[Archived] Alexandria Commission for Women Presents Awards at Annual Salute to Women Banquet

City Press Release


	City of Alexandria, Virginia Office of the City Manager Alexandria City Hall 301 King Street, Suite 3500 Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3211 www.alexandriava.gov Telephone: 703.838.4300 Fax : 703.838.6343

Alexandria Commission for Women Presents Awards at
Annual Salute to Women Banquet

More than 350 people attended the Alexandria Commission for Women’s annual Salute to Women Awards Banquet on March 29, to honor 28 outstanding women nominated by their fellow residents for their enormous contributions to the Alexandria community. The event, jointly sponsored by the Alexandria Office on Women, is annually held during Women's History Month.

Dr. Martha Burk was the keynote speaker at this year’s banquet. Dr. Burk is a political psychologist and women’s equity expert who is cofounder and President of the Center for Advancement of Public Policy, a research and policy analysis organization in Washington, DC. Dr. Burk also currently serves as Chair of the National Council of Women’s Organizations. Dr. Burk discussed her recent efforts to open the Augusta National Golf Club to women. She has made numerous appearances during the past year to advocate for it, particularly during the Master’s Golf Tournament annually held at the Augusta National Golf Club.

All 28 award nominees were recognized at the awards banquet, and seven nominees were announced as award winners and recognized by City Council Vice Mayor and Councilwoman Redella Pepper, Councilwoman Joyce Woodson, State Delegate Marian Van Landingham, State Senator Patsy Ticer and former City Manager Vola Lawson.

The evening concluded with the presentation of the Marguerite Payez Leadership Award, presented posthumously to Nancy Dunning, longtime community leader, organizer and activist in the Del Ray and greater Alexandria community. Mrs. Dunning’s daughter, Liz, accepted on her behalf, stating that “My mom was one of the most committed and amazing women that I have ever known and she taught me so much about what it means to be a member of a community, to care about the place you live in and the people you live near, and to translate that caring into thoughtful and enthusiastic action. Thank you for bringing attention to a quiet leader and an amazing activitist.”

Six other award winners were also recognized in the following categories:

1. Cultural Affairs Award -- to Alisa J. Carrel, for her work in serving the Alexandria arts community through the Alexandria Arts Forum and the Alexandria Commission for the Arts.

2. Career Development and Education/Training Award -- to Athena “Bunny” Honduras, for her leadership in organizing youth volunteer programs and fundraising efforts to support youth programs.

3. Legislation and Public Policy – to Julie N. Jakopic, for her service on the Community Services Board and advocacy for policies that provide assistance to mentally-disabled residents in Alexandria.

4. Woman-to-Woman, Making a Difference Award -- to Judy Guse Noritake, Chair of the City’s Park and Recreation Commission, who has overseen several important projects to maximize recreational opportunities for all Alexandrians.

5. Youth Community Services Award -- to Judith Louise Haskins, for her 23 years of service to children at the Cora Kelly School for Math, Science, and Technology.

6. Vola Lawson Award, given to honor a City employee -- to Sandra Whitmore, for her five years of service and leadership as Director of the City’s Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities Department.

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