Ten outstanding women in Maricopa County were named honorees in the YWCA’s Tribute to Women 2001 Awards.  The annual awards recognize women whose lives and accomplishments reflect the YWCA’s mission to empower women and eliminate racism.

In the category of Entrepreneur/Professional, the honoree is Denise Meridith. Denise Meridith currently serves as Arizona State Director for the Bureau of Land Management. In her 27 years with the Department of the Interior, Denise has developed many projects and programs which have enhanced the quality and quantity of services for minority communities. Her efforts have resulted in bringing together community members, agency leaders and elected officials to determine how to increase minority employment within the agency, increase sensitivity of agencies to the needs of minorities in planning, environmental justice and design of recreation facilities and signage; and increase the use of minority contractors. Denise has volunteered her knowledge and time to the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce where she served as its immediate past president. In this leadership role, Denise increased membership from seven to 160 and raised more than $100,000. Through her professional work, Denise co-created the Wonderful Outdoor World (WOW) program which introduces minority youth to outdoor recreation and camping. She designed the Hospitality Program to encourage minority high school students to pursue careers in recreation, tourism and hospitality; and assisted in implementing the Rediscover Our American Roots partnership. The public/private partnership exposes tourists to culturally significant sites and programs in the Phoenix area and encourages corporate and political support for preserving and enhancing these areas and resources. Denise contributes her time to many civic organizations including the Black Board of Directors, Herberger Theater Board of Directors, National Association of Female Executives and Executive Women in Government, to name just a few. Denise is a Phoenix resident.

Back to YWCA's 2001 Tribute to Women

All information was provided by The Kur Carr Group, Inc., 815 N. First Ave., Suite 3E, Phoenix, Arizona 85003. Tel: (602)253-5838.
 

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