Advertising Woman of the Year

The Advertising Woman of the Year Award (AWOY) has recognized outstanding leadership by a Woman in the Chicago Marketing Community since 1958. One of the oldest and most prestigious annual awards celebrated by the Chicago Advertising Federation, the AWOY recipient has made innovative contributions to the advertising profession, worked towards raising the standards of the advertising profession, and supported others in the industry through professional, civic and community activities.

 

CRITERIA

  • Contributions to the Advertising Profession: Nominee’s work is in the following area(s): advertising agency, advertiser, media or technology contributing to the advancement of marketing. Nominee has contributed to the profession through the development of concepts, innovations or practices. Noted contribution to her company and/or industry in the last 12-18 months. Nominee is a member of her company’s senior leadership team.
  • Mentorship & Community: Nominee has contributed to the development of others in the advertising industry through professional, civic and community activities. Is considered a role model of many, notably women.
  • Residence: Nominee has significant industry experience (generally considered to be +20 years) with the majority of her career spent in Chicago and currently lives in the city or greater Chicagoland area.
  • Additional Criteria: Nominations should list other awards, citations, publications, and honors the nominee has received, as well as a short bio, head shot, and personal recommendation as to why a candidate should be considered for selection as the Chicago Advertising Woman of the Year.

Nominations for the 2026 Advertising Woman of the Year are now OPEN! Deadline has been EXTENDED to November 14th!

Click here to submit a nomination

Past CAF Advertising Woman of the Year Recipients

  • 2026    TBD
  • 2025    Judy Toland
  • 2024    Sofia Colucci
  • 2023    Danielle Austen
  • 2022    Marla Skiko
  • 2020    Lizette Williams
  • 2019    Tina Manikas
  • 2018    Esther Franklin
  • 2017    Laurel Flatt
  • 2016    Morgan Flatley
  • 2015    Trish Chuipek
  • 2014    Laura Desmond
  • 2013    Susan Credle
  • 2012    Jackie Woodward
  • 2011    Lisa Donohue
  • 2010    Nina Abnee
  • 2009    Karen Sauder
  • 2008    Lisa Cochrane
  • 2007    Dolores Kunda
  • 2006    Fay Ferguson
  • 2005    Yvonne Furth
  • 2004    Marlena Peleo-Lazar
  • 2003    Carla R. Michelotti
  • 2002    Renetta McCann
  • 2001    Dana Anderson
  • 2000    Linda Wolf
  • 1999    Tonise Paul
  • 1998    Andrea Murphy
  • 1997    Cheryl Berman
  • 1996    Carole Darr
  • 1995    Jayne Z. Spittler
  • 1994    Sally Tassani
  • 1993    Karen Randolph
  • 1992    Maureen "Moe" Moore

 

  • 1991    Shari Wall
  • 1990    Susan Gillette
  • 1989    Lynne E. O'Shea Nellemann
  • 1988    Sherren Leigh
  • 1987    Helen C. Schubert
  • 1986    Patricia A. Cafferata
  • 1985    Mary Ann McCarthy
  • 1984    Yolanda Brugaletta
  • 1983    Marilyn S. Levey
  • 1982    Elizabeth Nickels
  • 1981    Susan Kryl
  • 1980    Elizabeth Harrington
  • 1979    Ruth Ratny
  • 1978    Jane Ellen Murray
  • 1977    Carol H. Williams
  • 1976    Dixie Fortis
  • 1975    Charlotte Beers
  • 1974    Barbara Gardner Proctor
  • 1973    Virginia Doetsch
  • 1972    Mimi Rommel
  • 1971    Marion Howington
  • 1970    S. Joyce Turovlin
  • 1969    Rosemary E. Anderson
  • 1968    Lois Patrich
  • 1967    Dorothy E. Demmy
  • 1966    Myrtle Green
  • 1965    Margaret Carson
  • 1964    Helen A. Krupka
  • 1963    Jean Simpson
  • 1962    Prudence Walter Allured
  • 1961    Alice Westbrook
  • 1960    Frances Kennedy
  • 1959    Lavinia S. Schwartz
  • 1958    Gladys W. Blair

 

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