Women Empowered
Voting is now Open for the EmpowerHer Award Luncheon until October 30th
Cast your vote for the Next Gen Award, Game Changer Award and The Legacy Builder Award
Now is an ideal moment to join Women Empowered! Our platform connects women to support and empower each other in both professional and personal realms. This year's theme, "Balancing Act: Women in Business' Path to Wellness and Success," focuses on equipping women entrepreneurs with essential tools for success.
It's a prime time to engage with influential women. By joining, you'll gain access to abundant opportunities and resources aimed at enhancing your journey.
Contact our Communication & Events Director today to learn more about our initiatives. You can also become an Investor, unlocking exclusive benefits such as membership in our private Facebook networking group, complimentary advertising in our esteemed WE newsletter, featuring your professional headshot in our promotional materials, and more.
Take the next step towards empowerment and growth. Click below to get in touch with us and embark on an inspiring journey!
March Winner
Holly Schell
In 2020, Holly and her family lost their daughter, Grace. Grief takes people to so many places. Holly chose to let grief take her to loving others, to give the love she had for her daughter to those around her, and because of her daughter's life, a hashtag began. using that hashtag and the message her daughter left. Holly, her family, and their board began the #belikegrace foundation. over the past 5 years, that foundation has been spreading kindness to the tri-state in the way of grants, scholarships, emotional support, and love to all they come in contact with. the message and its mission have been so inspiring that people have taken it across the globe, adopted kindness into their own lives, and in 2021, #belikegrace day was announced in the state of Illinois. Holly is a true inspiration in the way she outwardly lives her grief. posting on social media her journey and inspiring others to be the best version of themselves. through her weakness...others find strength to battle their own storm.
Through her daughter's work, Holly has found a way to change others' lives. The foundation has given away 5 college scholarships, become a part of the FCA community offering scholarships to their winners, and has teamed with 7 local schools in 2024 for a polite kindness program that recognizes kids in elementary school who show the #belikegrace message in their own lives and then are recognized through the Amazing Grace program. She has talked throughout the community about her loss and the journey through it. Holly impacts those around her and influences the community by being kind. I do not think there is a single person who has met her that didn't automatically feel like they were loved and welcomed. The generosity of this small nonprofit is inspiring. To be thrown into such a terrible thing like losing a child and then to turn it around to do so much good in our community and the tri-states, I believe Holly embodies everything there is to be said about an empowered woman who is living her story and glorifying God through all she does.
July Winner
Casey Casey
Casey Casey is a dedicated entrepreneur and licensed insurance agent, proudly leading Casey Casey Insurance Agency with Country Financial. With passion for helping individuals, families, and small businesses to protect what matters most, Casey offers a full range of insurance solutions - from life, home, and auto to farm and business coverage. Known for her personalized approach and commitment to building lasting relationships, she's become a trusted resource in the community and beyond.
Over the course of her career, Casey has been recognized with numerous honors including several Agency and Leadership Awards, Agent of the Month recognitions, and achievements such as Bronze Champions Club, All-Star Agent and the prestigious Life Honor Roll. She is consistently ranked as a leading producer at Country Financial, reflection both her dedication to excellence and her deep commitment to the people she serves.
Beyond insurance, Casey is also the proud owner of CC's Coffee Bar, a warm and welcoming drink shop that serves as a local hub for connection and community. Since opening, CC's has grown into a favorite local spot - earning Small Business of the Month from the Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce. Casey brings the same level of passion, integrity, community, and customer-first mindset to the coffee shop as she does to her agency work.
Balancing both business with heart and hustle, Casey is driven by a love for her community and a mission to serve others-whether through protection, support or a great cup of ambition.
I have witnessed firsthand the selflessness that defines Casey. Casey consistently puts others before herself and finds genuine joy in giving back to the community. Whether organizing local fundraisers, volunteering her time, guiding others through life-changing events, or simply offering a helping hand, Casey’s generosity leaves a lasting impression. She is a constant reminder of what it means to lead with compassion, integrity, and purpose.
