2001 Woman of the Year Winners

Women's Equality Day
was celebrated in the Pittsburgh Region in August 2001.
In conjunction with this annual observance,
the "2001 Woman of the Year" contest was held. An awards luncheon was held in August 2001, featuring Dr. Helen Faison as the speaker.

Scroll down to see our 2001 winners and finalists.

PROFESSIONAL:



Winner - Lilas Soukup
Computer Specialist, Dept of Energy
- converted all local forms to fillable format incorporating routing and digital signatures
- frequently works weekends and long evenings to ensure tasks are accomplished at an outstanding level
- serves as chair and volunteer for local programs

Finalist - Barbara Carlin
Assistant U.S. Attorney
- successful prosecution of significant fraud cases
- active in a variety of legal and community organizations
- started "Senior Action Coalition", individuals committed to preventing fraud targeting the elderly

Finalist - Ann Kim
Physical Scientist, Dept of Energy
- author credited with 92 published technical papers
- cryogenic slurry patent for extinguishing underground fires
- mentor to employees, Girl Scouts volunteer for 17 years

TECHNICAL:

Winner - Deborah Mackey
Management Assistant, US Army Corps of Engineers
- key member of new information Resource Center Team
- provided greatly improved access to corporate information
- ability to quickly transform from paper-based information systems to digital which are easily shareable on the WEB

Finalist - Dolores Marciniak
Engineering Technician, US Army Corps of Engineers
- assisted with development of new CADD standards for the Charleroi lock replacement project and implementation of new software used by the Engineering Division
- volunteer speaker to women in homeless shelters, displaced homemakers, and college students

Finalist - Georgianna Willetts
Supply Technician, US Army Corps of Engineers
- created property and supply web-pages which received division-wide and national recognitions
- developed automated tool to measure and track procurement of stock record account items
- recommended digital photos to easily identify hundreds of repair parts linked to her inventory database file

STAFF SUPPORT:



Winner - Linda Reed
Management Assistant, Internal Revenue Service
- continuously goes out of her way to provide customers with information needed to get the job done
- extremely cooperative in dealing with new assignments, demonstrates a high degree of flexibility
- a self-starter, takes initiative, seeks management advice when necessary

Finalist - Paulette Manchini
Legal Assistant, US Army Corps of Engineers
- client-focused public servant, views each new challenge as an opportunity to excel
- willing to take on different assignments, seeks out self-development opportunities
- makes the impossible seem routine

Finalist - Mary Ann Shimkus
Workers' Compensation Assistant, Dept of Labor
- devised database programs for tracking office inventory and budget which were adopted by other regional offices
- willingly gives of her time and skills to improve her agency and assists her colleagues
- provides technical guidance and information about the black lung program to claimants, attorneys, coal mine operators and insurance carriers

TRADES & CRAFTS:



Winner - Diedra Burke
Postal Police Officer, US Postal Inspection System
- serves to prevent depredation and loss or damage of postal property and mail on postal property
- monitors electronic security devices that provide surveillance and alarm protection for postal facilities
- currently mentoring a 13 year old child who has been mentally and physically abused

Finalist - Janice Truesdale
Housekeeping Aid, Dept of Veterans Affairs, Pittsburgh Healthcare System
- overcame personal obstacles through hard work, dedication, and a strong will to survive
- while working as a relief housekeeping aid, letters of appreciation were sent regarding her exemplary work, standards of work performance and work ethics
- despite numerous illnesses she is at work every day