2023 TeamWomen WaveMaker Awards

WaveMakers are pioneers in their field who are respected by their employers and/or peers. They demonstrate outstanding leadership and serve to help the Minnesota business community, while helping women achieve their own goals. Help us celebrate, recognize, and support those who have made a profound impact on our community!

UNDER 40 PHENOM AWARD

The Under 40 Phenom Award recognizes women under 40 who are making waves through demonstration of an outstanding achievement, demonstration of entrepreneurial spirit and initiative or through leadership within their profession and/or the community in this early phase of their career.

UNCHARTED TERRITORY HONOREES

Recognizes women who have excelled in a typically male-dominated profession or industry. They are trailblazers; they inspire and encourage others to have a similar impact.

COMMUNITY IMPACT HONOREES

Recognizes women who make giving back to the community and/or youth a top priority in ways that promote the development of others, either through their work or through volunteer efforts.

OUTSTANDING MENTOR HONOREES

Recognizes women who consistently make a profound impact on the trajectory and advancement of other women’s careers.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Presented to a woman who emulates all of the award categories. Her legacy inspires individuals and organizations to pave the way for future leaders.

With a career deeply rooted in child protection, Anne began her impactful journey at CornerHouse in 1993. What was initially meant to be a transitional position soon revealed her true calling and passion.

CornerHouse, one of the pioneering Children’s Advocacy Centers in the United States, has always stood out as a leader in the field. The work they do is challenging, trauma-based, and multi-disciplinary. Anne’s role as a Forensic Interviewer and Trainer has allowed her to actively contribute to the ongoing process of reviewing research, developing training materials, and collaborating with professionals from around the world. This collaboration has been instrumental in pushing the field forward, making it more effective, trauma-aware, and strong in knowledge.

Anne is not just an ambassador in the global community, but a reluctant leader, a lifelong learner, and a true champion for children. Her unwavering commitment to keeping kids safe and advocating for their well-being is the driving force behind everything she does. Anne has left an indelible mark on the field of forensics and the lives of those she has had the privilege to serve.

EMPOWER RISING STAR AWARD

Our new Empower Rising Star Award recognizes an Empower Leadership Academy attendee who has applied skills and strategies from the academy to their life and is impacting their community. They demonstrate one or more of the 4 pillars of Empower (Leadership, Confidence, Well-Being, & Resilience) through self-growth and impact on others within their school, academics, team(s), and/or community.

Avery Seed, a participant at our Empower Leadership Academy hosted by Medtronic, showcased a remarkable commitment to self-empowerment that inspired everyone around her. She is a determined individual who is not afraid to chase her dreams and make them a reality. From calling recording studios to launch her music career, creating a blog with her best friend during the Covid pandemic, to moving away from home a year early to pursue her musical dreams at Perpich, Avery has actively taken steps to achieve her goals. Moreover, she believes in the importance of showing others, especially girls her age or younger, that anything is possible with hard work and determination. Avery’s journey is a testament to the valuable lessons on confidence, resilience, and leadership development that she gained at the Academy, which will undoubtedly serve her well as she continues on her path of self-empowerment and inspiring others.