By Juli Metzger—
MUNCIE, Ind.—Recognized for their distinct and honorable contributions in their community and in their circle of influence, six Muncie women are the honorees for the Coalition of Women’s Organizations 2021 Women’s Equality Day celebration. The event celebrates the passage of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. Honorees this year are:
- Lindsey Arthur, CEO of Habitat of Muncie, Distinction in Community Development Leadership
- Dr. Mia D. Johnson, Chancellor of Ivy Tech, Anderson campus, Distinction in Educational Empowerment Leadership
- Beth Goetz, Director of Athletic at Ball State University, Distinction in Athleticism Leadership
- Teresa Long, cosmetologist and founder of Grace’s Beauty College, Distinction in Entrepreneurial Leadership
- Patricia Nelson, metals artist and retired professor at Ball State University, Distinction in Arts and Culture Leadership
- Rhonda Ward, Director of Diversity, Muncie Community Schools, Distinction in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership
Honorees received the Vivian Conley Award certificate, commemorating Vivian V. Conley, a civil rights activist in Muncie, who in her 60s, enrolled at Ball State University and attended some of the same classes as her grandsons.
Also honored were dozens of women for their role in helping others cope with COVID-19 and the global pandemic. Those honored were:
Health and Safety
- Lisa Suttle, Regional Vice President of clinical services for Meridian Health Services – Community testing and vaccination support for COVID clients and community
- IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Regional VP and Chief Nursing Officer Carla Cox and COO Lori Luther – advance care and treatment for COVID patients and community
- Delaware County Health Officer Donna Wilkins – COVID education and awareness
Food Security
- Ross Community Center Executive Director Jacqueline Hanoman – weekly food distribution for families and individuals in need
- Loretta Parsons, Executive Director of the Soup Kitchen of Muncie – ensuring food available to vulnerable individuals and shelters during the pandemic
Educational Advocacy
- Muncie Community Schools CEO Lee Ann Kwiatkowski – District wide pandemic plan to ensure safety for students, faculty, families in the MCS district
- Community Education Alliance, Mary Dollison and Lauren Bishop-Weidner, Shaniece Thorpe- Educational support and programs to reduce pandemic learning loss
- IVY Tech Director of Community Engagement Alisha Wells – ensuring educational access, connectivity, and emotional support to students and families
Community COVID Funding
- Community Foundation CEO Kelly Shrock – distributing Covid funding
- Heart of Indiana United Way CEO Jenni Marsh – distributing Covid funding and support working weekly with non-profit leaders as they navigate effects of COVID
Business and Economic Support
- City of Muncie Director of Community Development Gretchen Cheesman- distributing Covid funding and support
- Vicki Veach, Director of Muncie Downtown Development Partnership, and Event Director Cheryl Crowder – supporting Downtown businesses throughout the pandemic
- East Central IN Small Business Development Center Regional Director Peggy Cenova – helping small businesses with SBA and PPP loan support
Helping Hands
- Project Bennie, Emily Ruiz Busha – making and distributing thousands of masks to organizations, groups, and individuals in need
- Bernisa Elliot, owner of BE’s Beauty – providing sanitizing supplies to non-profit organizations
- Janet King, community volunteer – serving and assisting youth and families in need
