Women's History Month | Who's a local woman you stand in awe of?

Among the questions we put to a panel of high-achievers in Friday's special section celebrating Women's History Month: Who's a local woman — other than a relative or co-worker — you stand in awe of?

DENISE MARTIN, chief operating officer at Champaign’s Kirby Wealth Management

“I am completely in awe of and maybe have a little crush on Deb Reardanz, CEO at ClarkLindsey Village. She is a powerhouse lady running an amazing organization. And she does so with complete thoughtfulness, kindness and caring.

"Her perspective on all things is always honest and insightful. I could listen to her talk forever.”

2024 Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation Distinguished Alumna BARBARA SUGGS MASON (Central ’70)

“I first met Mildred Barnes Griggs as a 12-year-old at the shop of my cousin, Fannie Freeman, a local beautician. She had asked my mother if I could be one of her models in a local hair stylist show.

“The other model was Mrs. Griggs, who would prove to be a gracious and inspiring role model for me through the years as I watched from afar her move through the ranks at the University of Illinois. Eventually, she would become Dr. Griggs and dean of the College of Education, the first Black woman to do so. From time to time, our lives would intersect.

“She encouraged me to enter the cohort doctoral program for educational leadership and provided me with a letter of recommendation when I applied for the job of school superintendent. For me, she was truly an unsung hero.

“Growing up in Champaign-Urbana in the 1950s and 1960s, there were virtually no women in leadership that I can recall. The exceptions were the teachers and church women that I encountered who led classrooms and various clubs and women’s organizations. So many of these women supported me and others through school projects, recitals and Sunday School programs, motivating us and building our confidence. I look back and am grateful for their guidance.

“We have come a long way in this community with women heading both nonprofit and for profit organizations. Early in my education career, I never considered aspiring to become a school district superintendent because few women were even considered for administrative positions.

“It was through the comments of some of the early administrators — including my mother, Hester Suggs — that I began to see the possibilities for accessing positions that allowed me to effect transformational changes to an entire system that could make a difference in the lives of children and their community. My experiences prompted me to study the careers of Black women superintendents to better understand how women develop leadership skills and exercise them within their organizations.”

CYNTHIA OLIVER, special advisor to the UI chancellor for arts integration

“There are singular moments in one’s life that change everything. I have been fortunate to have a few of these moments.

“One was ignited by a local woman I deeply admire — Rebecca Ginsburg. Her work in prisons has altered the path and weight of so many lives. She has changed the way I value what I do as an educator and as an artist.

“At her invitation a few years ago, I taught a guest course in the Danville prison. I was working on a new performance project on Black masculinities. I took drafts of the work to the men in that institution — Black, White and Latino men — and shared with them my processes and challenges. They were hungry for information. They were excited and willing to engage in all the questions and materials I brought with me. And they offered information I hadn’t anticipated.

“My heart was touched by them and by their desire to make their lives better through education. Rebecca has made this possible for so many. That experience changed me and has forever altered how I want to move through the world.”

Champaign County State’s Attorney JULIA RIETZ

“Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: ‘Riding a horse is not a gentle hobby, to be picked up and laid down like a game of solitaire. It is a grand passion. It seizes a person whole and, once it has done so, he will have to accept that his life will be radically changed.’

“That is true for me. As a person whose life has been radically changed by horses, I am constantly in awe of my riding trainer and friend, Terri Foreman, and her daughter, Dr. Catherine Foreman Hesterberg, my equine veterinarian.

“Terri is the trainer and coach at Commonwealth Farm in St. Joseph. Terri is also the coach of the U of I equestrian team, our local middle and high school riding teams, and serves on the board of governors for the United States Pony Club and other equine related organizations. Terri has been a positive influence and role model for countless girls, young women and adult amateurs like me who have trained with her.

“Her daughter, Dr. Catherine Foreman Hesterberg, is the director of Midwest Equine at Illinois and an equine veterinarian with the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. She provides primary and emergency care, day and night, to horses throughout our community and across the state. She is kind, experienced, patient and knowledgeable with these amazing animals, and with their concerned and perhaps more difficult human partners, skills she learned from her equally knowledgeable and patient mother and that she is passing on to her horse-loving daughter, Charlotte.

“These two women are leaders in their fields and we are so lucky to have them here in our community.”

Vermilion County businesswoman and philanthropist SYBIL MERVIS

“Deanna Witzel as a force for good and progress in our community in Danville. She began her career as a crew person at a McDonald’s and moved upward in management and then on to ultimately owning six area McDonald’s, mostly in Vermilion County.

“Along with her business acumen and determination, she has led the Step-Up effort to improve health care in our county, serves on the Danville Housing Authority Board and is absolutely a strong force here on the eastern edge of Illinois.”

