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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