The Award Winners were selected based on the contribution they have made to the issues women face in the areas of work, family ad health and the impact they have had in their community and in the lives of others they touch. Their lives motivate and inspire others to make similar changes. Click on the button at the left to view each of the regional winners and read just a glimpse of their extraordinary stories.

The award weekend began with a Red Carpet Reception, Friday evening May 23rd, in the Cosmos Lounge of the Marriott. The regional winners were introduced and personally presented with friends and family escorting them across the red carpet and into the reception where they were treated to a light buffet, cocktails and fabulous entertainment.

The Saturday evening Gala sparkled in the Harborside Ballroom as attendees were treated to highlights from each of the regional winners' outstanding achievements. The 2003 gala theme "From Sea to Shining Sea" captured the geographic range as well as the great level of accomplishments of these unique Spirit of Women National Award Winners from all across the country.

This year, the program proudly honors three women who, despite difficulties, have accomplished the extraordinary. The three National Winners were selected by a committee comprised of corporate leaders, hospital representatives, and past award recipients.

Presenters of regional category awards are introduced below with each winner:

Dr. Wanda Jones presented our Healthcare Provider Category Awards. Dr. Jones is Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Director of the Office on Women's Health. Dr. Jones has focused her efforts on eliminating health disparities for women through a variety of programs and initiatives. Her efforts include the National Centers of Excellence in Women's Health, the national Community Centers of Excellence in Women's Health, the National Women's Health Information Center, and the Panel of Experts on Minority Women's Health, among many others.

Dr. Mercy Obeime Honored for Extraordinary Commitment to Healthcare Service

In recognition of her dedication and commitment to the inner-city residents of Indianapolis, Dr. Mercy Obeime, Medical Director of the St. Francis Neighborhood Health Center in Garfield Park, was chosen as a National Winner of the 2003 Spirit of Women Awards in the Healthcare category. Mercy is committed to treating the whole person, regardless of ability to pay. As medical director for St. Francis Neighborhood Health Center at Garfield park, she sees the tough choices many uninsured and underinsured patients often have to make: feeding their families or going to the doctor. Dr. Obeime connects resources with under-served populations, seeking funding and treatment for all. With assistance from the Wishard Aesculapian Society for African American Pysicians she helped institute a health care tracking system for indigents in the Indianapolis area.

Agapi Stassinopoulos was the Spirit of Women presenter for our Youth Category Awards. Born in Athens, Greece and educated at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, Agapi has a masters in psychology from the University of Santa Monica. She is a respected speaker and author of "Conversations with the goddesses" which was produced by PBS and has aired nationwide. With her acting talent, insightful understanding and her humor Agapi has inspired women all over the world with her message that women need to be valued, heard and honored.

Amanda Bory Honored for Extraordinary Commitment to Youth Service

In recognition of her outstanding achievements in and out of the classroom, Amanda Bory, a sophomore at Perry Hall High School in Baltimore, MD, was selected as a National Winner of the 2003 Spirit of Women Awards in the Youth-At-Large category. Amanda ranks number one academically in her class of 606, despite being born with McCune-Albright Syndrome, a rare bone disease, confining her to a cane or wheelchair. Add to her accomplishments: organizing and implementing multiple volunteer programs during holidays; a box lunch program for the homeless; a "cheer Bag" program for patients at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospitals; and a "Cocoa-Grams" program serving hot chocolate mix wiuh a not of cheer donated to local shelters.

Our Community Category Presenter, Vivian Behrens, is Senior Vice President of Marketing at dressbarn, Inc. Vivian has over 25 years in both the cosmetic and specialty store retail business. She began her career at Estee Lauder and spent 10 years as Vice President of Corporate Product Development and 5 years as Vice President for the Estee Lauder Companies. She has also spearheaded the marketing and branding initiatives at various specialty stores, such as Lane Bryant, a division of The Limited, Inc.

Louise A. Adelstone Honored for Extraordinary Commitment to Community Service

In recognition of her outstanding achievements in community service, Louise A. Adelstone, a certified counselor at Comanche Middle School in Albuquerque, NM, was chosen as a National Winner of the 2003 Spirit of Women Awards in the Community-At-Large category. Louise is recognized for her ability to teach children now to make a difference in their lives and community. She coordinates a school-based peer mediation program to help kids work through their problems with peers. She also works with Social Action volunteers at hospitals with mothers dealing with the death of infants.

All of the regional winners in each of the three categories where honored during the course of the evening. They were escorted by military to their seats and presented with winners' plaques celebrating their great personal and community achievements.

Congratulations Spirit of Women award-winners for the inspiration and leadership you bring to your communities in your work promoting life, health and healing. You can see photos and read more about the achievements of these women by clicking here.

It's time to begin our search for the 2003-2004 nominees in your backyard who exemplify the spirit of "ordinary women doing extraordinary things". Check back for details for this year's nominating procedures.

Our appreciation to the following sponsors and organization for making the 2003 Spirit of Women Awards a resounding success:

Special thanks to our 2003 National Awards Corporate Partners:  

As well as our other valuable corporate sponsors:

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap

 
Also sponsor of Spirit of Women's Women's Wellness Grant

View all of our 2003 award winners!