Danville Area Community College President Emerita ALICE MARIE JACOBS

“There are many local women whom I admire — to name a few, Supreme Court Justice Rita Garman; community supporter Raj Karinattu; Sue Richter, director of the Vermilion County Museum; the late Vickie Miller, longtime chair of the Danville Area Community College Board of Trustees; other talented women associated with Danville Area Community College; and Sybil Mervis, Vermilion County supporter.

“With her late husband Louis, Sybil Mervis has contributed so much to the advancement of Vermilion County and this region, including the advancement of women. Sybil was directly involved in many of the positive initiatives in the county — from getting sidewalks installed so that children could walk safely to and from school to building a new library, her leadership and energy were critical.

“As a newcomer to Vermilion County in 1999, I experienced first-hand the hospitality and warm welcome that she has extended to so many who have moved to this area. No doubt there are many individuals who have run for public office who are grateful for her hospitality in hosting numerous fund raisers through the years for their campaigns.

"Of course, as an educator, I have always been grateful for the interest and support she has shown in the education of many individuals, students attending Danville Area Community College as a result of the Mervis Family Scholarships as well as individuals attending other schools and universities.

"As a published author, she has even found time and interest to research and chronicle her family history as well as documenting the history of the Jewish people in Illinois and Indiana. In summary, I greatly admire Sybil Mervis and what she has accomplished during her decades as a Danville resident and what she continues to do to advocate for her community and region.”

CAROLYN BAXLEY, owner of Urbana’s Cinema Gallery

“One of the women I most admire is Jayne DeLuce, president and CEO of Experience Champaign-Urbana. She took the reins of that organization several years ago and has done an amazing job of revitalizing it to encourage more visitors to our community and enhance their experience while they’re here.

“The work of Jayne and her staff is absolutely critical to the success of local restaurants, retailers, and hotels, and we are very fortunate to have a woman of that caliber in our midst.”

Retired educator BARBARA GILLESPIE

“It was by chance that I was introduced to Dr. Ruby Mendenhall a few years ago at a sorority event. We were sitting at the same table and began to chat about our interests in youth and STEM. Sparks of excitement and commonality lit up all around us as we continue to converse. She exudes warmth, humility and caring.

“I knew this was a person I would hear more about with her sweet personality and high aspirations set on master achievements. I was right: Her research examines how living in racially segregated neighborhoods with high levels of violence affects Black mothers’ mental and physical health using surveys, interviews, crime statistics, police records, data from 911 calls, art, wearable sensors and genomic analysis.

”She's co-directing the Youth Wellness Project in Chicago that trains youth community health workers and citizen/community scientists. Her team is creating wellness stores in museums, schools, etc.

”She's co-producing and co-directing with Lisa Butler a documentary about mothers who lost children to gun violence, called 'What’s Left Behind.'

“Just (the other) night, I attended an event celebrating her selection as the 2024 Urbana Poet Laureate.”

Urbana High School choir teacher BECKY PARK

“Mama Lam, the chef at (Champaign’s) 83 Vietnamese. Her son Wayne references her and her cooking often on the 83 Vietnamese Restaurant Facebook page.

"Mama Lam reminds me of the millions of women from her generation, including my own mother and mother-in-law, who immigrated to America in search of a better life for their families. They work tirelessly, even in their old age, so their children can have every opportunity in the world.

“Mama Lam gives her best every day in the kitchen of 83 Vietnamese to better her son’s life and ours. You can feel the love she puts in her comforting ‘mom’s home cooking.’ This is how she loves on our community at large.”

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MICHELLE SANTIAGO, outreach ministry director at Champaign’s Windsor Road Christian Church

“I admire (Champaign business and life coach) Sparkle Sanders.

"I admire her leadership and coaching skills, the way she cares for herself and her family, and her fierce protection of her prayer time.

“She has the beautiful ability to connect deeply with people from a variety of backgrounds, and she is one of the most encouraging people I know. I feel very privileged to know her and call her friend.”

Retired Champaign County Circuit Judge HEIDI LADD

“There are many dynamic local women I admire, but if I had to pick my hero, it would be all the child and adult survivors of sexual abuse and violence I have worked with. They faced unimaginable adversity with immeasurable courage, resilience and determination and took their lives back. An example for all of us.”

Michaels’ Catering co-founder JOAN CLEMENT

“There are so many local women I admire in this community, but Traci Nally is the person I admire the most. She was my attorney when I bought my condominium; created the all-women Nally Hassis Bauer Law firm; ran for judge; and now runs Urban Gardens with her husband, Bruce Kelso. Anything she wanted to do, she did.”

