Women in Leadership Award winner announced by Rotary

Reflecting society in 1905, the Rotary organization was limited to male members and remained so officially until 1989, when the Council on Legislation, Rotary’s parliament, voted to eliminate the male-only provision, opening up membership to qualified women across the world. However, the forward-thinking Rotary Club of Edina welcomed its first female member, Chrysanne Manoles, a year earlier in 1988. Manoles continues to be active in Rotary.
 
In Manoles’ honor and to celebrate the work of women in the community, the Rotary Club of Edina established an annual women’s leadership award in 2008. Previous winners include Dr. Laurel Wills, Ann Byrne, Donna Tilsner, Terrie Rose, Katey Taylor, Ruth Valgemae and Kim Foote.

 

The 2015 Women in Leadership honoree is Kris Marshall, Connecting with Kids director for the Edina Community Foundation. She was honored at the May 21 Rotary Club of Edina meeting. Kris has made a great impact with the Edina Community Foundation in her first two years serving as director of the Connecting with Kids program. While accepting the award, she gave thanks to all of her family, friends, and co-workers. Many were present at our meeting to celebrate her honor today. 

 

At the May 21 meeting, last year's Women in Leadership Award winner Kim Foote, of the 50th & France Business and Professional Organization, was one of the program speakers. She was joined by City of Edina Economic Development Manager Bill Neuendorf, who talked about the latest upgrades in the 50th & France area.