American Business Women's Association
Eastern Michigan Council
WOMEN OF THE YEAR, TOP 10 NOMINEES, & PROTÉGÉ RECIPIENTS
Eastern Michigan Council
Woman of the Year
2025-2026
Chris Struwe
Novi Oaks Charter Chapter
The EMC Woman of the Year is awarded to a council member who has contributed to the success of the council and/or also to the successes of all chapters within the council.
Top 10 Nominees
2026
Each year, ten members of the Association are recognized nationally for exceptional achievement in the areas of community engagement, professional development and contribution to their league and the National Association. These are known as the Top Ten Business Women of ABWA. Each chapter can nominate one member to be considered for this award as long as they meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the National organization.
Michelle Harm (Suburban Connection Charter Chapter)
Karen Kolc (Novi Oaks Charter Chapter)
Women of the Year
2025
Annually, a Chapter recognizes a member for her outstanding achievements and contributions to the Chapter by selecting her as the Chapter Woman of the Year.
Rita Boyl (Greater Oakland Charter Chapter)
Karen Conway (Greater Oakland Charter Chapter)
Ella DeGraw (Greater Oakland Charter Chapter)
Abigail DeGraw (Greater Oakland Charter Chapter)
Taylor Fanning (Greater Oakland Charter Chapter)
Jo Ann Huebner (Greater Oakland Charter Chapter)
Mary Leonard (Greater Oakland Charter Chapter)
Mary Mills (Greater Oakland Charter Chapter)
Lynn Pomerleau (Greater Oakland Charter Chapter)
Gail Rutowski (Greater Oakland Charter Chapter)
Holly Weshalek (Maia Chapter)
Belinda Kusibab (Northeast Sunrise Charter Chapter)
Janice Jones (Novi Oaks Charter Chapter)
Carol Ann Donnelly (Novi Oaks Charter Chapter)
Nadie Brackins-Holmes (Nu-Lite Chapter)
Julie Sullivan (Suburban Connection Charter Chapter)
Protégé Recipients
2024-2025
The Protégé Award recognizes a deserving first year member for making a valuable contribution to her chapter in the first year of membership.
Tammy Stade (Suburban Connection Charter Chapter)