Eight Exceptional Women honored for community, professional and personal contributions
David Pace
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Women connected with women across a variety of backgrounds at an annual awards banquet recognizing exceptional ladies in the region.
The Alturas Institute, a non-profit organization promoting democracy and women’s rights, held its “Conversations with Exceptional Women” ceremony Thursday at the Downtown Event Center in Idaho Falls.
The event’s theme “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once,” recognizes the myriad responsibilities and hats women manage on a daily basis.
Previous Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper received the John and Abigail Adams Award recognizing her service to the city across three terms in office for 12 years.
“You can do anything you want if you are motivated enough and you take the time to educate yourself and get there and do something,” Casper said.
Other women honored at the event include:
Randy’L Teton, the model for Sacajawea on the 2000 U.S. one dollar coin and author of the graphic novel “It’s Her Story: Sacajawea.”
“I am the official model for the Sacajawea golden dollar coin that was released in 2000, and ever since then, it’s been a big responsibility to represent not only my family and my tribe, but all of Native American women and women of color,” Teton said. “We’re from the same tribe. She is from Salmon, Idaho, and it’s important just being able to share her story and keep her legacy alive.”
Kris Millgate, an Emmy-winning outdoor journalist, previewed and spoke about her upcoming film “Sage Wisdom West,” which premieres at 7 P.M. on April 2 at the Colonial Theater.
Karole Honas, a former Local News 8 anchor with about four decades of broadcast experience, emphasized the importance of engagement with a wide variety of media sources to cut through bias prevalent in much of today’s media environment.
Dr. Heather Pugmire, an OB/GYN from Blackfoot, addressed women’s health. She has delivered more than 1,500 babies in 13 years.
Lisa Morton, a certified pilates instructor trainer and Idaho’s sole Certified Merrithew Instructor Trainer was also recognized. She is a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader.
Alturus Institute Board of Directors Chairwoman/political scientist Dr. Caroline Heldman and film producer Christine Kunewa Walker were also honored but were unable to attend.
“My message to other women is continue to be brave, continue to dream big,” Teton said.
