Women of Achievement Awards 2025

Women of Achievement Awards

April 10th, 2025

Hotel Julien Dubuque

The 18th Annual Women of Achievement Awards banquet was another huge success. This year we received numerous nominations recognizing 46 women. Thank you to those than joined for a wonderful evening!

Annually, the Women's Leadership Network of Dubuque celebrates women in the tri-state area with the Women of Achievement Awards Event. This event aims to acknowledge and honor women who have made, or aim to make, notable contributions in their professional or community roles.

In each category, awards are given to two women. The winners are selected anonymously by a panel of judges (both male and female) from the following categories:

Up and Coming Leader​

Unsung Champion​​

Organizational Impact​​

Achievements in Her Field​​

Growth & Accomplishments in Personal Life​​

Service and Support of Non-Profit Work​

2025 Winners:

Unsung Champion Winners:

SUE TIMMERMAN

This award recipient exemplifies the essence of an Unsung Champion, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of our organization. Approaching her 40th year as an RN, she has been integral to our Condition Management program since 2004, supporting individuals managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Each week, she makes hundreds of calls to patients, ensuring adherence to care plans and making a long-term difference in their lives. Despite the thankless nature of her job, she remains steadfast in her mission, embodying the qualities of an Unsung Champion through her quiet strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication.

MARCIE ROBBINS

Imagine hearing the words, “You have cancer.” The fear, anxiety, and uncertainty set in. Yet, some patients miss coming in for treatment because of one exceptional radiation therapist. She makes them feel like family, remembering special details about each of the 30+ patients treated daily and working overtime to ensure they receive the care they deserve. Her warm demeanor, respect, and dignity make radiation more tolerable, bringing hope and compassion to a challenging workplace.

Up and Coming Leader Winners:

LAMETRA MURDOCK

This award recipient's commitment to creating an inclusive community is infectious. Since arriving in Dubuque in 2017, she has provided direct service to countless families through the Family Self-Sufficiency Program and worked tirelessly to address systemic barriers for vulnerable populations. In 2024, she became director, collaborating with multiple departments and training staff in intercultural competency. Her dedication is evident in her efforts to make Dubuque a place where everyone feels welcome, supported, and safe.

DANIELLE WILLIS

This award recipient is a passionate leader shaping the future for the youngest in our community. Since joining the organization in 2015, she has demonstrated deep commitment to personal and professional growth, leading program development, community relations, training, and fundraising. In 2022, she became the Director of Early Childhood, driving expansion into early childhood education and leading the anticipated opening of the Early Childhood Center in 2025. Her exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication make her an Up & Coming Leader, guiding Dubuque through initiatives like the Nature Everywhere community.

Achievements in Her Field Winners:

ANDREA MCDERMOTT

In a field where women remain underrepresented, she is a trailblazer making a lasting impact on the manufacturing and foundry industry. Her academic journey reflects her passion for continuous learning, with a Bachelor's in Industrial Technology Management and ongoing Master's studies in Organizational Leadership and Change Management. Rising from Industrial Technician to Foundry Engineer, she now leads key initiatives for our new foundry investment. An active member of the American Foundry Society, she inspires the next generation and is committed to innovation, education, and excellence.

KAYTLAN MOELLER

This award recipient embodies conservation action through education, leading the Mowing to Monarch program for the past four years and expanding its reach. Her presentations have inspired several communities to adopt similar initiatives, improving soil health, water quality, and wildlife welfare. Her innovative approach to enhancing pollinator habitats has influenced best practices in conservation, making the program a model for others. Her efforts have had a transformative effect on the broader conservation community, elevating industry standards and inspiring positive change.

Growth and Accomplishments in Personal Life Winners:

BRANDI HERRING

This award recipient is a proven leader focused on the military veteran community, serving as the Marketing Director for a nonprofit dedicated to female veterans and service members. She enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1999, serving until 2006, and was one of only two women selected for an anti-terrorism mission following the 9/11 attacks. Despite her military career being cut short due to surviving a sexual assault, she advocated for change, improving how the Coast Guard handles sexual assault reporting. Today, she tirelessly serves Dubuque County veterans, expanding the nonprofit's reach and setting an example of strength, perseverance, and service.

RACHEL CALLAHAN

This award recipient is a devoted mother to a young son with a chronic mental health condition, who has become a fierce advocate for her family and others in similar circumstances. She tirelessly ensures children and families have access to vital mental health services, presenting in schools and working directly with families. Her recent feature in the Des Moines Register highlighted her struggles and the critical gaps in children’s mental health care. She has transformed personal challenges into a mission to help others, demonstrating grace, compassion, and exceptional leadership.

Organizational Impact Winners:

RANDI RUSK

Since joining our organization, this award recipient has consistently improved operations, fostered employee development, and ensured top support for drivers and staff. One of her most significant achievements was developing an After-hours department, providing 24/7 assistance and crafting multiple SOPs for efficiency. She is deeply invested in her team's success, offering guidance and support at any hour, and leading with a solutions-oriented mindset. Her impact extends beyond team management, influencing decision-making and enhancing operational efficiency, fostering a stronger workplace culture.

JANE BUSE-MILLER

This award recipient has significantly enhanced our organization's reach and relevance through modernizing community engagement, notably with a daily affirmations campaign that built a devoted following of 8,200 members. Her commitment to preserving our legacy was evident during the 150th anniversary celebration, where she created striking wall graphics and installations. Her creative vision and strategic approach have advanced our mission within the Dubuque community, earning the trust and respect of residents and staff. Her work bridges generations, preserves history, and ensures our message continues to resonate and inspire.

Service and Support of Non-Profit Work​ Winners:

BETH GILBREATH

This award recipient is a powerhouse of kindness, energy, and dedication to the common good. She co-founded an organization in 2016 that now distributes over 2,000 period packs monthly in Dubuque and became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2019. Her leadership is marked by genuine care, balancing strategic planning with hands-on involvement, and inspiring volunteers and community support. She also serves on the boards of other nonprofits, including as president of the Dubuque Rescue Mission and the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, embodying the spirit of service and leadership.

BRITINI FARBER

This award recipient's journey in nonprofit and mental health advocacy began in 2013 when she sought support after a loved one was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. She has since worked tirelessly to support others, becoming the first President and CEO after nearly ten years on the board of directors. Under her leadership, the organization expanded rapidly, opening three wellness centers in less than two years, emphasizing peer-led services and reducing stigma. Her vision, hard work, and commitment have transformed the organization into a vital resource for mental health support, improving countless lives.

Thanks for a wonderful evening!!