April 16, 2020

Eight women were named winners of EmBe’s 48th annual Tribute to Women awards.

Tribute to Women is the longest-standing award honoring the achievements of women in the region.

“Tribute lifts the good work being done in the community,” said Jennifer Smith Hoesing, EmBe’s chief development officer. “It has never been more important to shine a light on the people who work to make our community strong and resilient.”

This year’s winners are:

• Business achievement: Nikkee Rhody, Central Payments.
• Community service: Kira Kimball, Marsh & McLennan Agency.
• EmBeliever Award: Taneeza Islam, South Dakota Voices for Peace.
• Government and law: Rep. Erin Healy, South Dakota House of Representatives, Sanford Health.
• Health care and STEM: Andrea Polkinghorn, Sanford Health.
• Humanities and education: Cindy Heidelberger Larson, Ground Works/South Dakota Agriculture in the Classroom.
• Young Woman of Achievement: Amy Moore, Lemonly.
• Sylvia Henkin Mentoring Award: Valerie Hearns, USD Sanford School of Medicine.

The winners were selected from nearly 50 nominees.