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.

Honorees were chosen in 10 categories:  Business Leader, Civic Leader, Communicator, Creative Artist, Educator, Entrepreneur/Professional, Healer/Caregiver, Public Sector, Scientist/Researcher and Sports Leader. Honorees were chosen based on their contribution to the elimination of racism and/or the empowerment of women, exemplification of a belief in the value of diversity, and their demonstration of outstanding leadership qualities in the specified category. This year’s honorees are listed below. Click on their names to see their biographies and a description of their incredible accomplishments for the benefit of their communities.

• Linda Hunt, Chief Administrative Officer, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center (Business Leader)
• Jean Fairfax, Civic Leader; Board Member, Arizona Community Foundation  (Civic Leader)
• Anita Favela Luera, Community Relations Coordinator, KPNX-TV12 (Communicator)
• Janet Arnold, Founder and Producing Director, Arizona Jewish Theatre Company (Creative Artist)
• Betty Fairfax, Retired Teacher/Counselor (Educator)
• Denise Meridith, Arizona State Director, Bureau of Land Management (Entrepreneur/Professional)
• Janet Kizziar, Ph.D., Psychologist (Healer/Caregiver)
• Elaine Scruggs, Mayor, City of Glendale (Public Sector)
• Mary Anderson-Rowland, Associate Dean of Student Affairs, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Arizona State University (Scientist/Researcher)
• Sharon Austerman, Retired Coach/Teacher, Cortez High School (Sports Leader)

Diane Rutherford, community relations manager for The Arizona Republic’s East Valley Bureau, also was honored with the YWCA’s Dorothy Willey Award. This most prestigious award is named for a former long-time YWCA member and volunteer. It recognizes a current member whose commitment to the YWCA, its mission and its programs, has been extraordinary, and whose volunteerism and efforts significantly impact the organization’s well-being.

All of the women will be recognized at the eighth annual Tribute to Women Luncheon, Feb. 15, 2001 at The Arizona Biltmore. Tribute to Women 2001 is sponsored by The Arizona Republic with significant additional support provided by Salt River Project.