Shelley Stuven was named Woman of the Year by the Junior League of Indian River at the fifth annual Woman of the Year Luncheon last Wednesday at the Oak Harbor Clubhouse.
“This year’s 14 remarkable nominees are leaders in our community. Not because of what they accomplish but because of how they accomplish it,” said Junior League President Kelly Peters. “They live in a way that enriches the lives of individuals, builds better organizations and ultimately creates a more caring community. We all benefit from their passion and dedication to our community. When I think of the collective impact, the contributions of this year’s nominees have on our community, one word comes to mind: transformation.”
The hardworking committee, co-chaired by Allison Cloughley and Susan Aguirre, received assistance from the Junior League of the Palm Beaches during the selection process to ensure impartiality. “A woman of the year nominee is a woman who demonstrates high ethical standards personally, is a recognized role model, has a strong sense of community responsibility, and is outstanding in her contributions within Indian River County,” said Cloughley.
“I want to raise a glass celebrating the honorees and all of the women in this room but also the potential and tremendous impact the women of this community bring to Indian River County,” toasted Cynthia Falardeau, 2013 Woman of the Year.
Melody Ipolito, firm administrator at Kmetz, Nuttall, Elwell, Graham CPAs, was selected in the Business/Professional Category for her leadership skills. She has guided the firm’s philanthropic activities and commitment to nonprofits, and her work with the United Way and as an ambassador for the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce make her an asset in the community.
Woman of the Year Shelley Stuven, executive director of the Indian River Medical Society, was selected in the Civic/Non-Profit Professional category. Stuven has directly impacted the growth of the We Care program, whose volunteer physicians and other healthcare professionals annually provide free specialty medical services to upwards of 3,000 uninsured patients whose income is up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level.
In 2013 Stuven was asked to form a foundation to help fund non-physician medical services such as prescription medications, cataract lenses, transportation, wound care and post-surgical needs. Her efforts also helped enable the nonprofit to open a clinic at the Gifford Health Center.
“I’ve found that the people who help people not only make a difference but they always lift up the next person,” said Stuven, referencing those she’s worked with along the way.
Melanie Coppola, who founded Live Like Cole in memory of her brother, who was killed by a drunk driver, was selected in the Rising Star category. The 19-year-old has spearheaded fundraising events to support activities and causes her brother enjoyed, such as the construction of a fishing pier in conjunction with the county.
The vivacious Dorie Moore, who celebrated her 75th birthday at the luncheon, was recognized in the Volunteer category for her unceasing dedication to helping others. Moore has volunteered at the Community Church of Vero Beach, with local police and first responders, American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery and Save the Chimps, raised scholarship funds for the Philanthropic Educational Organization and created Sock It to Me, providing socks for the homeless.
“The achievements of these women are testaments of their dedication, passion and commitment to serve their community,” said Aguirre. “Each woman honored here is a beacon of strength and resilience to make a difference in our community.”
Other 2017 nominees: Business Professional – Jacqueline Carlon and Heather Reeb; Civic/Non-Profit – Patti Carter; Rising Star – Nikki Bouldin, Angela Schwerer, Ciara Golliher and Rachel Gambee; and Volunteer – Lourdes Soto, Connie Johnson and Pam O’Donnell.