Casey masterfully balances business with both heart and hustle. Driven by a deep love for her community and an unwavering mission to serve, Casey shows up—whether through protection, support, or simply offering someone a great cup of ambition.
September Winner
Lisa Neisen
Lisa Neisen serves as Administrative Director of Corporate Communications for Blessing Health System in Quincy, Illinois. In this role she oversees marketing, communications, and community relations functions, and she has been instrumental in external communications initiatives such as the system’s “Hospital from Home” program. Lisa’s leadership and responsiveness earned her a “Who’s Your Angel” nomination from a patient family, recognizing her compassionate support and willingness to go above and beyond in helping during a critical care experience.
Lisa is the kind of woman whose impact can’t be measured by titles or recognition but by the countless lives she touches every single day. She consistently goes above and beyond, not because she has to, but because it’s who she is at her core. Lisa is the true definition of a servant-hearted leader — the type of person who will rearrange her own day just to make someone else’s a little brighter or easier.
She is a steady encourager, a problem-solver, and a bright light in every space she enters. Her kindness is contagious, and her actions inspire others to give more of themselves. Lisa embodies what it means to empower women — lifting others up, leading with compassion, and reminding us all of the power of generosity and grace.
Her presence in our community is extraordinary, and the ripple effect of her selflessness will continue to be felt for years to come. Lisa doesn’t just make a difference — she is the difference.
April Winner
Jenna Hull
Jenna Hull's professional journey is marked by dedication, resilience, and a deep commitment to community service, culminating in her appointment as Executive Director of the United Way of Adams County (UWAC) in 2024.
Hull joined UWAC in March 2020 as Director of Programs and Services, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges of transitioning to remote work and limited initial interaction with staff, she ensured the continuity of essential services by setting up a home-based landline to maintain the United Way Helpline. Her proactive leadership was evident when she assembled a team of social service providers within two weeks to address community needs following the closure of the Welcome Inn. In recognition of her efforts, Quincy Mayor Mike Troup awarded her the Key to the City.
In November 2022, Hull advanced to Director of Development and Communication, where she managed marketing, graphic design, and social media, while also engaging with donors and partner agencies. Her leadership has been instrumental in initiatives like the annual Day of Caring, which mobilized volunteers across multiple sites, and the "Leading The Way" campaign, highlighting community collaboration.
Hull's journey reflects a steadfast commitment to enhancing the well-being of Adams County residents through strategic leadership and community engagement.
Jenna Hull has significantly influenced the nonprofit sector in Adams County through her strategic leadership and unwavering commitment to community well-being. Since joining the United Way of Adams County in 2020, she has been instrumental in transforming the organization into a more agile and responsive entity, adept at addressing both immediate crises and long-term community needs.
During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hull demonstrated exceptional initiative by establishing a home-based helpline to maintain critical services for residents. Her rapid coordination of social service providers following the closure of the Welcome Inn exemplifies her ability to mobilize resources swiftly, earning her the Key to the City from Quincy Mayor Mike Troup.
In her subsequent role as Director of Development and Communication, Hull expanded UWAC's outreach and fundraising capabilities, contributing to the success of campaigns like "Starts with You," in 2022. Her leadership in initiatives such as the annual Day of Caring has fostered greater community engagement and volunteerism.
As Executive Director, Hull continues to drive impactful programs, including the implementation of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Adams County, enhancing early childhood literacy. Her efforts in aligning UWAC with global branding initiatives have strengthened the organization's local presence and capacity to serve.
Hull's visionary leadership and dedication have not only advanced UWAC's mission but have also set a benchmark for community-focused nonprofit management in the region.
August Winner
Alta King
Vice President of the Tri-State Area Fundraising Professionals.
Currently the Director of Development for Quincy Arts Center.
DIRECTLY FROM LINKED IN BIO: I'm an award-winning, dynamic development leader who excels in devising targeted donor strategies, securing substantial funds, and driving community engagement. I've raised over $1 million since 2014 when I began my career in the nonprofit world, and generated $.5 million in revenue for a cluster of radio stations from 2011 to 2014. Dedicated to civic involvement, I build authentic and impactful connections at individual and corporate levels. I'm an experienced and talented connector with a rich communications and marketing background, and driven to match resources and support with an organization's mission and values.
