Palmetto Center for Women Announces TWIN Awards Recipients to be Honored Feb. 5, 2015

COLUMBIA, SC – Palmetto Center for Women’s (PCW) annual TWIN Awards will be held on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015 at 11:30 a.m. at the Downtown Columbia Marriott.

The TWIN Awards are a distinguished honor presented to women whose outstanding achievements mark them as leaders and role models in business and in the community. Since the inception of the TWIN Awards in 1980, over 500 businesswomen who have made outstanding contributions to their professions and their communities have been honored.

“The annual TWIN Awards are a great opportunity to recognize the leadership and professional achievements of women in our community,” said Wendy Broderick, PCW staff member. “As we honor another year of outstanding women, we also acknowledge the businesses and organizations that have supported their advancement.”

The 2015 TWIN Awards Honorees are:

• Elizabeth Bowe Anders
• Charlotte Lunsford Berry
• Cynthia Durham Blair
• Jane C. Brissette
• Cathy L. Brooks
• Dr. Tamara L. Burk
• Pamela A. Bynoe-Reed
• Maryellyn Cannizzaro
• Melissa L. Constante
• Ava Rogers Dean
• Jana Harp Dean
• Natasha Drozdak
• Sarah S. Ford
• BZ Geise
• Elizabeth Van Doren Gray
• Cameo A. Green
• Karyn L. Heimes
• Debbie R. Hunter
• Beth H. Irick
• Dr. Judy Johnson
• Carri Grube Lybarker
• Jodi Salter
• Katrina F. Shealy
• Donna W. Simon
• Tina Milhorn Stallard
• Dr. Cynthia James Walters
• Ann Pringle Washington
• Kim Wellman
• Donna Wilson
• Teresa Wilson

In addition to individual honorees, PCW will present Women in Philanthropy with the Palmetto Center for Women Award. The award is the highest honor that PCW awards annually and is awarded to an organization in the Midlands that has shown exceptional contributions in supporting and improving the lives of women.

With more than 300 active members, Women in Philanthropy promotes the idea that every woman can and must be a change-agent if the challenges facing women and children are going to be addressed. Through social events, such as Power of the Purse, and educational activities, Women in Philanthropy offers investors a variety of ways to stay involved throughout the year with numerous networking and personal development opportunities.

Catherine Templeton, former Director of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), will be the keynote speaker at the luncheon. Catherine B. Templeton’s career boasts many professional achievements, including being nominated by Governor Haley to serve as the Director of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) prior to serving as the Director of DHEC. As Director of DHEC, she reduced permitting time by 40% and deregulated or reformed regulations that have increased efficiency and enhanced agency services.

Proceeds from this year’s TWIN Awards will help fund Palmetto Center for Women’s outreach programs and services including workforce readiness programs at Transitions.

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is the Principal Sponsor of the 2015 TWIN Awards.

A limited number of individual tickets are still available. Please contact Wendy Broderick at 803-748-9622 ext. 113 or[email protected] to reserve your seat.

About the Palmetto Center for Women

Palmetto Center for Women is proud to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body and nurture the whole well-being of women and girls. Formerly the YWCA of the Midlands, PCW continues a long tradition of providing services to the women of Columbia and surrounding communities. PCW is more committed than ever to equipping women with resources they need to achieve great things at work, at home, for themselves and for their communities. Please visit www.pcwsc.org for more information.

About the YMCA of Columbia

Over the past century and a half, the YMCA of Columbia has been a community-transforming institution, not only in the Midlands, but in the entire United States. The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Regardless of age, income or background – the Y works to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. Please visit www.columbiaymca.org for more information.