Honoring Women Leaders in the Community

In honor of Carolyn Brusseau, St. Paul Rotary's first woman president, the club launched the leadership award in her name in 2021 under the leadership of President Jason Bradshaw.
 
What Does the Award Provide?
 
  • $1,000 cash grant from the St. Paul Rotary Foundation to the charity of the honoree's choice
  • Paul Harris Fellowship in Rotary international
  • One year complimentary membership in St. Paul Rotary (if honoree is not already a Rotarian)
  • Commemorative artwork created by a local woman artist
 
Who is eligible?
 
  • Any woman leader, current or retired, whose work or sphere of influence is the city of St. Paul
  • Nominations must be advanced by a St. Paul Rotarian
 
What is the award criteria?
 
  • A leader who lives out the Rotary Four Way Test, even though she may never have heard of it. Consider situations where she has led a process or made a decision that weighed one or more of the facets of the test.
  • She sets a leadership example for her peers. She charts a new path for women in her field, actively develops the talents and career growth of the women around her.
  • Through her work or community involvement, she helps “breaks the glass ceiling” for women.
Nominations for the 2022 Carolyn Brusseau Award will be posted soon.
 
 
 

Gallery

2021 Honoree: Debbie Montgomery 
In 1975, Debbie was the 1st female officer and the 1st Black woman hired as a patrol officer in St. Paul. A true trailblazer, she persevered and succeeded. She retired as a Commander and became a highly respected educator and mentor to women and girls.
Debbie directed her award grant to
Hallie Q. Brown Community Center
The 2021 Award was created by award-winning potter Leila Denecke, who was a Nagasaki exchange student through Club 10. Leila later studied extensively in Japan at the Tekisui Museum of Art – Ceramic Art Research Institute in Ashiya, (Diploma with Honors). She was commissioned to create a large monument “Stele Mississippi” for the Sister City of Minneapolis – Ibaraki City, Japan.
2021 Honoree: Marianna Sullivan
Marianna has a long connection with St. Paul Rotary through her role as counselor at Harding High School. She has recruited students for Camp RYLA and Centennial Scholarships from Harding and has supported inbound youth exchange students.
Marianna directed her award grant to
Our Lady of Peace Hospice