Congratulations to the 2011 Women of Excellence

Eagle Award Recipients

Business

Michele Hoskins view Michele Hoskins video

Founder & CEO, Michele Foods                 

Her determination, ingenuity and passion turned a coveted family recipe into a nationally recognized product loved and enjoyed by millions. For over 25 years, Michele has been on the forefront of women business leaders in the Chicagoland area. She’s also a published author and mentor to aspiring entrepreneurs through her Entrepreneur Training program.  

 

Community

Brenda Palms Barber view Brenda Palms Barber video

Executive Director–North Lawndale Employment Network & CEO–Sweet Beginnings

A pioneer in social enterprise and green business whose work has been instrumental in restoring lives and revitalizing the North Lawndale Community through innovative programs, including ‘U-Turn Permitted’ and developing unique public/private partnerships, such as Sweet Beginnings, LLC.

 

Health

Donna Thompson, R.N.,M.S. view Donna Thompson video

CEO – Access Community Health Network & Founder, Pin-A-Sister™ program

Her passion for ensuring availability of accessible, affordable healthcare in communities across northern Illinois, has grown Access to 50 centers, making it the largest network of community health centers in the U.S.  Additionally, she founded the Pin-A-Sister™ program to raise awareness of breast cancer screening to stem the disproportionately high mortality rates in the African-American and Hispanic communities.