About Us
Our Mission
Our Mission
We are Republican women recognizing women who have set the standard in their chosen profession and community endeavors. This program recognizes the great achievements of amazing women whose work in our community may otherwise go unnoticed.
We are Republican women recognizing women who have set the standard in their chosen profession and community endeavors. This program recognizes the great achievements of amazing women whose work in our community may otherwise go unnoticed.
About Us
About Us
The Women of Distinction Awards Program & Gala launched on April 7th, 2017 by the Republican Women of Cape Coral. After four years we decided to make Women of Distinction it's own entity. From the beginning, this distinction has been awarded to more than 48 women throughout Lee County, FL. These women have worked tirelessly in their chosen professions and in our community. Because of these Women of Distinction, Lee County is a better place to live, work and play for all.
The Women of Distinction Awards Program & Gala launched on April 7th, 2017 by the Republican Women of Cape Coral. After four years we decided to make Women of Distinction it's own entity. From the beginning, this distinction has been awarded to more than 48 women throughout Lee County, FL. These women have worked tirelessly in their chosen professions and in our community. Because of these Women of Distinction, Lee County is a better place to live, work and play for all.
When we looked within our own community, we saw amazing women leading, working, and making positive change. If there was a need, they filled it. If there was a problem, they solved it. We felt their efforts needed to be recognized. And we have done just that!
When we looked within our own community, we saw amazing women leading, working, and making positive change. If there was a need, they filled it. If there was a problem, they solved it. We felt their efforts needed to be recognized. And we have done just that!
In 2017, proceeds benefited local charities, nonprofits, and the Cape Coral Mayor’s Scholarship Fund. In 2018 we got to work creating the Frances Keogh Second Chance Scholarship, awarding multiple scholarships to women needing to elevate their situation whether it be with a degree, higher education, or technical training. Frances Keogh is the recipient of the first Women of Distinction Lifetime of Leadership Award and spent her 97 year life leading and helping women who have been abused, and to become successful in business.
In 2017, proceeds benefited local charities, nonprofits, and the Cape Coral Mayor’s Scholarship Fund. In 2018 we got to work creating the Frances Keogh Second Chance Scholarship, awarding multiple scholarships to women needing to elevate their situation whether it be with a degree, higher education, or technical training. Frances Keogh is the recipient of the first Women of Distinction Lifetime of Leadership Award and spent her 97 year life leading and helping women who have been abused, and to become successful in business.
Women of Distinction candidates are nominated by their peers, family, and friends. Any woman can be nominated. To be considered, they must be living in, or have significant influence in Lee County, FL. They must also be a registered Republican.
Women of Distinction candidates are nominated by their peers, family, and friends. Any woman can be nominated. To be considered, they must be living in, or have significant influence in Lee County, FL. They must also be a registered Republican.
The Women of Distinction Awards Program is operated by two committees. The Program & Gala committee and the Selection committee. Our Chairpersons have been truly amazing, working tirelessly to elevate the event each year while maintaining the utmost integrity in our “blind selection” process. Because of them, this award is now a household name in the community.
The Women of Distinction Awards Program is operated by two committees. The Program & Gala committee and the Selection committee. Our Chairpersons have been truly amazing, working tirelessly to elevate the event each year while maintaining the utmost integrity in our “blind selection” process. Because of them, this award is now a household name in the community.
Jenna Persons-Mulicka
2023 Honorary Chairwoman
Russ Winstead
2018-2023 Chairman Selection Committee
Amira Fox
2022 Honorary Chairwoman
Missi Lastra
President/Founder
Marty Wisher
Vice President
Christina Cook
Treasurer
Previous Chairpersons:
Program & Gala Committee Chair
2017 – Pati Smith
2018 – Rana Erbrick
2019 – Susan McNamara
2020 – Susan McNamara
2021 - Jennifer Nelson
2022 - Amira Fox
2023 - Jenna Persons
Selection Committee Chair
2017 – Stacy Lomonaco
2018 – 2023 - Russ Winstead