Alexandria women were honored for a variety of accomplishments Monday night at the 26th annual Salute to Women Awards sponsored by the Alexandria Commission for Women.
The Marguerite Payez Lifetime Achievement Award went to Kathy Wilson.
"We were very honored to accept the leadership award on behalf of Kathy. She championed women and their special concerns. So we were honored to accept the award from the Alexandria Commission for Women, said Paul Wilson, Kathy's husband.
Kathy was at the vortex of the women's movement. She was a national political player who twelve years ago gave up politics to get down on her hands and knees to be at eye level with preschoolers. She brought her substantial political skills to helping both pre school children and particularly preschoolers with special needs. Other winners included: Joan Dale, Making a Difference Award; Barbara Wyles, Career Development and Education/Training; Michele Thorell, adult wwinner for Youth Comunity Services; Hiwot Tilahun and Courtney Wu, youth winner for Youth Community Services; Pat Miller, Cultural Affairs; Wendy Albert, Women's Business; Desiree Maxwell, Rising Star; Linda Dwyer, Women's Health and Safety Advocation; Michele Evans, Vola Lawson Awards; Kathy Prudden, Marian Van Landingham Legislation/Public Policy Award.