demonstrating leadership, community involvement, and professionalism that benefits Saratoga County today and shapes our future.  Each year, I’m always thrilled when I see the impressive women selected as the awardees. This year’s winners are:

Shelly Amato

Elizabeth “Libby” Coreno

Gayle LaSalle

Jane Mastaitis

Christianne Smith

And Co-Teachers Laura O’Brien and Miyo Read 

It never escapes my notice that so many of them have been instrumental in shaping Wellspring, through their board membership or volunteerism. This year alone we have three former Wellspring board members: Shelly Amato, Libby Coreno, and Christianne Smith being recognized (if you’ve ever admired Wellspring’s new logo, that’s Christianne’s work), plus Gayle LaSalle and I sit on many committees together achieving solutions to issues affecting our community.

Wellspring has been blessed to have benefited from the leadership and support of transformational women leaders.  Looking back on the Women of Influence Award recipients over the past 5 years, 11 women have aided Wellspring through their leadership and volunteerism:

­2015

Tara Pleat (board member)

Nancy Trimbur(board member and  volunteer for Project Hope and Power)

Paul Fidalgo (promotes awareness of relationship and sexual abuse and Wellspring’s services)

Kim Klopstock (graciously assists with Wellsprings fundraising events)

2014

Jessica Petraccione (board member)

Kathleen Fyfe (volunteers providing leadership development and strategic planning)

2013

Theresa Skaine (board member)

Robin Solomon  (volunteer for Project Hope and Power)

Cynthia Hollowood (graciously assists with Wellsprings fundraising events)

2012

Melissa Ward (program supporter through NYS Tech Valley Women)

2011

Sandy Foster (volunteer for Project Hope and Power) 

So congratulations to this year’s Women of Influence… and sincere gratitude to the many influential women who have shaped Wellspring.