New Directions of Knox County hosted their second annual EmpowHER event on March 3rd to honor Knox County’s finest women. We spoke to Lori Jones-Perkins, Executive Director of New Directions about the importance of this event and get an update on the New Directions organization. Lori’s goal for this event is to have women GROW!
G = Gentle, being gentle on yourself
R = Roots, appreciate where you come from
O = Open, be open to change
W = Whole-hearted and wholehearted living

She also shared some exciting transition news for New Directions. They are moving!
Click HERE to hear from Lori.

We also talked to the winners recognized at the EmpowHER event.

Click HERE to hear from each winner! We are honored to share their accomplishments with you!

Laney Wenger is a senior at Fredericktown High School. She is the winner of a Girl Power Scholarship of $2,500! She submitted an essay based on the quote – “Women like you pave the way for women like me and for that I am grateful.” She wrote about her connection to dancing and how she is working at instilling the passion for dance in younger girls.

Gwyneth Sands is a senior at Centerburg High School but attends the Knox County Career Center. She is the winner of a Girl Power Scholarship of $2,500! She submitted an essay that shared the story of the struggles she had in her childhood. She is studying early childhood education with a passion to show love to the next generation. She got involved with ROX – Ruling Our Experiences. The ROX program is supported by Women United and allows local girls to learn confidence and healthy relationship skills with the support of ROX trained facilitators.

Allic Ashcraft is a senior at Mount Vernon High School. She is the winner of a $500 scholarship. She had to write an essay based on a quote. She shared her personal experiences, how they connected to that quote and how the quote affected them. Allic shared that this process was really great self-reflection.
The other two winners of a $500 scholarship are Sophie Snively and Chloe George.

Lisa Wilson was the winner of the 2023 Vision Builder Award. She was nominated by her sister, Lori Houck. Lisa shares how she felt when she received this award. Lori shares why she nominated her and what she wants the world to know about Lisa.
Vision shapes our future. The recipient of the Vision Builder Award is a woman with less than 10 years of experience in her field who has wasted no time making an impact and breaking down barriers. She emphasizes building honest relationships, values input, has the mindset of a leader, and leads by example with an immense amount of courage. She has valued what she’s learned from her mentors and wants to pay it forward as a mentor to others. She is changing the landscape in which women serve.

Jennifer Grassbaugh was the winner of the 2023 Grit and Grace Award. She was nominated by Rachel Springer. Jennifer shares how she felt when she received this award. Rachel shares why she nominated her and what she wants the world to know about Jennifer.
The Grit and Grace Award is given to a single-parent mom who has overcome adversity and demonstrates resilience. She has transformed her life and the lives of her children with dignity and grace. She leads by example. She is a picture of selflessness and courage to all who encounter her.

Tanya Strausbaugh was the winner of the 2023 Heart Award. She was nominated by her sister, Tara Scarazza. Tanya shares how she felt when she received this award. Tara shares why she nominated her and what she wants the world to know about Tanya.
The Heart Award is given to a Front-Line worker! This award was born out of COVID19 and the need to acknowledge greater endeavors in support of our humanity with a focus on others over self. This woman has a commitment and passion for service while making an impact and leads with purpose. She has dedicated her life as a successful front-line worker. She has proven her endless dedication to her field.

Kathie Brown was the winner of the 2023 Raising the Bar Award. She was nominated by Elaine Robinson. Kathie shares how she felt when she received this award. Elaine shares why she nominated her and what she wants the world to know about Kathie.
The Raising the Bar Award is given to a Woman with 20+ years of experience in their field! The recipient of this award is an extraordinary woman who has manifested a legacy that continues to inspire others. She has dedicated her life to the advancement of those around her and paved the way for the leaders of tomorrow. She is recognized as an ambassador for women through her extraordinary dedication, personal achievements, and service to others through mentorship, philanthropy, and business. This award recognizes a woman who has spent more than 20 years in her field.

Beth Marhefka was the winner of the 2023 EmpowHER Award. She was nominated by Melissa Nowicki and Kathie Brown. Beth shares how she felt when she received this award. Kathie shares why she nominated her and what she wants the world to know about Beth.
The EmpowHER Award is given to a Woman of Inspiration! Belief is a powerful engine. This woman believes so strongly in the outcomes she seeks that her beliefs mold her path to get there. The recipient of this award champions for women in her network, workplace, and community. She is a team player and active mentor who paves the road to empowering women in leadership roles. She is a woman of inspiration that is true to herself, and her example is so noteworthy as to inspire others spontaneously. Her passion channels her actions and her voice as she strives to empower the women and girls of Knox County.

Please check out the WNZR Facebook page for an album of pictures or find it on our website – https://www.wnzr.fm/empowher