AUGUST 2010
Teresa Hormel of Schaumburg
Nominated by Valentina Knapp
Teresa works the morning and after school programs for children with ADHD and other behavioral issues. She does this lovingly and patiently while suffering from Fibromyalgia. She also works as a lunch mom at Nathan Hale School in Schaumburg. She loves her kids and goes the extra mile to see that they are having fun and being educated at the same time.
Click here to listen to Diane's interview with Teresa!
Sister Ann Shaffer of Daughters Of Providence/St. Mary of Providence
Nominated by Rosann Straukas
Sister Ann is the most compassionate person in the world. She runs the soup kitchen at St. Stans Koska where she spends many long hours & when she is not busy at the soup Kitchen she spends her free time with the developementally disabled Ladies that reside at St. Mary of Providence where Sister Ann resides.
Click here to listen to Diane's interview with Sister Ann!
SEPTEMBER 2010
Jackie Bowles
She works as an RN on the behavior health floor at a hospital in Woodstock Il. She helps people on a daily basis. She has also lost a son to suicide and has volunteered her time to help others who have lost to suicide.
Click here to listen to Diane's interview with Jackie Bowles!
Nancy Leschina
Nancy devotes all of her free time to the care of homeless and abused animals. She is at the shelter on weekends, she collects blankets and supplies needed to take care of the 300+ dogs, plus cats and other assorted animals at the Animal Welfare League. She walks dozens of dogs, cares for them, gives them love and affection and becomes a mentor to have them adopted. She goes on location for adoption events and takes a personal interest in adoptees and their new families. She is tireless and selfless and all the animals are so so lucky to have her in their lives. I can't say enough about her efforts. She is a beautiful human being.
Click here to listen to Diane's interview with Nancy Leschina!
Karin Podolski
Karin Podolski is an RN & the Director of Public Health Access at Delnor Hospital in Geneva, IL. Adrienne Varvil nominated her friend because Karin and her department always go the extra mile to help people in the community without insurance. Adrienne says: "Karin is such a great person with lots of charm & grace."
Click here to listen to Diane's interview with Karin Podolski!
OCTOBER 2010
Julie Samuels
Julie has worked as a community organizer for many years in Oak Park, Chicago and the state of Illinois. She works for Openlands and ran as the Green Party Candidate for Lt. Gov but her work dates back to the '60's when she was responsible for legislation stopping redlining and insuring fair housing. Julie is loved by many for her public advocacy and social justice work which took place long before she was paid for it or had her current job for Openlands.
Click here to listen to Diane's interview with Julie Samuels!
Jeannie Triezenberg
I have known Jeannie since high school. I have watched her grow from a secretary to a stay at home mom, to a successful business owner, all the while remaining a well-rounded, loving friend. She just recently saw her only sister through successful breast cancer treatment.
Click here to listen to Diane's interview with Jeannie Triezenberg!
Andrea Densham
Andrea Densham, an Evanston resident, is our vice president of public health and government affairs. She has more than a decade’s worth of experience in public health policy and advocacy, non-profit management and social science research.
Prior to joining Prevent Blindness America, she was the senior public health director directing HIV services for the city of Chicago. At the Chicago Department of Health, she oversaw services for the Ryan White CARE Act the city of Chicago and nine counties including Cook, Lake and Kendall.
At Prevent Blindness America, Andrea oversees a team dedicated to advocating at both the state and national levels for the need for funding for vision care services. Just recently, she helped draft written testimony to the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees which urged Congress to support increased funding for federal vision health and eye programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and at the National Eye Institute. She was also instrumental in securing funds to create a new program from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, part of the Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Prevent Blindness America will use the funds to establish the National Universal Vision Screening for Young Children Coordinating Center, based here in Chicago, that will promote and ensure a continuum of eye care for young children within the healthcare system.
Lastly, Andrea is adjunct faculty at Roosevelt University in Chicago and teaches courses on women’s health policy and current affairs.
Andrea has a passion for public service and has dedicated her entire career to helping others.
Click here to listen to Diane's interview with Andrea Densham!
NOVEMBER 2010
Patti Vasquez
Patti Vasquez, Chicago comedian & host of the Autism Speaks Heroes Ball, Friday, November 12th at Venue One: 1044 W Randolph Chicago. Patti is also the parent of a special needs child and she is active with autism charities. For more information click here!
Click here to listen to Diane's interview with Patti Vasquez!
Neli Vazquez-Rowland
Neli Vazquez-Rowland, President/CEO of A Safe Haven Foundation, a local recovery management and supportive housing program. A Safe Haven is one of the most effective and innovative providers of recovery home services in the Midwest. To volunteer, donate, or seek support services: www.asafehaven.com
Click here to listen to Diane's interview with Neli Vazquez-Rowland!
Dr. Thea Basler
Dr. Thea Basler, Peak Performance Health Care, Chicago. Dr. Basler was nominated by Stephanie Magoon because "she is a positive encouraging force in the world that people should know about." Dr. Basler offers free health workshops & screenings annually. www.pphcc.com
Click here to listen to Diane's interview with Dr. Thea Basler!
