March 27, 2006 - Since 1998, the Northwest Minnesota Women's Fund has honored 21 women who have demonstrated leadership for improving the quality of their own life or those around them. In our increasingly complex society, the Women's Fund seeks to applaud the efforts of the women who have made northwest Minnesota a better place to live, work, raise families and have fun.

The Women's Fund is asking for your assistance in recognizing these women who live in the counties of Beltrami, Clearwater, Marshall, Hubbard, Pennington, Polk, Kittson, Red Lake, Norman, Mahnomen, Roseau and Lake of the Woods. Nomination forms can be obtained from the Northwest Minnesota Foundation web site or call the Northwest Minnesota Foundation office 759-2057 or 1-800-659-7859.

All nomination forms must be submitted by May 2, 2006. Upon their selection, the Advisory Committee will plan and host receptions in the recipients' hometowns, to be

held in late summer or early fall. "Community Builders" awards are given based on the following criteria:

• Leadership: A woman who through leadership roles has made significant contributions to her community; and through volunteerism, citizenship or community service has significantly improved the lives of women and girls.
• Outstanding Mentor: A woman who has demonstrated wisdom and devotion to helping others; a role model and mentor who has supported and encouraged positive development in young women, and who also shows the characteristics necessary for success while actively sharing her skills.
• Professional Excellence: A woman who has demonstrated leadership and excellence in her work, and whose leadership has benefited her community and/or her company; a role model for other women in achieving success in traditional or non-traditional positions.

Past recipients are: in 1998, Kristin Anderson, Judy Dragseth, Julie Larson; in 1999, Nancy Carroll, Sandra King, Liz Thompson; in 2000, Alicia Haviland, Mary Ann Odland, Kim Peters; in 2001, Pat Campbell, Leah Pigatti, Jeannine Windels; in 2002, Nell DeBoer, Joyce Lockhart, Louise Mengelkoch; in 2003, Kathy Henry, Glenice Johnson; in 2004, Lori Forshee-Donnay, Mary Beth Sargeant and; in 2005, Nancy Tofte and Laurie York.

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation invests resources, creates opportunities and promotes philanthropy to make the region a better place to live and work.