2017 Woman of the Year
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Norma Peterson
On October 28, 2007 Norma Peterson’s sister-in-law, Stacy Peterson, went “missing” and the journey her family has experienced since that day has run the gamut. It has just been in the last few years that Norma has been able to talk about her family’s experiences. Dealing with the media and the press was an experience in itself, not to mention the general public’s attitude towards the family of the suspect, a scenario Norma would not wish on anyone. It is Norma’s hope that in discussing her experiences, she may be able to change the perception for the families of those convicted or suspected of heinous crimes such as her brother-in-law. Norma has been doing volunteer work with the Roosevelt American Legion Post 84 for more than 10 years and recently re-established the Auxiliary after a 23 year hiatus. |
She has also been a member of the Aurora Fourth of July parade committee for the past five years and volunteers in parade activities. Norma has been a proud member of the SHARE Fox Valley planning committee since its inception in 2009. Norma enjoys putting together the raffle baskets donated from local vendors and small businesses for the annual luncheon that benefits Mutual Ground, a local domestic violence shelter. For the past several years Norma has worked passionately and tirelessly to bring awareness to the existence of the EAA (Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit) which is a viable tool for victims of domestic violence, law enforcement and the judicial system. Norma also assists victims create their own EAA and currently works with local law enforcement and state legislators to establish this in their protocol when working with victims of domestic violence. Norma recently appeared on Crime Watch Daily which filmed her speech given at the 2016 SHARE luncheon. Norma will appear in an upcoming special about Stacy Peterson on the OWN network. For her volunteerism, passion, strength and work on behalf of women, the SHARE Fox Valley committee unanimously selected Norma Peterson as the Woman of
Opening Remarks
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Stephanie Kifowit
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Prior to serving in public office, Stephanie was a registered financial advisor with Morgan Stanley. She has been married to Steve for 20 years and they have two children. They had lived in Aurora for 18 years and have recently moved to Oswego. The family is complete with Steve’s daughter Alexandria, her husband William and their two children. Representative Kifowit is a member of the Roosevelt-Aurora American Legion Post 84, Fox Valley Marines, DuPage County Marine Corps League, Women Marine Association, Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, Aurora Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce and the Oswego Chamber of Commerce and is a founding member of S.H.A.R.E., which is a committee dedicated to supporting efforts against domestic violence. She currently serves on the IL House General Services Appropriation Committee as Vice Chairman, Financial Institutions, Health Care Licenses and Intermodal Infrastructure Committees.
Keynote Speaker
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Patti Vaquez
Patti Vasquez is the host of The Patti Vasquez Show on Chicago’s WGN Radio, a stand up comedian and co-creator of the upcoming series “Patti Happens.” Patti was born and raised in Chicago and is an internationally performing comedian. As a host, Patti quickly claimed the number 1 spot for late night radio. She has appeared as a commentator on WGN- TV Morning News and Fox Good Day Chicago. She also served as a fill-in host for WCIU’s You & Me in the Morning. Patti was recently honored by the National Museum of Mexican Art and The University Of Illinois for her contributions to art and advocacy work. |
Patti has two little boys: Griffin, 12, who is gifted, kind hearted and the best big brother to Declan, 10. Declan is differently gifted, charming and was born with a neurological abnormality called Corpus Callolsum Disorder. Although he is missing a small part of his brain, Declan has made the world a much bigger place for his family and everyone lucky enough to know him.
In 2014, Patti created a company called “With Kind Words” in which she provides consultation for healthcare providers. She urges them to consider the emotional readiness of every member of the team,from the health professional to the caretakers, as they strive to ensure the best possible outcome. She incorporates humor and personal experiences as the mother of a child with special needs to lead her audience on an intellectual and emotional journey. She strives to help audiences recognize how they can incorporate compassionate communication and inspire them to do it well. She has shared her presentation with humor and heart for groups such as the Central DuPage Hospital, Iowa Department of Education, The Hope Network and Gilda’s Club.
While still hosting her eclectic and wildly successful radio show, Patti began working with ABC to develop a sitcom based on Patti’s life. She graduated from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana with a degree in History. She later disappointed her parents by dropping out of Northwestern’s Ph.D program to become a stand up comic. It all worked out in the end. Or at least, so far so good.
In 2014, Patti created a company called “With Kind Words” in which she provides consultation for healthcare providers. She urges them to consider the emotional readiness of every member of the team,from the health professional to the caretakers, as they strive to ensure the best possible outcome. She incorporates humor and personal experiences as the mother of a child with special needs to lead her audience on an intellectual and emotional journey. She strives to help audiences recognize how they can incorporate compassionate communication and inspire them to do it well. She has shared her presentation with humor and heart for groups such as the Central DuPage Hospital, Iowa Department of Education, The Hope Network and Gilda’s Club.
While still hosting her eclectic and wildly successful radio show, Patti began working with ABC to develop a sitcom based on Patti’s life. She graduated from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana with a degree in History. She later disappointed her parents by dropping out of Northwestern’s Ph.D program to become a stand up comic. It all worked out in the end. Or at least, so far so good.
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Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor this year
Distinguish Officials & Supporters
Senator Linda Holmes — http://www.senatorholmes.com
State Rep Linda Chapa La Via — http://www.lindachapalavia.com/
State Rep Stephanie Kifowit — http://www.stephaniekifowit.org/
State Rep Linda Chapa La Via — http://www.lindachapalavia.com/
State Rep Stephanie Kifowit — http://www.stephaniekifowit.org/
