Wright inducted to Women Honoring Women
- Mary Lynne Wright, president of Madison Hospital, was among honorees at Women Honoring Women, sponsored by Women’s Economic Development Council (WEDC). CONTRIBUTED
MADISON COUNTY – The Women’s Economic Development Council (WEDC) Foundation honored six outstanding women at its annual Women Honoring Women event on Sept. 15 at the VBC North Hall.
This year’s theme, “When Perseverance Meets Passion,” “stressed the organization’s continuing mission of helping women achieve self-sufficiency and economic independence by providing mentors, development opportunities, grants and scholarships,” WEDC publicist Susan Steinhauser said.
“Women Honoring Women is a very inspiring and uplifting event honoring six outstanding women in our area,” Steinhauser said. “The funds we raised through the event will help our scholars attend college.”
* Lynn Caffery — Executive Director of Tennessee Valley Family Services Inc. “As a survivor of childhood abuse, neglect and trafficking herself, Caffery has dedicated herself to helping others in similar situations by providing programs that help youth,” Steinhauser said.
* Dr. Krishna K. Kakani — Founder, Tennessee Valley OB/GYN Clinic P.C. Kakani has the largest all female OB-GYN practice in North Alabama. She overcame cultural expectations to earn her medical degree, practice medicine, marry and raise a family.
* Kimberly Lewis — CEO, PROJECTXYZ Inc. A single mother working a full-time job, Lewis founded the company, which won 2015 Small Business of the Year and Inc.’s Top 5000 awards.
* Julie I. Locker — Cyber Lead, AMRDEC. Locker works to ensure cyber resiliency for Army Aviation and Missile Systems and became AMRDEC’s first female Associate Director of Weapons Development and Integration Directorate.
* Jan Smith — CEO, S3 Inc. First in her family to attend college, Smith excelled in mathematics and became an engineer. In 1991, she started S3, a successful government contractor. Smith helped in founding the Cap & Gown Project Fund.
* Mary Lynne Wright — President, Madison Hospital. Wright started her career at 19 as a nurse. She served on an open-heart surgery team and led Surgical Services line for 1,100 employees. Since 2011, she has worked as chief administrator at Madison Hospital.
This year’s Presenting Sponsor was Woody Anderson Ford, led by CEO Cathy Anderson. Gold Sponsors were Davidson Technologies and S3 Inc. Silver sponsors included Crestwood Medical Center, Jerry Damson Honda Acura, Huntsville Hospital and Five Stones Research.
For Women Honoring Women event information, visit wedcfoundation.org.
For general information about WEDC, call 256-652-1600, email ed@wedcfoundation.org or visit wedcfoundation.org.