DECEMBER 2010
Gemma Nissan
Gemma Nissan, Elk Grove Village, IL. Gemma started Pay It Forward For Autism: PIFFA. She was nominated by her friend Nora Kalve because "she has done so much for families that didn't have a place to turn to for help." Learn more: www.piffa.org
Click here to listen to Diane's interview with Gemma Nissan!
Marjie Kornfiend
Marjie Kornfeind, Community Coordinator Junior League of Kane, DuPage Kendall & Will Counties. Jennifer Brown nominated her friend because she inspires her to do better, and she has perpetual energy to serve those in need: www.JLKD.org
Click here to listen to Diane's interview with Marjie Kornfiend!
Gerri Vaughn
Gerri Vaughn is the founder Bruno's Pro Bone O Pet Pantry in Geneva, IL. Bruno's provides free pet food for dogs and cats of low income, elderly, and disabled people. Gerri's friend James Hanauer said: "She finds great satisfaction knowing that families & their pets will not be separated merely because the family cannot afford food." www.brunospantry.com
Click here to listen to Diane's interview with Gerri Vaughn!
JANUARY 2011
Juliette Milan
Juliette Milan, CEO / President Woman2Woman Coummunity Services. W2W provides victims of domestic abuse with shelter, food, clothing, transportation and protection from their abuser. W2W Volunteer Julie Floyd nominated Juliette for our Woman of the Week! Donate, Volunteer, Get Help: www.W2Wcsi.com
Click here to listen to Diane's interview with Juliette Milan!
Dawn Hancock
Dawn Hancock, Firebelly Design, Chicago, IL. Dawn created "Reason to Give" which provides an innovative way to lend a hand to the Humboldt Park community. Dawn's girlfriend Shannon Downey nominated her because: "She makes Chicago a better place & deserves to be saluted." www.reasontogive.com
Click here to listen to Diane's interview with Dawn Hancock!
Michelle Adler Morrison
Michelle Adler Morrison, CEO Youth Guidance. YG works inside Chicago Public Schools helpng at-risk kids with counseling and youth-development programs.
Learn more: www.youth-guidance.org
Click here to listen to Diane's interview with Michelle Adler Morrison!
FEBRUARY 2011
Jennifer Prell
Jennifer Prell, President, A Senior Connection. ASC is a free service to help seniors find transitional housing. Gail Niksic nominated Jennifer because she has inspired her to equally help enrich the lives of seniors and their families. www.ASilverConnection.com
Click here to listen to Diane's interview with Jennifer Prell!
Jodi Phelan
Jodi Phelan, Founder Fibromites Unite, Joliet, IL. Jodi was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia just seven months after getting married. With the help of her family, she started the support group to help others with this illness and to increase awareness: www.FibromitesUnite.org
Click here to listen to Diane's interview with Jodi Phelan!
MARCH 2011
Georgia Gilligan
Georgia Gilligan, DuCAP Area Project Supervisor. Georgia’s friend James Barber nominated her because: "she believes that giving back is what life is all about." DuCAP helps at risk youth with community programs and support. Learn more: www.DuCAP.org
Click here to listen to Diane's interview with Georgia Gilligan!
Reveca Torres
Reveca Torres, Founder of Backbones, support services for youth and adults with spinal cord injuries. Becky was nonimated by her friend Lupe Sanchez. Check out their beautiful new website: www.Backbonesonline.com
Click here to listen to Diane's interview with Reveca Torres!
APRIL 2011
Heide Metzger
Heide Metzger, founder Massages for Charity. Heide’s friend Kelly Mathieu says: "This is one woman who is going to make a difference." Heide helps set up in home massage parties where 50% of the proceeds go to the charity of your choice. Her charity has gone International! To set up a party or donate: www.MassagesforCharity.com
Click here to listen to Diane's interview with Heide Metzger!
Monica Joyce
Monica Joyce, founder, Slam Dunk Kids for Diabetes. Monica has been a diabetes educator for 30 years. Her sister Judy nominated her for Woman of the Week! Slam Dunk Kids is the only day basketball camp in the US for children with diabetes. Learn more: www.SlamDunkKids.net
Click here to listen to Diane's interview with Monica Joyce!
Leanne Hilgart
Leanne Hilgart, Founder Vaute Couture. Leanne’s love of animals led her to creating a line of cruelty free fashions. She is also an avid supporter of Farm Sanctuary, that works to protect farm animals from cruelty. Learn more: www.FarmSanctuary.org
Click here to listen to Diane's interview with Leanne Hilgart!
Sharon Anderson
Sharon Anderson. Sharon's friend Karen Giammarese nominated her because she is "dedicated to helping those in need in her community and beyond." Everything from collecting winter coats to raising funds to help the Vets to getting food and clothing and gift baskets to families in need. Sharon encourages our listeners to do what you can no matter how big or small to make someone's day a brighter one.
Click here to listen to Diane's interview with Sharon Anderson!
Val Sye- Haritos
Val Sye-Haritos, RN & Volunteer, Naperville Emergency Management Agency. Val's son Nick nominated her because "she is always there to help someone in need." Val is part of the NEMA search and rescue team, and recently received a Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Learn more / Volunteer: www.Naperville.il.us/nema.aspx
Click here to listen to Diane's interview with Val Sye- Haritos!