Alta King exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose and passion. As Vice President of the Tri-State Area Fundraising Professionals and Director of Development for the Quincy Art Center, Alta has become a trusted voice in philanthropy and a tireless advocate for the power of community.
Since entering the nonprofit sector in 2014, Alta has raised over $1 million in support of mission-driven organizations, consistently exceeding goals through strategic donor engagement and a keen understanding of community needs.
Her previous experience in radio—where she generated over half a million dollars in revenue—further sharpened her ability to connect people and resources in meaningful ways.
But Alta’s influence extends well beyond her professional achievements. She is a visible and vibrant presence at downtown events, always willing to lend her time and energy to causes that enrich Quincy. Her dedication to civic involvement and her natural ability to build authentic, lasting relationships—both at the individual and corporate level—make her a standout leader.
With a rich background in communications and marketing, Alta not only raises funds but raises awareness, ensuring that the missions she supports are heard, seen, and valued. She is more than a development professional—she is a connector, a champion, and a changemaker whose contributions have made a lasting impact on our community.
October Winner
Nancy Benz
Nancy is the Museum & Collections Manager at the Historical Society of Adams County, and founder of Tracking Your History, through which she offers history-related services such as genealogy, historical research and writing, archive consulting, eBay management, and other related services. For over a decade, Nancy has used her passion for history to make it entertaining, accessible, and informational through her work. She is also an active volunteer.
Nancy serves as the Museum & Collections Manager at the Historical Society of Adams County and is the founder of Tracking Your History, a business that offers services in genealogy, historical research and writing, archive consulting, eBay management, and more. For over a decade, she has combined her expertise and passion to make history engaging, accessible, and meaningful to the community.
Her professional journey reflects both dedication and impact. At the Historical Society, and previously as Curator of Collections and Exhibits at the Quincy Museum, Nancy has preserved and celebrated the stories that shape our region. She played a key role as Project Manager for the Adams County Bicentennial Commission, leading the creation of the traveling museum that brought history directly to the community.
Nancy is equally committed to service outside her career. As a new Quincy Art Center Board member, she has been present and hands-on at every event, quickly stepping into the Secretary role to support the organization. She is also actively engaged with the YP (Young Professionals), where she champions community events and consistently helps amplify their reach through social media.
What sets Nancy apart is her authenticity and wholehearted investment. She doesn’t participate in organizations for recognition — she commits fully, putting her energy, skills, and heart into everything she does. Our Community is a stronger, richer, and better-connected because of her leadership, her service, and her unwavering passion for history and people.
May Winner
Laura Sievert- Hesseltine
Laura Sievert-Hesseltine’s journey has been all about connecting people through creativity and making the arts more accessible to everyone. After earning her master’s degree in public affairs, she built a career in nonprofit leadership with a passion for storytelling, community-building, and inclusion. A relentless learner and fierce advocate for the arts, Laura holds degrees from the University of Iowa and the University of Missouri, along with additional credentials in nonprofit leadership and DEI from Northwestern and other institutions.
In her role as Executive Director of Arts Quincy, America’s First Arts Council, Laura has transformed the organization into a true community partner—expanding programming, increasing outreach, and securing major grant funding to support local schools, artists, and cultural organizations. Under her leadership, Arts Quincy has expanded access to arts education, empowered underserved communities, and fostered partnerships that bring creativity and culture to life. The organization has become a model for how local arts councils can drive both cultural and economic growth.
Laura is also a two-time TEDx presenter, national speaker, and advocate for public humanities—helping people think differently about whose stories are told and celebrated. She is the founder of Quincy’s chapter of 100 Women Who Care, inspiring collective philanthropy and community engagement. In 2022, she received the Joe Bonansinga Community Service Award, an honor held by fewer than 30 individuals in Quincy’s history.
Beyond her professional achievements, Laura leads Bleeding Arts, a local blood donation team ranked in the top 1% nationally—a cause deeply personal to her after losing both parents to cancer. By the time you read this, she may have completed another certification, continuing her lifelong commitment to learning and service.
