LAS VEGAS – WithIt, the women’s leadership development network for the home and furnishings industry, honored the winners of its Wow Awards at its annual gala during Las Vegas Market.
Winners included: Visionary Award: Laurie Tokarz, CEO and president, Restonic Mattress Co.; Leadership Award: Lisa Adair, senior vice president, global design and merchandising, Ashley Furniture Industries; Mentoring Award: Valerie Underwood, vice president, group sales-Midwest, Loloi Rugs; Education Award: Lark Shirley-Stevens, executive director of marketing and membership, Furniture First; Sales Excellence Award: Heather Bolick, senior vice president of sales, Manwah: Future Leader Award: Stuart Stump Mullens, partner at Stump & Company.
The mission of the annual Wow Awards is to spotlight women in the home and furnishings industry and to honor and celebrate their outstanding work throughout their careers. Wow Awards recipients are nominated by their peers, and the ceremony recognizes female business leaders and emerging professionals who have demonstrated significant impact through their work, experience, and industry contributions. Wow Awards nominees are exemplary stewards who shepherd their companies, help them grow their businesses, and support the design, retail and trade industries.
The Leadership Award recognizes the contributions of a woman who has demonstrated successful leadership in her company, WithIt and the home furnishings industry. Leadership Award nominees are Sheila Long O’Mara, executive editor, Furniture Today and Kate Caddy, director of sustainability, International Sleep Products Association (ISPA).
The Mentoring Award honors a company or individual for their efforts to foster advocacy, development and promotion of women in their company and the industry. Mentoring Award nominees are Jessica Green and Madeline Stewart, press and marketing, Mustard Seed Market & Home.
The Education Award recognizes an individual who has put forth significant effort to educate associates, retailers and consumers about home and furnishings. Education Award nominees are Jane Dagmi, Ericka Saurit, Jessica Duce, co-founders of the Vacation Rental Design Summit (VRDS).
The Sales Excellence Award recognizes a woman who is extraordinary in sales, demonstrates excellence in education and relationships with her customers, and shows exceptional commitment to the company she represents. Sales Excellence Award nominees are Alex Kennerly, national sales director, Luxe Interiors + Design; and Lynne Carroll, Midwest sales, Valdese Weavers.
The Future Leader Award honors a young woman in the industry who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and the potential to become an industry leader. Future Leader nominees are Maddie Landers, marketing director, Interior Design Society, and Maggie Henning, director of e-commerce and marketing, Liberty Furniture.
