For Immediate Release

Media Contact:

Carley Allensworth,

Director of Communications

Phone: 309-674-8730

Email address: [email protected]

Peoria, IL — May 11, 2022 — The Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois (CFCI) honored six local women and a young woman who is a high school senior at the Women to Women Leader Luncheon Awards held at the Par-A-Dice Hotel in East Peoria yesterday.  Mayor Rita Ali served as the keynote speaker at the event.  

Mayor Ali provides keynote address at the 2022 Leader Luncheon Awards.

A central Illinois tradition, the Leader Luncheon Awards began in 1978. During the past 44 years, nearly 250 women have been recognized with Leader Luncheon Awards which recognize local women who best exemplify excellence in their chosen professions and a commitment to the success of other women. 

This year's winners are as follows:

• Young Women's Service Award: Rasheedah Na'Allah
• Emerging Leader Award: Audrey Kamm
• Education Award: Cindy Morris
• Arts Award: Eileen Leunig
• Healthcare/Wellness Award: Dr. Meenakshy Aiyer
• Business/Professions Award: Karen Jensen
• Community Service Award: Ronda Guyton

(Left to right:  Eileen Leunig, Rasheedah Na'Allah, Audrey Kamm, Cindy Morris, Dr. Meenakshy Aiyer, Karen Jensen, Ronda Guyton)

The funds raised by the Women to Women Leader Luncheon will, in part, help grow the Women’s Fund endowment and provide grants to local programs and causes that strengthen families and communities by empowering women and girls.

The 2022 Leader Luncheon Awards were sponsored by: 

About the Women's Fund

The Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois is an endowment fund that supports projects that strengthen families and communities by empowering women and girls. When you give a gift to the Women’s Fund, it lasts a lifetime and longer – because we invest the principal and just grant the interest. 

About the Community Foundation of Central Illinois

Established in 1985, the Community Foundation of Central Illinois is a philanthropic resource committed to connecting people who care with causes that matter. For more information, please call 309-674-8730, email [email protected] or visit www.communityfoundationci.org.