NICOLE MUSUMECI, director of the City of Champaign Township’s Prosperity Gardens

“I have always admired the work of the United Way women who lead the organization. Their impact on our community is far reaching and simply outstanding. They truly believe in making Champaign Urbana a great place to live for all people. They are just a great example of women who get things done.”

DEB BUSEY, retired Champaign County administrator

“(Retired physician) Annette Lansford is a woman I admire completely. I know that Annette had a full and challenging career as a pediatrician while also raising a family of three sons with her physician husband. I know from my years in the state’s attorney’s office that she was a strong advocate for all the children in her care and gave special support and assistance to those children who suffered neglect and abuse.

"However, as we live our lives in thirds — I know Annette the best as a friend and inspiration in the third third of life. Annette has embraced her third life and lives life to the fullest in retirement. She provides a positive example, inspiration and encouragement to so many women in this stage of life.

"Annette the recruiter brings new life and energy to every organization/group in which she is a member with her vast network of friends and ability to connect individuals to groups where their presence is a gift and in which they are also enriched. Annette exhibits sincere compassion to all in her network and knows exactly how to extend sympathy and care when it is most needed.

"Annette’s gift of hospitality is unmatched in my experience. If there is a gathering to take place — whether it be a coffee, a happy hour, or a dinner — Annette is the first to offer her home for the event and provides an environment completely welcoming, warm and delicious.

"She is an avid reader which results in her quiet ability to share great wisdom in conversation and sharing. And, almost best of all, Annette has a quirky, dry and constant sense of humor — which will often take her companions completely off guard. Annette is a wonderful example of being the best version of yourself.”

The Rev. EVELYN UNDERWOOD, associate minister at Champaign’s New Free Will Baptist Church

“After teaching in Newport News, Virginia, Elder Gladys E. Downing married Ruppert Downing and moved to Champaign in 1966. Gladys taught social studies and French at Champaign Central from 1966 to 1968. In 1971, she earned a master’s degree from the University of Illinois and continued studying at there while rearing their three daughters. She taught at Jefferson Middle School for 22 years, retiring in 2002.

“Throughout the years , she has been active in church and civic activities. Since retirement, she has served as a substitute teacher, mentor and consultant. The reason why I admire her is because she epitomizes as a selfless human being who has given so much to this community over the many years — as a teacher, preacher, mentor and advocate for the poor.”

2022 Central Illinois Business Magazine Forty Under 40 Woman of the Year MARY CATHERINE ROBERSON

“I have a great admiration for Danville’s vice mayor, Tricia Teague. Over the years, I have watched her work to empower local entrepreneurs and have seen her business flourish.

"Several of my friends have gone through her Trep on Track bootcamp and received resources for their own small businesses. She regularly provides networking opportunities, social media promotion and mentorship for those following in her footsteps.

"She helps people go from a having a dream to making it a reality. She is an asset to our community.”

Retired Busey Wealth Management executive DONNA GREENE, now director of community relations for the UI Foundation

"I am in awe of so many local women, as there are numerous rock stars amongst us. Bianca Green, Jane Hays, Brooke Starks and Jill Guth are just a few that I admire.

"All of these women are put together, confident, talented, articulate and not afraid to take on additional responsibilities when needed. They have pivoted in their careers as they have sought more opportunities. They’ve climbed the ladder but remained humble. They’re also terrific mothers, and participate in local community organizations.

"You could easily say they 'do it all.'"

WICS-TV news anchor DAWN STERLING

"For years I have admired Kara Demirijan Huss. She is the founder and owner of DCC Marketing in Decatur. She is also vice president of TCCI Manufacturing and recently appointed to the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board. These are just two roles in which she thrives.

"She is a smart, non-stop female force. Her ideas are endless; her mind is always at work. She creates relationships no matter where she goes.

"I have known Kara now for 18 years. My daughter and her youngest daughter are only six weeks apart. While she is so very busy, the people who mean the most to her know they are a priority. I also feel Kara makes herself and her health a priority giving her the energy to balance what it means to truly 'have it all.'

"And I have one more because it's really hard to pinpoint just one woman doing big things in central Illinois. I met Julia Roundtree Livingston about 15 years ago, when she was fundraising for the Decatur Chapter of the Junior Welfare Association.

"Initially meeting her, I immediately got the sense she was a champion and fan of females. I'm a writer — you'd think I'd be able to come up with the words needed to describe her, but there is something about her spirit that is indiscernible. There is just something about her to admire.

"She's outgoing, friendly, warm, genuine. She will always take the time to stop and chat, no matter where she's running off to next. She is a fierce cheerleader for her children and has carried out her roles in her career with grace."