By Carla Thomas

The American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) held its Annual Regional Recognition Conference at TPC Harding Park Golf Course in San Francisco on July 20.

The event, hosted by the Cities by the Bay and Enterprising Women Networking chapters, brought together members from ABWA chapters of California, Montana, Hawaii and Arizona.

Titled “Crown Jewels,” the program featured Dee Kirtley, who provided a warm welcome and introduced the ABWA national board members and special guests.

The organization’s mission was shared by Shameka Bolds and the history was read by Anassa Stewart. A raffle was conducted by Adrienne Jackson Wright and Jo’Vel Jones. Winners received candles, cash, jewelry, and gift cards.

Honorees included protégé Rosalyn Farmer and Shonette Jones. Person of the Year accolades went to Breanne Carioto, Shameka Bolds, Frances Cohen, Patti Ann Hokama, Marianne Calibrese, Sharon Smith, and Janet Anderson.

“This is such an honor and I’m so grateful,” said Realtor Frances Cohen.

Leveling Up Inner Circle recognitions went to Sandra Overstreet, LaRonda Smith, Velma Landers, Kerrie Underhill, Edwin Dirk, and Dee Kirtley. Elaine Redus was named the Top 10 nominee, the highest honor awarded annually to 10 businesswomen recognizing them for their career accomplishments, community involvement, and their contribution to ABWA.

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Chapters that won the “Best Practices” award included Pathfinder and Windsong.

The Stephen Bufton Grant recipient LaJeanne Shelton, a UC Hastings School of Law student, received a standing ovation for her educational achievements. She was further commended for her poise and professionalism by ABWA national president, Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes.

“Her confidence and personable attitude came through when we met, said Jamerson-Holmes. “The sky is the limit for this young lady.”

ABWA’s National Board of Directors is a volunteer group that governs the organization’s bylaws and serves as trustee for the Stephen Bufton Memorial Educational Fund (SBMEF).

District 6 Vice President Velma Landers received long applause for her leadership and natural ability to recruit new members and galvanize current members.

“I love to see people reach their goals and full potential,” said Landers. “That happens more often when we include and support each other.”

“We believe in helping each other grow personally and professionally,” said ABWA leader, Dee Kirtley.

Tables were decorated with jewels and a note bearing the words, “You are a Crown Jewel.”

The ABWA national board members include Debra Weilbacher, vice president, District 3, Dynamic Connections Chapter in Blue Springs, Missouri; Barbara Pedersen, vice president, District 5, Heart of the Piedmont Chapter in Greensboro, North Carolina; Anne O’Neill, national vice president, Harris County Charter Chapter of Cataula, Georgia; Venice Hall-Fowler, national secretary-treasurer, Women Connecting Women Chapter of Newberry, South Carolina; Sonya Lowe, vice president, District 1 of the Golden Dome Chapter in Atlanta, Georgia; Kim Stengel, vice president, District 2, Women of Vision Express Network in Kingwood, Texas; Cheryl Schmandt, vice president, District 4, Women of Magnitude Express Network in Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Velma Landers, vice president, District 6,

Enterprising Women Networking Chapter in San Francisco, California.

The mission of the ABWA is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support, and national recognition.

For more information, visit: ABWA.org.

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