CROWN POINT – The spotlight shone brightly Thursday, Sept. 25, as the 14th annual Influential Women of Northwest Indiana Awards Banquet celebrated the region’s most impactful leaders and rising stars.
Organized by the Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association (NWIIWA), the event recognized 258 finalists chosen from 517 nominees, whom peers and members of the public submitted. Each finalist received a medallion during the banquet.
“As this event continues to grow each year, we are reminded of the extraordinary talent thriving across all industries in our region. We are continually inspired by the passion, resilience, and leadership of these women,” said Andrea Pearman, executive director of NWIIWA. “This event serves as both a celebration and a testament to the incredible impact they have on their industries, their communities, and the next generation of leaders.”
During the banquet, two winners, one Up and Coming and one Influential, were announced in each of 13 industry categories. Special awards were also given to an Overall Influential and Overall Up and Coming Woman of the Year, Supporter of the Year, and Community Leader of the Year.
The 2025 Influential Women of Northwest Indiana winners are:
Arts:
- Up and Coming: Dru Downen, Owner, Famous Athletics
- Influential: Jayde McAloon, Founder/Owner, Pieces of Jayde
Business:
- Up and Coming: Lindsey Liesenfelt, Owner/Founder, Truly Teas
- Influential: Gretchen Sipp, Founder and Technology Education Consultant, Nexus Strategy and Implementation
Construction/Manufacturing:
- Up and Coming: Drew Sarkisian, Owner, Modern Edge
- Influential: Kathy Trebiani, Office Administrator, ArcelorMittal USA Research
Economic Development/Government:
- Up and Coming: Amy Blaker, Client Advocate/Government Affairs Specialist, LochmuellerGroup
- Influential: Vanessa Lynch, Executive Vice President, Valpo Chamber & VEDC
Education:
- Up and Coming: Samantha Horn, Director of Belonging & Student Engagement, Purdue Northwest, College of Business
- Influential: Linda Padilla, Principal, Benjamin Harrison Elementary School
Finance:
- Up and Coming: Alicia Perez Johnson, Credit Supervisor, Cleveland-Cliffs
- Influential: Carrie Upchurch, Area Manager, Everwise Credit Union
Healthcare:
- Up and Coming: Faye Stokes, Owner, Michigan City Dental PC
- Influential: Christina Matoski-Timm – FNP-C, Owner, CEO, Nurse Practitioner, New Beginnings Health Center
Law:
- Up and Coming: Amanda Alasauskas, Attorney, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP
- Influential: Kirsten Kaiser Kus, Equity Owner, Downey & Lenkov
Marketing:
- Up and Coming: Claudia Airey, Senior Communications Specialist, NiSource
- Influential: Stacy Travis, Owner, Town Planner of NWI
Nonprofit:
- Up and Coming: Julie West, Founder, The Play for Jake Foundation
- Influential: Dr. Regina Beard, RN, Founder, VicTory 4 Kidz
Real Estate
- Up and Coming: Krystal Zamora, Broker/Realtor, Listing Leaders Northwest
- Influential: Micky Gallas, Broker/Founder Micky Gallas Group, @properties Christie’s International Real Estate
Service/Tourism:
- Up and Coming: Ann Cain, Owner, Bedarra Bar
- Influential: Amy McCarthy, Senior Talent Development Program Manager, White Lodging
STEM:
- Up and Coming: Laura Sigward, Process Safety Engineering Superintendent, bp
- Influential: Julie Peller, Professor of Chemistry, Valparaiso University
Overall Up and Coming Woman of the Year:
- Shelby Case, Media Advisor, Diversified Marketing Strategies
Overall Influential Woman of the Year:
- Kim Roller (Dray), OTS Program Manager, bp
Community Leader of the Year:
- Kelly Anthony, Regional Director, United States Senator Todd Young
Supporter of the Year:
- Ari Hensley, Outreach Director, Lerner & Rowe
Nominations for next year’s event can be made here. Photos highlighting some of the memorable moments from this year’s banquet can be viewed at NWIIWA’s Facebook page.
About NWIIWA: The Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association (NWIIWA) is the premier regional organization dedicated to the professional development of women and their careers. Its mission focuses on providing opportunities for professional growth through leadership, support, and education in a variety of industries. Together with its members, NWIIWA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, supports the continuing advancement of women by bringing together the region’s most successful professionals in all areas of business, industry, and community service.
