Zonta awards highlight strong women in the community

This area is blessed with many strong leaders who are making a difference in their community.

More than 400 people attended the annual Zonta Women of Achievement Celebration and Luncheon in Cape Girardeau Friday.

Nominees for Woman of Achievement were:

* Candice Davis, media specialist with the Missouri Department of Conservation. Davis is a U.S. Navy veteran and shares her military stories with other young women. She writes a blog at semissourian.com.

* Dawn Dauer, community bank president at The Bank of Missouri. Dauer uses her 16 years of experience to help mentor other young women in the industry.

* Frances Gould, field support manager for the Southeast Region of the Missouri Children's Division. She's had a 38-year career in social services helping women and children.

* Julie Metzger, director of case management and social services at Southeast Hospital. In the field of social work, Metzger mentors others, helps patients and serves on various hospital committees.

* Linda McKinnis, owner and designer of Design Exclusives LLC. McKinnis is an advocate for those affected by sex trafficking.

* Tameka Kyles, college access coordinator at Southeast Missouri State University. She was quoted in the Zonta program inserted in the Southeast Missourian regarding her passion for empowering young women in education and the workforce.

Kyles was chosen as the recipient of the Woman of the Year Award, which was selected by Zonta Club of Jefferson City, Mo.

Also recognized were Dolly Jewel with the Lifetime Achievement Award and Angel Woodruff as the Celebration Award winner.

Jewel has been a volunteer with the Alzheimer's Association in Southeast Missouri, leading a support group at the Lutheran Home.

Woodruff, the first assistant prosecuting attorney for Cape Girardeau County, deals with violent crimes on her case load. She tells women in domestic violence situations to get out.

Each of these women has her own talents, passions and lists of community involvement.

They share a common goal of helping others, and for their involvement in community and willingness to reach out to others, we say thank you and extend our congratulations.