Nominations are now being accepted for the second annual Leader Publications’ 2026 Women of Impact Awards. The deadline for nominations is Dec. 31.
Four women will receive awards this year. The awards recognize local women who are dedicated to positively impacting their communities, often without being noticed. The awards provide an opportunity to celebrate hardworking women who may not typically receive public recognition but whose behind-the-scenes contributions make a lasting difference, said Katelyn Mary Skaggs, digital marketing manager for the Leader.
“We really want to find women in the community who have unfortunately gone unnoticed, someone who really makes this community run and deserves all the accolades but hasn’t gotten them,” she said. “We would like to rectify that.”
Skaggs said anyone may nominate a woman for the award. The nomination form may be found at myleaderpaper.com/celebratingwomen.
The form will ask for information about the nominee, such as her occupation; connection with organizations or businesses; how she has impacted the community; and why she deserves to be nominated. Nominees should have a connection to Jefferson County, Eureka or Wildwood.
Skaggs said nominations will be kept on file and considered for up to three years.
“Everyone who was nominated last year who did not win will be in the pool again this coming year because while we only honor four women, there are so many amazing women in our community, and we want everyone to have a shot at getting this award,” she said.
Skaggs said it’s still a good idea to send in nominations for women who previously were nominated.
“Even if you think someone may have been nominated last year, it’s still helpful to nominate her again,” Skaggs said. “One of our Women of Impact last year received eight nominations, so she was a clear standout for all the work she does in the community.”
Skaggs said the award winners will be selected by a committee made up of last year’s four Women of Impact Award winners – Kim Byerly of Imperial, Jackie Greer of Hillsboro, Janet Monsen of Pevely and Debbie Staufenbiel of Arnold.
The 2025 winners will be honored during the Leader’s third annual Celebrating Women event, set for 6-10 p.m. Friday, March 6, at The Marquee on Main, 516 Bailey Road, in Crystal City.
Celebrating Women event
Tickets for the Celebrating Women event will go on sale Dec. 31 and may be purchased through the Leader’s website and at the Leader’s office, 503 N. Second St., in Festus.
This year’s theme for the event is “Boots and Bling,” and attendees are invited to dress in a way that combines jewelry with western wear.
“Think of rhinestones meet cowgirl,” Skaggs said. “You may dress up in jeans and jewels, you may put on a fancy dress and some boots, whatever makes you feel like a fabulous cowgirl.”
A photographer will be on hand to take photos of attendees.
Skaggs said the title sponsor for the event is the Jefferson County Optimist Club, which has sponsored the event since its inception.
“We’re extremely excited about the partnership. That organization is a fabulous group of women,” she said. “I don’t think the community really knows how much work they do.”
Skaggs said other event sponsorship opportunities are still available to local businesses and organizations. Anyone interested in sponsorships should reach out to Skaggs at katelynmary@myleaderpaper.com for more information.
The event will include many fun activities, like a dinner catered by Kettelhut’s Smokehouse, games, raffles and prizes.
Charity partnership
All proceeds from the event’s 50/50 raffle will benefit the event’s charity partner, Monarch Jewelry, which creates quality, artistic jewelry and accessories as a way to raise funds to fight against sex trafficking and child sexual exploitation.
“They collect old jewelry and craft new jewelry and sell it to raise awareness funds to fight sex trafficking and child sexual exploitation,” Skaggs said. “Monarch Jewelry is based out of south St. Louis County, but many of the women who help run the organization are from here in Jefferson County, and they do a ton of good work. Sex trafficking, unfortunately, targets women the most, and the Leader always makes sure we pick a charity that will have a helpful impact for women.”
The Leader will also accept donations of new, old and broken jewelry to give to Monarch Jewelry for its mission.
All jewelry, from costume to fine jewelry, is welcome, including earrings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches, chains, silver-plated flatware, crystals from chandeliers, jewelry supplies, beads, broken gold and silver.
Donations may be dropped off at the Leader office.
For more information about Monarch Jewelry, visit monarchjewelry.org.