Language Translation
  Close Menu

Torchbearer Awards

2024 Photo Gallery

View photos 

2024 Photo Gallery

2023 Photo Gallery

View photos 

2023 Photo Gallery

2023 Photobooth Gallery

View photos 

2023 Photobooth Gallery

2022 Photo Gallery

View photos 

2022 Photo Gallery

Creation of the Torchbearer Awards

In 2004, the Torchbearer Awards were initiated to honor the accomplishments of Indiana women in their communities, state, and nation as outlined in IC 4-23-25. As a state entity, the Indiana Commission for Women (ICW) administers this annual recognition, celebrating the achievements of talented women across diverse industries and roles within Indiana. A Torchbearer epitomizes a trailblazer who, through her courage, resilience, and compassion, emerges as a guiding light. Leading by example, she sparks inspiration, igniting a flame that illuminates pathways for others to follow. Titled “Torchbearers,” these remarkable women carry forth the torch for Indiana’s women to follow. The statue of Victory atop the Soldiers and Sailors Monument at Monument Circle was chosen to symbolize these awards. Victory embodies the character and achievements of our esteemed recipients, while the flame she holds aloft not only beckons other women to follow but signifies the brilliance Hoosier women have brought to our state and communities.

Customarily, each year the award ceremony takes place on the 4th Wednesday of September from 6:00-8:00pm. The event is free to attend, funded by contributions from sponsors. Registration for the ceremony begins August 1st.


Award Descriptions

Each year six [6] recipients are selected, five [5] Torchbearers and one [1] Lifetime Achievement recipient.

Torchbearer: This is granted to a woman who exemplifies unwavering dedication to philanthropic service, social change, fostering hope, and demonstrating a deep understanding of humanity’s needs. Torchbearers come in many forms. She may be actively engaged in her community and persistently working to enact positive change, yet her achievements may be only known to those in her community. A Torchbearer may be a woman who has opened her heart to the spirit of hope and worked to achieve social change. A Torchbearer may be a woman who has made outstanding or pioneering contributions to society.

Lifetime Achievement: This is bestowed upon a woman whose significant contributions, whether in her professional endeavors or through personal leadership, have left a lasting impact on the state of Indiana. Recipients must have demonstrated a lifelong dedication to advancing women’s progress in society.


Criteria for Nominations

The nomination window begins April 15th and ends on May 24th. 

  • Nominators must complete and submit a Nomination Application. No late entries will be accepted. Once the application is submitted no edits, revisions, or attachments will be accepted.
  • The Nomination Application must be submitted online via the application below to be eligible.
  • Completed questions must provide detailed and descriptive examples in the space allotted. A complete Nomination Application consists of the completed questions, one [1] letter of support, and one [1] resume or one [1] descriptive biography.
  • Completed questions must provide detailed and descriptive examples in the space allotted.
  • The one [1] letter of support must be signed and dated and include contact information for the author. The letter of support should be presented on a letterhead. The letter of support is to be written by an individual other than the nominator.
  • Nominators may re-submit nominees who have not been chosen as an award recipient in a prior year.
  • Nominators will receive a confirmation once a nomination has been received.

Nominator Expectations
  • Nominators will receive a notice if their nominee is not selected as a recipient.
  • Nominators of chosen recipients will be asked to present their award at their ceremony alongside an ICW Commissioner. If the nominator is unable to attend the ceremony, a recommendation must be made for the recipient’s presenter.
  • Nominators of chosen recipients will be asked to present their award at their ceremony alongside an ICW Commissioner. If the nominator is unable to attend the ceremony, a recommendation must be made for the recipient’s presenter.
  • Nominators are responsible for crafting a 3-minute (450 word) presentation for the award ceremony.
  • Nominators of the chosen recipients will receive one [1] ticket for the ceremony.

Awardee Expectations
  • Award recipients will receive three [3] tickets (one for themselves and two for guests) and reserved seating for the ceremony.
  • Award recipients' names, bios, and photos will be published for editorial, marketing, and/or promotional materials.

The Selection Process

All completed and eligible nomination packages are reviewed by and selections are made by members of the Indiana Commission for Women (“Commissioners”)


The nomination window is now closed.

If you or your organization is interested in sponsoring the event, please contact info@icw.in.gov.


Torchbearer Award Supporters


Torchbearer Recipients (2004 - Present)

