Spirit of the Midwest
Spirit of the Midwest Awards

September 14, 2023

St. Louis
St. Paul

Nominations due August 22, 2023

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.

Features
Advocate of the Year
WICT Event

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 making room for female technologists at the table. 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.

Features
Woman in Technology
WICT Event

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.

Features
Woman to Watch
Woman to Watch

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).

Features
Rising Leader
Rising Leader

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.

Features
Spirit of the Midwest Award
Spirit of the Midwest

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.

Congratulations to Past Spirit of the Midwest Honorees

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