On Thursday the YWCA of McLean county added three new outstanding women from the area to their ranks.
The YWCA was tasked with picking through 23 candidates to fill into seven fields to name seven new Women of Distinction. Candidates could win in the business/education field, community leadership, human services, mission impact, STEAM or the promise category. These new members were picked based on leadership qualities and achievements while having values aligned with the YWCA mission and improving McClean County through their work or volunteering.
This year’s new Women of Distinction:
Messina Lambert | Bussiness/Education | Bloomington Public Schools District #87
Messina Lambert has spent the last 20 years in Bloomington serving the district. Her hard work paid off in 2018 when she was named principal of Irving Elementary School. Since taking over the top spot, Lambert has created an atmosphere that is welcoming and supportive for staff, students and parents.
Karen Irvin | Community Leadership | Moms Demand Action
Over the last 32 years, Karen Irvin has helped to mold young minds in McLean County. As a teacher, she has been impacted by the continued gun violence issues in the United States. In 2018 she felt a major impact from the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting that she co-organized the first meeting of Moms Demand Action in McLean County. Over the last four years since the founding of the organization, Irvin has worked tirelessly to help put a voice out about the dangers of gun violence.
Joan Hartman | Hamn Services | McLean County Center for Human Services
Joan Hartman has been a leader for healing and growth throughout McLean County. Serving as the CEO of the McLean County Center for Human Services, Hartman has used her degrees in alcohol and drug studies and counseling to advocate for mental health throughout the area. Throughout her years with the MCCHS, Hartman has worked in ‘pure empathy’ to ensure patients get the best care possible.
Kris Williams | Mission Impact | City of Bloomington Retiree/Community Volunteer
Even in retirement, Kris Williams has made an impact on the Bloomington-Normal area. Named the first woman to be named Meter Service Crea leader, Williams never stopped caring for the community after her 31-year career came to a close. In retirement Williams has helped with numerous community initiatives including Meals on Wheel, American Red Cross bloodmobiles, Faith in Action and more.
Erin Barnard | STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, arts and math)| Photography by Erin B
Over the last 14 years, Erin Barnard has run Photography by Erin B as a safe space for any and all customers. Using a visual medium, Barnard manages to tell a story about inclusion, self-healing and confidence. Besides her work at her studio, Barnard created the #MyNameis campaign advocating for the end of discrimination against transgendered adults.
Emily McCusker | Promise | McLean County Museum of History
Since being named as the new Director of Youth and Adult Education at the McLean County Museum of History, McCusker has made it a goal to help access transportation and membership for lower-income families. Her new initiatives have created an equitable experience for all families.
Michelle Cope | Community Key | Bloomington Public Library
For the last five years, Michell Cope has served as the Outreach Community Engagement Associate were she has made it a goal to tear down archaic barriers and uplift marginalized voices. Her game plan for this is simple – she listens to those who come to here and responds with action. Along with her work at the Bloomington Public Library, Cope serves on the PEO Round table, the McLean County Reentry Council board and more across McLean County.
Along with the seven new Women of Distinct the YWCA handed out five WINGS scholarships. Those winners are:
Tenesha Brown
Cathleen hays
Lakeesha James Smith
Zeina Soued
Irene Vincy
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