12 women honored for contributions in Northern Colorado

FORT COLLINS — Twelve women from Northern Colorado were recognized Wednesday with this year’s Women of Distinction awards, a BizWest program to acknowledge the contributions of female leaders in the region.

Leading Lady Paula Edwards received a standing ovation from attendees. As a community leader, Edwards said she was involved in the community fundraising effort to build the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. The museum leadership and committee raised more than $27 million.

Edwards and 11 others – selected by previous recipients of the award – represent multiple categories of business and nonprofit activity. 

Those honored, along with their categories of award, include:

• Banking and Finance: Becky Ezzell, founder and owner, Keep Smart Books.
• Business and Business Services: Deana Lemos-Garcia, human resources manager, Hensel Phelps.
• Education: Keiko Krahnke, professor of management, Monfort College of Business, University of Northern Colorado.
• Emerging Leader: Brittany Schmeeckle, community engagement manager, Weld Food Bank.
• Exceptional Volunteer: Alyssa Wells, coordinator, Loveland Business Partnership.
• Government, Energy and Utilities: Tricia Canonico, member, Fort Collins City Council. 
• Health Care: Anjanette Mosebar, vice president for human resources, UCHealth.
• Leading Lady: Paula Edwards
• Manufacturing: Carrie Pelton, vice president for operations, wireless semiconductor division, Broadcom.
• Nonprofit: Sarah Swanty, executive director, Animal Friends Alliance.
• Outstanding Mentor: Terri Pappas, board member, Greeley Dream Team.
• Real Estate: Erin Brady, broker, C3 Real Estate Solutions.

The award event was 5:15 to 7 p.m. at the Marriott Hotel, 350 E. Horsetooth Road, Fort Collins.

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