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Women of the Year 2020

Every year, in conjunction with Bank of America, The Spokesman-Review honors women from across Eastern Washington and North Idaho as the Inland Northwest Women of the Year. In this section, we tell their stories and the achievements they’ve accomplished. We share their commitment to making our hometowns better tomorrow than they are today and how they truly inspire and make a difference.

Legacy Women of the Year

  • Diana Wilhite

    An influential force in Spokane Valley politics, business
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  • Debra Schultz

    Digging deep into science, education, business, philanthropy
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  • Jane Johnson

    Leaving her mark on everything from the Community Colleges of Spokane to the MAC to Expo ‘74
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  • Brandie Evans

    Working behind the scenes reveals good character
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  • Nadine Van Stone

    Making thousands of area families’ lives better through Catholic Charities
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This Year's Honorees

  • Betty Dumas

    "Unstoppable" Mama D won’t stop feeding homeless because of pandemic
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  • Poppy White

    Creating an inclusive camp experience, even in a pandemic
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  • Shelly Boyd

    Working for recognition of the Sinixt tribe in NE Washington
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  • Katy Allen

    Liberty Lake administrator navigates growth, pandemic challenges
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  • Toni Meacham

    Blending love of the law with love of ranch life
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  • Jennyfer Mesa

    A co-founder of Latinos en Spokane, Mesa helped build the community she needed, and helps others in the process
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  • Vange Ocasio Hochheimer

    Working towards an "economy that works for everyone"
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  • Melissa Huggins

    Reaching out to artists to see how Spokane Arts can help
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  • Ginger Ewing

    Striving to keep Spokane’s creative energy alive and vibrant
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  • Jai Nelson

    Standing up for public health on Panhandle Board of Health
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