YearAwardName
2024TorchbearerDr. Kalyani Gopal
2024TorchbearerDr. Nichole Wilson
2024TorchbearerJustin Phillips
2024TorchbearerKelly Vates
2024TorchbearerMel Raines
2024Lifetime AchievementChief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt
2023TorchbearerAnushree Bag
2023Lifetime AchievementBibi Hahrami
2023TorchbearerInez Evans
2023TorchbearerMarlene Dotson
2023TrailblazerJudge Nancy Vaidik
2023Heart of IndianaDr. Nicky Jackson
2023Keeper of the LightPaige Wilkins
2022Young Women of PromiseRaeVen Ridgell
2022Keeper of the LightMary Russell
2022Lifetime AchievementDr. Judith Monroe
2022Heart of IndianaHolli Harrington
2022TrailblazerConsuelo Lockhart
2022TorchbearerAmy Hanna
2020TorchbearerJudge Wendy Davis
2020Heart of IndianaTamika Catchings
2020Keeper of the LightMarisa Kwiatkowski
2020Lifetime AchievementAnn Murtlow
2020TrailblazerAngela B. Freeman
2020TorchbearerAndie Hine-Lagemann
2019TorchbearerRabbi Sandy Sasso
2019TorchbearerHolly Renz
2019TorchbearerEsther Lewis
2019TorchbearerEstella Moss
2019TorchbearerDeborah Chubb
2019TorchbearerBrandi Smith
2019TorchbearerAudrey Taylor
2018TorchbearerDonna Zimmerman
2018TorchbearerTina Walters
2018TorchbearerKendra Vanzo
2018TorchbearerRupal Thanawala
2018TorchbearerJennifer Pope Baker
2018TrailblazerMajor Nila Miller-Cronk
2018Heart of IndianaBrenda Gerber Vincent
2018TorchbearerSarah Demmon
2018Keeper of the LightMelinda Clark
2018TorchbearerTammy Butler Robinson
2018TorchbearerJudy Brown
2018Lifetime AchievementDr. Kristina Box
2017TorchbearerLisa Wilken
2017Lifetime AchievementLinda White
2017TorchbearerSandy Vance
2017TorchbearerCatheryne Pully
2017TorchbearerCarol Curran
2017TorchbearerTerra Brantley
2017Keeper of the LightCheri Bradley
2017TrailblazerBarbara Boyd
2016TorchbearerHelen Seirp
2016TorchbearerKitty Rose
2016TorchbearerJulie Rizzo
2016TorchbearerKelly Mitchell
2016TorchbearerKelly McBride
2016TorchbearerAnn Manion
2016Lifetime AchievementSusan Hardwick
2016Keeper of the LightTina Cardarelli
2016TrailblazerLinda Bennett
2015TorchbearerKathy Schoettlin
2015Heart of IndianaToby Strout
2015TorchbearerCynthia Newman
2015TorchbearerAngie Lewis
2015TorchbearerDottie L. King
2015TrailblazerSue Anne Gilroy
2015Lifetime AchievementNimbilasha Cushing
2015TorchbearerKathy Cabello
2014TorchbearerEllen Rosenthal
2014TrailblazerMargret Robb
2014TorchbearerJulie Lynn Myers
2014Heart of IndianaTerri Morris Downs
2014TorchbearerDeborah McMahan
2014TorchbearerAlison Martin-Brooks
2014Keeper of the LightVelshonna Luckey
2014Lifetime AchievementJoyce Irwin
2014TorchbearerLisa Harris
2014TorchbearerCathlin Gray
2014TorchbearerAngela Espada
2014TorchbearerSue Ellspermann
2014TorchbearerBetty Cockrum
2014TorchbearerTerri Austin
2013TorchbearerKathy Reehling
2013Young Woman of PromiseShanel Poole
2013Heart of IndianaGinny O'Connor
2013TorchbearerBobbie Magley
2013Heart of IndianaNancy King
2013TorchbearerLyn Isbell
2013TorchbearerMary Roberta Heiman
2013TorchbearerDeborah Hearn Smith
2013TorchbearerAnne Hathaway
2013Lifetime AchievementJeanne Hagelskamp
2013TorchbearerMary Aurtrey
2012TorchbearerVernell Thomas
2012Lifetime AchievementViola Taliaferro
2012TorchbearerMarilyn Skinner
2012TorchbearerDana Renay
2012Heart of IndianaCarolyn Pearson
2012Keeper of the LightMelissa Martin
2012TorchbearerLisa Jeff
2012TorchbearerCathy Holloway Hill
2012TorchbearerCarol Dawson
2012TorchbearerLaura Ciriello-Benedict
2012TorchbearerDiane Buyer
2011Heart of IndianaKatie Stam
2011TorchbearerDessie Partenheimer Koch
2011TorchbearerJanice Montgomery
2011Lifetime AchievementHarriet Miller
2011TorchbearerMaria Larrison
2011TorchbearerCynthia Hubert
2011TorchbearerCheryl Joan Hillenburg
2011TorchbearerMaria Del Rio Hoover
2011TorchbearerSusan W. Brooks
2011TorchbearerTanya R. Bell
2011TorchbearerElaine Bedel
2011TorchbearerEllen K. Annala
2010TorchbearerMargaret S. Washburn
2010TorchbearerBetsy Voss Lease
2010TorchbearerCrystal S. Meadows
2010TorchbearerAida McCammon
2010TorchbearerGerry Hollingsworth Jones
