YWCA honors women for contributions to community

The following area residents were recently honored for their contributions to the community, their leadership, and their reflection of the YWCA mission at the annual YWCA Women of Achievement Benefit Luncheon held Nov. 16 at the Spokane Convention Center.

Ruth Thompson received the Lifetime award for her work in the pool with disabled YWCA members, her support of programs and services offered by the YWCA, sponsoring tables at major fund-raisers and her work on the “Power of Love” luncheon held each June.

Alaina Smith, an honor student at North Central High School, earned the Young Woman of Achievement award for her accomplishments as a three-sport athlete, a member of the Spokane School Board, vice president of ASB, a leader in the New Connections Program for newly enrolled students, participation in the advanced wind ensemble, and her involvement with the 4-H Rambo Riders equine club where she has served as vice president and president.

Anne Marie Axworthy received the Community Service award for her volunteer work with Spokane County United Way, Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery, Inland Northwest Science and Technology Center, Spokane County Planning Commission and the YWCA, where she also serves on the board of directors. She also was awarded for her service as the tri-chair of the Michael P. Anderson Memorial Statue campaign, as director of community relations and public affairs at Avista and for playing an instrumental role in the establishment of the Avista Foundation, for which she currently serves as president and board chair.

Mary Ann Frandsen received the Professional award for her work on the first surgery center at Holy Family Hospital and for helping to found Anesthesia One. She is one of the first certified registered nurse anesthetists in Spokane, and has served as an officer and board member in her professional association since 1963.

Michiko Takaoka received the Art and Culture award for her work as director of the Japanese Cultural Center, Spokane, and for serving as professor and counselor at Mukogawa Women’s University, Nishinomiya, Japan, and at Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute, Spokane.

Ivan Bush is the new equal opportunity officer in the Equity Office for Spokane Public Schools, and received the Carl Maxey Racial Justice award for his many efforts to help diverse students and their families. He has served as the director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center and the Northeast Community Center, has worked with the Spokane Police Department and the juvenile justice system to help avoid racial profiling, has helped to start summer work programs and tutoring programs for teens in the Spokane area, and is a volunteer for many community groups.