Award
Martha Layne Collins Leadership Award

In 1999, the Martha Layne Collins Leadership Award was created and presented to former Governor Collins for her contributions to the Commonwealth of Kentucky and its people. This award recognizes Kentucky women of achievement who inspire and motivate other women through their personal, community and professional lives. Award recipient is honored at the Women Leading Kentucky Leadership Awards Luncheon held in November.
During her administration (1983-1987), Governor Collins chose economic development and education as the issues that needed attention in order to improve the lives of Kentuckians. The results were a $300 million school improvement package and a new Toyota automobile plant in Georgetown benefiting thousands of individual Kentuckians, businesses, and communities, as well as putting Kentucky on the world map. Governor Collins has also served as President of St. Catharine’s College, Executive in Residence at U of L and Georgetown College, Director of the International Business and Management Center at the University of Kentucky, and CEO/President of the Kentucky World Trade Center. She has served on several national boards and as Honorary Consul General to Japan.
Martha Layne Collins has demonstrated, through her continuing and varied accomplishments, that women can use their leadership abilities, education and determination to master whatever career or profession they choose. Gov. Collins has been involved with Women Leading Kentucky since it was founded in 1999, guiding, inspiring and mentoring the development of programs and people. She served as Chair of the Advisory Council for many years and is an inspiration and role model for women throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond.
Nomination Deadline: June 30, 2022
Nominations
Criteria & Instructions
CRITERIA
The nominee shall be an outstanding woman of achievement who demonstrates transformative and innovative leadership skills by empowering others and fostering effective change within her organization. The award is open to women in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Leadership
Demonstrates leadership by bringing about transformational change inside and outside her profession
Mentoring
Fosters and participates in professional and community mentoring relationships
Commitment to Improving Lives
Shows evidence of professional and community leadership, involvement, and life experiences that results in improving the lives of others
Diversity
Can demonstrate her commitment to diversity inside and outside her profession
Giving Back to the Community
Demonstrates evidence of giving back to women and/or the community
NOMINATING INSTRUCTIONS
Write a letter of recommendation detailing how the nominee has demonstrated and fulfilled the aforementioned criteria. Please include:
- Your contact information (name, title, company, email and phone)
- Nominee contact information (name, title, company, email and phone)
- Nominee bio (or work history/accomplishments/awards)
Email letter of recommendation and/or supporting information/documentation to carol@womenleadingky.com
Award
Past Recipients

Dr. Eugenia Toma
University of Kentucky
2021

Judge Julie Goodman
Fayette Circuit Court
2021

Laura Boison
Truist
2019

Sharon Currens
Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence
2019

Karen Hill
Baptist Health
2018

Elizabeth Griffin McCoy
Planters Bank
2018

Danielle Clore
Kentucky Nonprofit Network
2017

Dr. Ardis Hoven
University of Kentucky
2017

Paula Hanson
Dean Dorton
2016

Dr. Augusta Julian
BCTC
2016

Marta Miranda
The Center for Women and Families
2016

Debra Hensley
State Farm Insurance Agency
2015

Diane Medley
Mountjoy Chilton
Medley LLP
2015

Audrey Tayse Haynes
Sec. of Cabinet for Health & Family Services
2015

Roszalyn Akins
Fayette County Public Schools
2014

Josephine Richardson
Arts Advocate & Community Leader
2014

Cathy Zion
Today’s Woman Magazine
2014
Lindy Karns
Jean Hale
Vicky Yates Brown
2013
Pam Miller
Crit Luallen
Lois Combs Weinberg
2012
Jackie Nicholson
2011
Dr. Mary Sias
2010
Cynthia Shain
2009
Nawanna Privett
2008
Rebecca Messenger Moore
2007
Maria Alamario-Rosenbaum
2006
Jane Stephenson
2005
Lillian Press
2004
Beverly Watts
2003
Alayne White
2002
Kim Burse
2001
Beverly Raimondo
2000
Sharon Darling
1999
Gov. Martha Layne Collins
1999