Port Huron Board Members
Heather Bearden
PRESIDENT
NATIONAL REP
Karynn Carrell
VICE PRESIDENT
Cathy Mills
TREASURER
Lisa Shagena
SECRETARY
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Kenzie Atkins
CO-PROGRAMS
Barb Alexander
CO-PROGRAMS
Lisa Motte
CO-MEMBERSHIP
Melissa Damon
CO-MEMBERSHIP
Gabby Satyrb
MARKETING/COMMUNICATIONS
SOCIAL MEDIA​
Emily Goudy
MARKETING/COMMUNICATIONS
NEWSLETTER
Bonnie DiNardo
PAST PRESIDENT
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Stacey Forbes
NATIONAL
REPRESENTATIVE
Vickie Lemonis
NATIONAL
REPRESENTATIVE
Patti Samar
2026 Woman of the Year
The 2026 Woman of the year is Patti Samar. This prestigious award celebrates a woman whose professional
accomplishments and personal character embody the highest standards, reflecting her dedication, growth, and
commitment to her community. Patti’s colleagues and peers recognize her for her remarkable achievements, her resilience,and her dedication to empowering others, demonstrating generosity, kindness, and boundless energy to uplift those around her.
Patti’s career has been built around a passion for communication, writing, and helping individuals and organizations share their message. Throughout her career, Patti has continued to grow as a communications professional, taking on leadership roles that allowed her to combine creativity with strategy. She served as Director of Communications for Woman’s Life Insurance Society and later as Director of Marketing & Public Relations for St. John River District Hospital, where she helped organizations strengthen their public presence, connect with their communities, and achieve their goals.
In 2000, Patti founded The Write Company, where she continues to serve as Owner and Chief Creative Director. Through her work, she has helped businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations effectively communicate their missions through marketing, writing, branding, and creative services. Her ability to understand an organization’s vision and transform it into a clear and compelling message has made her a respected and trusted professional throughout the Blue Water Area.
Patti’s commitment to communication and community impact is further demonstrated through her role as Editor & Publisher of *Blue Water Woman* magazine and creator of the Blue Water Woman Awards. Through these efforts, she has created a platform that recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments, leadership, and contributions of women throughout the region. Her career progression reflects not only professional achievement but also a lasting commitment to using her skills to encourage, recognize, and inspire others.
WOMAN OF THE YEAR
An award is presented at the Annual Meeting to the woman whose conduct exemplifies the highest standards, personally and professionally, while active in a full-time career. This woman is not complacent with her growth, but continues her education and development in all facets of her life. She is recognized by her professional peers as having achieved success in her field through her efforts and perseverance. She is also recognized as a woman whose quest, personally and professionally, serves as an inspiration to others. She also continually goes out of her way to help and mentor other women. She demonstrates selfless contributions of kindness, time and energy so that others may succeed; sharing information and ideas as well as networking on behalf of women.
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Describe how your candidate fits this definition by completing the enclosed nomination form. In many cases, those making the selection for this award will not know the candidate as well as the person making the nomination. It is, therefore, very important that the nomination be presented conveying the feelings of the nominator about the candidate. It may be advantageous to seek the assistance of someone with good writing skills, if those are not possessed by the nominator.
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Candidates are required to be members. Selection will be made by the Executive Committee of each Chapter’s Board. Members of the Executive Committee are not eligible to be considered. The Chapter may or may not have a nominee for this award each year. Questions may be directed to each Chapter’s Executive Committee.
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON
800 HARKER STREET
PORT HURON, MI 48060
MAILING ADDRESS
NACW PORT HURON
PO BOX 611355
PORT HURON, MI 48061
General Inquiries:
