The Tri-State Defender and its sister company, Real Times Media, annually celebrate Women of Excellence in our community because these women are beacons of light.

It’s time to identify the community pillars for 2009 and we need your help. We’re looking for Women of Excellence who uphold the highest of standards, display unwavering grace and who are extraordinarily courageous. We will publish the official nomination form beginning next week, March 5.  

Each woman must be an African-American executive, professional, businessperson or community leader with a proven record of accomplishment. She must be a positive role model who has influenced the lives of others and demonstrated an active role in the community. In addition to much-deserved recognition, our honorees receive a special award and gifts, and their photo and profile in a special section of the Tri-State Defender.

We once again congratulate and thank the 2008 Women of Excellence honorees: Dr. Femi Ajanaku, Adrienne Bailey, Lt. Peggy Bailey, Dr. JoeAnn Ballard, Valerie Bobo, Dr. Beverly G. Bond, Jozelle Luster Booker, Dr. Marcia Bowden, County Commissioner Henri Brooks,  Sandra H. Burke, Margaret Calicott, Gale Jones Carson, Joyce Cobb,  Alvenia Cunningham, Dr. Anita A. Davis,  Veronica Coleman Davis, Dr. Cozette R. Garrett, Beverly Goines,  Carolyn Hardy, Kim Harper, MCS Board Chair Tomeka Hart,  Evelyn Hibbler, Doris Thomas Hill, Velma Lois Jones, Edith Kelly-Green,  eorgia King,  Carlene Leaper,  Norma Lester, Neva McGruder, Rhonda Nelson, Evangelist Louise Patterson,  Ruby J. Payne,  Johnnie Mae Peters,  Janice Pilot, Cathy Ross,  Cecelia Sawyer, Rev. Mae Simpson,  Rochelle Stevens, Jayton Stinson, Tyra Taylor, Joyce F. Thomas,  Nikki Tinker,  Johnnie R. Turner, Lashell Vaughn, Pearline Harris Washburn, Carolyn Watkins, Cassandra Webster,  Bennie Nelson West, Lisa Wheeler, and June Winston.  

The nomination deadline for 2009 nominees is March 27. This year’s “High Tea” celebration will be April 24.