Her journey is one of growth, generosity, and showing others how to lead with both brilliance and authenticity. Through every initiative, Laura’s work reflects compassion, vision, and a deep commitment to making Quincy—and the broader region—more creative, connected, and inclusive. She has strengthened the arts as a force for good across the region and beyond, proving that creativity can build community and transform lives.
Laura Sievert-Hesseltine’s impact can’t be measured by accolades alone, but by the people she’s lifted up along the way. Let’s be honest, she might need an addition to her home just to display all the awards she’s earned. But every single one is well-deserved. She’s a tireless advocate for our community, especially for women, artists, educators, and kids. Whether she’s testifying for arts funding, organizing blood drives, or launching creative programs for underserved groups, Laura shows up and somehow makes even the hardest work look joyful.
She’s that rare kind of leader who pairs brilliance with vulnerability. She shares not just what she knows, but what she’s learned the hard way. As a mentor and motivator, she leads with heart and shows up when it matters most. Laura doesn’t just advocate for the arts and nonprofits; she reshapes what community engagement looks like.
From public health to public art, from policy to personal connection, Laura leads with creativity and purpose. She’s the one cheering loudest when others succeed and the one lifting others when they struggle. She’s helped make Quincy a place where ideas grow and people are valued.
Her influence shows in every mural, event, and donation drive—but more than that, in the lives and leadership she’s helped shape. This nomination reflects what many of us already know: Laura doesn’t just serve the community. She inspires it.
September
Krista Snyder
Krista has made a lasting impact on both her industry and her community through her leadership, volunteerism, and commitment to serving others. As a dedicated Diplomat for The DIstrict, she was recognized as the 2015 Diplomat of the Year, a testament to her enthusiasm, reliability, and passion for promoting local businesses and community growth. She continued that desire to support the business community by becoming a Quincy Chamber Ambassador. She continues to support events, engage with businesses, to ensure the success of community initiatives. In addition to her work with The District and Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce, Krista has been deeply involved in honoring and celebrating our veterans. She plays an integral role on the Veteran's Day Parade committee, working tirelessly behind the scenes to organize and coordinate one of our community's most meaningful traditions. Her dedication reflects her deep respect for service members and determination to honoring them.
Even while balancing professional responsibilities, Krista consistently finds ways to make time for her community.
At work, you will often see her seamlessly managing customer needs while dedicating time to volunteer and support our local community and businesses.
Her ability to excel in her career while remaining actively engaged in community service highlights her outstanding leadership, passion, and positive influence.
Through her professional excellence and selfless community involvement, Krista has set an example of empowerment and leadership that inspires those around her.
October Winner
Caitlin Foss
Caitlin moved to the Quincy area in 2023 to join the CLEAN Restoration team where she is currently the Business Development Manager. She is an active member of the Quincy Chamber, and was the 2024 Ambassador of the Year. She is also active in the Hannibal and Macomb Chamber as a representative for CLEAN Restoration.
Cait is also a member of the Quincy Charter Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association where she is the incoming 2025-2026 President of the board, and was voted as the 2025 Women of the Year. She is an active participant in fundraising and community outreach projects.
Caitlin moved to the Quincy area in 2023 to join the CLEAN Restoration team, where she currently serves as Business Development Manager. In this role, she actively represents CLEAN across multiple communities, engaging with the Quincy, Hannibal, and Macomb Chambers of Commerce. Her commitment and energy were quickly recognized when she was named the Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Ambassador of the Year.
Beyond her professional role, Caitlin is deeply involved in advancing women in business. She is a member of the Quincy Charter Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA), where she was recently elected as the incoming 2025–2026 President. In 2025, she was also honored as the chapter’s Woman of the Year. Through ABWA, she participates in fundraising initiatives and community outreach, consistently demonstrating her dedication to service and leadership.
Caitlin is widely respected for her servant-leadership style. She embraces her guiding principle to “get comfortable with being uncomfortable,” leaning into challenges and difficult conversations in order to move organizations forward. Whether through her work, her chamber involvement, or her leadership in ABWA, she brings vision, courage, and commitment to the communities she serves.