2010TorchbearerBarbara Holder
2010TorchbearerVida Harley-Bridges
2010TorchbearerJanie Chenault Craig
2010TorchbearerSally Brown Bassett
2010TrailblazerJoan Uebelhoer
2009TrailblazerBecky (Rebecca) Zaseck
2009TorchbearerDorothy Webb
2009TorchbearerPatricia A. Wachtel
2009TorchbearerMary R. Rouse
2009TorchbearerIrene Queiro-Tajalli
2009Lifetime AchievementAnita Price
2009TorchbearerTasha Phelps
2009TorchbearerJuana Orellan Watson
2009Service to CountryCarol A. Mutter
2009Women of PromiseJessica Moore
2009Heart of IndianaPat Koch
2009TorchbearerCelestine Johnson
2009TorchbearerAngie Hicks
2009TorchbearerCaterina Cregor Blitzer
2009TorchbearerBarbara Corn Mitchell
2009TorchbearerMargaret J. Blythe
2009Keeper of the LightJanet Allen
2009TorchbearerMiriam Acevedo Davis
2008Heart of IndianaFay H. Williams
2008Community SpiritGazella Summitt
2008Lifetime AchievementCarole Stein
2008TorchbearerBeth Stein
2008TorchbearerMarjorie Soyugenc
2008TorchbearerErin Slater
2008Spirit of HopeBren Simon
2008Keeper of the LightV. Sue Shields
2008TorchbearerYvonne H. Shaheen
2008TorchbearerLinda Rendleman
2008TorchbearerMelissa Proffitt
2008TorchbearerAndrea Myers
2008TorchbearerEllen Moore
2008TorchbearerSusan Laikin Shifron
2008TorchbearerMarie Kevin Tighe
2008TrailblazerJanna Foxx
2008TorchbearerSarah Evans Barker
2008TorchbearerChristina Ernst
2008TorchbearerBillie Dragoo
2008TorchbearerSusan Crosby
2008TorchbearerDiana Brenner
2008TorchbearerKristen Kris Bertrand-Glomski
2008TorchbearerBeth Bechdol
2008TorchbearerElizabeth Robinson
2008TorchbearerLettie Oliver
2008TorchbearerBetty Blankenship
2006TorchbearerSusan Williams
2006TorchbearerKristen Tucker
2006TorchbearerPhyllis Thompson
2006TorchbearerBecky Skillman
2006TorchbearerGlenda Russell
2006TorchbearerJennifer Ruby
2006TorchbearerDawn Rosemond
2006TorchbearerJoyce Q. Rogers
2006TorchbearerBecky Pryor
2006TorchbearerRita Price Simpson
2006TorchbearerBeverly Pitts
2006TorchbearerOra Pescovitz
2006Lifetime AchievementMarjorie O'Laughlin
2006TorchbearerPatricia Miller
2006Community SpiritPat McQuade
2006Keeper of the LightMarissa Manlove
2006TorchbearerConnie Lawson
2006Women of PromiseNatasha Johns
2006TorchbearerAnn DeLaney
2006TorchbearerJulie Davis
2006Heart of IndianaNicholette Clements
2006TrailblazerVirginia Caine
2006TorchbearerMary Kay Budak
2006Spirit of HopeKim Boyd
2006TorchbearerJanice Beesley
2006SpecialTheodore Guerin
2005TorchbearerMitzi Witchger
2005TorchbearerCatherine Winslow
2005TorchbearerAnne K. Shane
2005TorchbearerMary Lou Schnell
2005TorchbearerJulie Novak
2005TorchbearerConnie Nass
2005TorchbearerDianne H. McCabe
2005TorchbearerCarolene Mays
2005Torchbearer Teresa Lubbers
2005Keeper of the LightEva Kor
2005TorchbearerPatricia Keiffner
2005TorchbearerDiane Kavadias Schneider
2005TorchbearerSheila Jenkins
2005TorchbearerJo Ann Gora
2005TorchbearerMary Jane Gonzalez
2005Women of PromiseKelly Frank
2005TorchbearerClaudette Einhorn
2005TorchbearerAlecia A. DeCoudreaux
2005Vision for TomorrowCarol D'Amico
2005TorchbearerHeather Bolejack
2005TorchbearerBonnie Bazata
2005Community SpiritAngela Barron McBride
2005Heart of IndianaPatricia G. Barnes
2005TrailblazerVirginia Dill McCarty
2005Lifetime AchievementMargaret Curtis
2005TorchbearerAlta Chrapliwy
2004TorchbearerVirginia M. O’Leary
2004Hear of IndianaJulia Carson
2004Lifetime AchievementJane S. Fribley
2004TorchbearerMarjorie J. Albohm
2004TorchbearerMary Bennett
2004TorchbearerMartha O. Chiscon
2004TorchbearerKatherine Lyon Davis
2004TorchbearerMary Joan Dickson
2004TorchbearerAna Guisti
2004TorchbearerLucy Himstedt
2004Women of PromiseAlexandra Holderman
2004TorchbearerCordelia Lewis-Burks
2004TorchbearerJane H. Martin
2004TorchbearerAndrea McCord
2004TorchbearerDonna Gore Olsen
2004TrailblazerMyra C. Selby
2004Hoosier AmbassadorJudy H. Singleton
2004TorchbearerJoyce A. Sommers
2004TorchbearerGlenda J. Steele
2004TorchbearerPatricia Anne Treadwell
2004TorchbearerCecilia Weber
2004TorchbearerSue Webster
2004Community SpiritCharlotte Zietlow