September 14, 2023
Nominations due August 22, 2023
September 24, 2025
St. Louis, MO
Let’s Celebrate You
Each year, the The WICT Network: Midwest recognizes outstanding chapter members, volunteers and advocates who have made an extraordinary contribution to our industry through volunteerism, technology and leadership.
REGISTER
Advocate of the Year Nominees
This award recognizes an individual who has been an exemplary advocate for The WICT Network: Midwest. They’ve done this through the mentorship program, as a volunteer or by being a champion for women in the industry. The Advocate should show dedication to the Midwest Chapter and inspire others in the community.
Eligibility
• Must exhibit the Touchstones of Leadership – Know Yourself, Communicate, Listen, Be a Catalyst, Be Fearless, and Inspire.
• Recipient will have been in the industry for at least three years.
Woman to Watch Nominees
This award recognizes an industry woman, considered a newcomer to the industry, who has become accomplished in both her job and in her working knowledge of the media, technology and entertainment industry.
Eligibility
• Must exhibit the Touchstones of Leadership – Know Yourself, Communicate, Listen, Be a Catalyst, Be Fearless, and Inspire.
• May be in either an individual contributor or leadership position.
And meet one of the following:
• Recipient will have been in the industry for less than five years.
-OR-
• Changed career paths/business fields within the past two years (e.g. from marketing to operations).
Rising Leader Nominees
This award recognizes an industry woman who has demonstrated her own personal leadership style. She shows tremendous potential in her career and champions The WICT Network’s mission to develop women leaders who transform the industry.
Eligibility
• Must exhibit the Touchstones of Leadership – Know Yourself, Communicate, Listen, Be a Catalyst, Be Fearless, and Inspire.
• Recipient will have been in the industry for two years or more.
• Must have at least 2 years people leader experience, but does not need to currently be a people leader.
Woman in Technology Nominees
This award recognizes an industry woman serving in a technical position who has contributed significantly to her organization as well as in the media, technology and entertainment industry. In addition to her technical expertise, she is a valued team member who is committed to supporting and motivating others.
Eligibility
• Recipient will have been in the industry for at least five years.
• Holds a management/leadership position within her organization.
• Must exhibit the Touchstones of Leadership – Know Yourself, Communicate, Listen, Be a Catalyst, Be Fearless, and Inspire.
Spirit of the Midwest Award Nominees
This award recognizes an industry woman who has made significant contributions to the media, technology and entertainment industry throughout her career, serves as a mentor and role model for others, exhibits leadership qualities that have made a difference in her organization, is a risk taker and a groundbreaker, and inspires others. This woman is highly regarded by her peers and teammates for career accomplishments and quality of work-life balance.
Eligibility
• Must exhibit the Touchstones of Leadership – Know Yourself, Communicate, Listen, Be a Catalyst, Be Fearless, and Inspire.
• Recipient will have been in the media, technology and entertainment industry for at least seven years.
• Holds a management/leadership position within her organization.
Advocate of the Year
This award recognizes an individual who has been an exemplary advocate for The WICT Network: Midwest. They’ve done this through the mentorship program, as a volunteer or by being a champion for women in the industry. The Advocate should show dedication to the Midwest Chapter and inspire others in the community.
Eligibility
• Must exhibit the Touchstones of Leadership – Know Yourself, Communicate, Listen, Be a Catalyst, Be Fearless, and Inspire.
• Recipient will have been in the industry for at least three years.
Sponsorship
You Help Make Us Great!
A sincere thank you to our Signature Event sponsors for Tech it Out and Spirit of the Midwest. We value your commitment to our mission to create bold, self-empowered leaders.
Reach out to our sponsorship committee to learn more about options to promote your brand, while helping to create bold, self-empowered leaders through advocacy and leadership training.
Diamond sponsors
Platinum sponsors
Gold sponsors
Silver sponsors
Bronze sponsors
Friend sponsors
Congratulations to Past Spirit of the Midwest Honorees
2024 Honorees
Advocate of the Year: Kent Johnson, Midco
Woman to Watch: Erin Biggs, Charter Communications
Rising Leader: Noelle Tieszen, Midco
Woman in Technology: Kate Moore, Charter Communications
Spirit of the Midwest: Wynne Haakenstad, Midco
2022 Honorees
Volunteer of the Year: Marcy Bursac, Charter Communications
Rising Leader: Anna Jankord, Midco
Woman in Technology: Esperanza Hunter, Charter Communications
Spirit of the Midwest: Patsy Baldes, Charter Communications
2021 Honorees
Volunteer of the Year: Wendy Thebeau, Charter Communications
Rising Leader: Melissa Wolf, Midco
Woman in Technology: Tara Mueller, Midco
Spirit of the Midwest: Maryann Eastman, Charter Communications
2020 Honorees
Volunteer of the Year: Debra Malick, Diversant
Rising Leader: Emilie Gragert, Charter Communications
Woman in Technology: Amber Schwiesow, Midco
Spirit of the Midwest: Trish McCann, Midco
2019 Honorees
Volunteer of the Year: Lauren Ray, Charter Communications
Rising Leader: Tera Dubs, Midco
Woman in Technology: Maryann Eastman, Charter Communications
Spirit of the Midwest: Jenny Massey
2018 Honorees
Volunteer of the Year: Katie LoRusso
Rising Leader: Sydney Smith, Charter Communications
Woman in Technology: Julie Bent, Midco
Spirit of the Midwest: Lisa Neuwirth, Charter Communications
2017 Honorees
Rising Leader: Tara Anderson
Woman in Technology: Marsha Gee
Spirit of the Midwest: Kimberly Noetzel
2016 Honorees
Rising Leader: Jada Marcotte
Woman in Technology: Erin Hayes
Spirit of the Midwest: Pamela Hermann
2015 Honorees
Rising Leader: Lisa Shea
Woman in Technology: Andrea Wegley
Spirit of the Midwest: Melissa Morris
2014 Honorees
Rising Leader: Sally West
Woman in Technology: Ginni Hartley
Spirit of the Midwest: Theresa Sunde
2013 Honorees
Rising Leader: Katie Atkinson
Woman in Technology: Julie Sparlin
Spirit of the Midwest: Jean Edhlund