20th Annual Women of Distinction Awards Dinner

Keynote Speaker: Judy Davis, Executive Vice President
and Chief Legal Officer, BlueCross
BlueShield of South Carolina

Girl Scouting exists to transform today’s girls into tomorrow’s leaders. Girls today face many critical issues including school bullying, childhood obesity, teen pregnancy, issues of self-esteem, substance abuse and pressure to perform in school. Participation in Girl Scouting is proven to make a life-long difference. As the largest girl-serving organization in the country with more than three million members, the Girl Scouts of South Carolina - Mountains to Midlands annually identifies exceptional women in the Columbia community who have role modeled the positive leadership values expressed in our Girl Scout Promise and Law. Each spring, these Women of Distinction are honored at a gala in Columbia, SC.

First launched in 1993, the Women of Distinction Event is a recognition and fundraising dinner that celebrates and honors outstanding women from the Midlands area for their professional accomplishments, service to others, and impact on their community. Each year the Girl Scouts call upon the public to help identify women who exemplify excellence both through their professional achievements as well as their community volunteerism. Honorees are chosen based on four criteria: professional/community leadership, professional/community service, strong role model for girls and community visibility.

One of the highlights of this event is a video presentation in which selected honorees have the opportunity to share the contributions they have made in improving the quality of life in our community. Their achievements and visibility set a powerful example for our 17,300 girls and volunteers in Mountains to Midlands' 22-county service area. For information on nominating a Woman of Distinction, attending the awards dinner, or sponsoring the event, call 1-800-849-GIRL.

2013 Honorees

• Cynthia B. Cooper: Vice President, Government Programs Compliance Office with BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina

• Sara B. Fisher: Chief Operating Officer with NBSC

• Elizabeth “Liz” McMillan: General Manager, Gamecock Sports Marketing, University of South Carolina

• Elise Partin: Mayor of Cayce, SC and Adjunct Faculty, School of Public Health, University of South Carolina

• Barbara Willm: Vice President of Community Relations with the Lexington Medical Center