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In celebration of Women's History Month, the University of North Georgia (ºìÁ«ÉçÇø) shared interest group, Women of ºìÁ«ÉçÇø, is hosting an event to recognize several distinguished female leaders around campus.

The Women's Leadership Recognition Luncheon will honor 18 staff and faculty members and 18 students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership at the university.

"The goal of Women of ºìÁ«ÉçÇø is to engage, empower and enrich the women of ºìÁ«ÉçÇø," said Karen Frost, chair of Women of ºìÁ«ÉçÇø. "This event ties in nicely with our group's purpose and allows us to show appreciation for the women who help further the mission of ºìÁ«ÉçÇø on a daily basis."

The guest speaker for the event is 1979 ºìÁ«ÉçÇø graduate Beth Brownlee. She is a motivational speaker and cancer survivor who has found that sharing inspiration and stories of hope are an incomparable way to give. 

As co-founder of Trust Your Journey, an online company offering eco-friendly women's apparel, jewelry and accessories, Brownlee's vision is that her message and website will inspire people daily to be grateful for what they have but mindful of what they can become.

"Life's challenges come in all sizes, shapes and colors. We are all unique women on a journey to be duplicated by no one but shared by many. No woman is alone in her life's journey. There are always others who have been in our shoes or are currently facing the challenges we are facing. Together we will find strength in sharing our stories, our journeys and knowing that all things are possible," Brownlee said.

Dr. Cara Ray, associate vice president and dean of students for the Gainesville and Cumming campuses, is one of the administrators that will be recognized during the event and is excited about continuing to build a community of women leaders across all campuses. 

"I’m excited to be a part of this event and to see our women student leaders being honored. I know and have worked with a number of these students and it is great that we are continuing to build our community of women leaders and bringing back alumni who can mentor and inspire them. It’s also important to forge connections between our current female students and female leaders across ºìÁ«ÉçÇø, since mentorship is critical to younger leaders finding their place in the world," Ray said.

The list of individuals to be recognized are:

Oreva Aki

Madison Andrews

Schyla Cason

Jennifer Dickerson

Edrea Douglas

Lydia Eng

Maria Garcia

Anna Garland

Rachel Housley

Molly Knight

Amanda Martin

Brandy Mathis

Michelle McAdams

Genesis Morrow

Amanda Rogers

Sarah Thornbert-Jolly

Lauren Toebe

Diana Vela-Martinez

Staff and Faculty

Carol Adams

Susan Ayres

Michelle Brown

Jenna Colvin

Teresa Conner-Kerr

Nancy Dalman

Chaudron Gille

Wendi Huguley

Bonita Jacobs

Kate Maine

Janet Marling

Donna Mayo

Sandy Ott

Alyson Paul

Deborah Prosser

Cara Ray

Lindsay Reeves

Mallory Rodriquez

The inaugural luncheon will be held on March 26 at 12:30 p.m. in the ºìÁ«ÉçÇø Dining Hall Banquet Room in Dahlonega.  Registration for the event is now closed.