Announcing the 2024 Brave Women Project Pillar Awards: Celebrating Bravery and Leadership in Our Community
“The Pillar Awards are about celebrating the bravery that often goes unnoticed,” said Holly Joy McIlwain, founder of the Brave Women Project. “These women are not only pillars in their own lives but also in the lives of so many others. We are honored to share their stories and celebrate their contributions to our community.”
“In 2022, I attended a prestigious awards luncheon that celebrated extraordinary achievements by women in the Pittsburgh region,” said Kelli Komondor, BWP board member and creator of the Pillar Awards. “Witnessing the recognition of such powerful and transformative stories, I envisioned the Brave Women Project hosting a similar event—one that not only celebrates women’s incredible acts of bravery but also inspires others to reach for greatness.”
The 2024 Pillar Awards will take place on Friday, November 15 at the Sheraton Station Square, bringing together leaders, influencers, and supporters from all walks of life to honor the achievements of these exceptional women.
The 2024 Nominees are:
Maria Allshouse | Maria Allshouse – Executive Lifestyle Coaching
Kate Bays | Virtual Agility
Abby Bolton | Abby Bolton Arts
Dr. Rachel Book | Lincoln Learning Solutions
Jenna Bosi | 412 Foster Project
Cat Bruno | Babesburgh
Morgan Cable | HEARTH
Beth Caldwell | Pittsburgh Professional Women
Adrianna Deithorn | Wish, Hope, Dreams, Inc. and Face2Face Healing
Bethanie DeLuca | Bethanie Deluca State Farm Insurance
Sandy Diaz Haley | SDH Communications
Jennifer DiLucia | Spill With Me Jenny D.
Elizabeth Echevarria | Living in Liberty
Marissa Escajeda | Strong Women Strong Girls
Kelly Fetick | Landis Consulting Group
Diana Froats | MSA Safety
Lynzy Groves | Alzheimer’s Association
Julie Hooks | Butler Health & Fitness
Tarasa Hurley | Keller Williams
Jennifer Hyde | cfs bank
Kristy Knichel | Knichel Logistics Inc.
Markeya Lowry | When She Thrives
Danielle Maurer | cfs bank
Melissa McCauley | West Jefferson Hills School District
Michele McGough | solutions4networks
Erica McIlroy | Green Heiress Retreats
Ariel Meadows | Bridgeway Capital
Liz Mims | Dress for Success
Kelly Moore | cfs bank
Carrie Nolan Robson | Northside Northshore Chamber of Commerce
Samantha Petrick | UPMC for You
Lindsay Pfister | LPK Coaching
NicoleReihl | Flashpoint
Ginny Rothschild Reisinger | Workscape Inc.
Melanie Rutan | Bookminders
Heidi Sadecky| Townsend Leadership Program/Western PA
Miranda Safran | Louis Plung & Company
Leigh Solomon Pugliano | Equity Impact Center
Kate Speer
Darla Timbo | Atlas Counseling Services
Ellie Tourney
Holly Turkovic | EverLine Coatings and Services – Greater Pittsburgh
Rachel Winner | Pittsburgh City Paper
Kim Zapf-Beatty | AT&T
For more information on the 2024 BWP Pillar Awards, including sponsorship opportunities and ticket sales, please visit https://www.bwp.life/ or contact Kelli Komondor at kelli@k2creativellc.com. All media inquiries can be directed to Kelli Komondor or Holly Joy McIlwain at hollyjoymcilwain@gmail.com.
About Brave Women Project: Brave Women Project exists to develop opportunities for women of diverse backgrounds to move into brave action through conscious choice and intentionality within our spheres of influence. BWP uses the 5 Es for Life – Educate, Empower, Encourage, Engage, and Evolve – as a guide for women to promote equity through developing in four core areas: Relationships, Professionalism, Impact, and Wellness.