Texas City-La Marque Chamber Announces 18 Finalists forthe 2021 Women in Leadership Awards

(August 11, 2021) At a time when all businesses are looking for ways to recruit and retain employees,
the Texas City-La Marque Chamber launched an awards program that gives members a way to reward
valued female workers. Nominations were sought in July, and now the Texas City-La Marque Chamber is
proud to announce the Finalists for the inaugural Women in Leadership Awards (W.I.L.A.).
The finalists being announced today are being lauded for their integrity, passion, humility and empathy,
and for fostering collaborations, being a servant leader, uplifting others, and adding value to others.
“We received forty-eight nominations for women leaders in this community. These wonderful
nominations have been so inspiring! We are looking forward to sharing the stories of the 18 finalists
over the next few weeks,” said W.I.L.A. co-chair Mandie McMillan Crowder of RE/MAX Coastal.
In a special section of the Galveston County Daily News on September 11, the inspirational leadership
stories of all of the award finalists will be shared. There will also be social media posts and Chamber
newsletter articles on the women.
The Texas City-La Marque Chamber is proud to announce these 18 finalists in the six W.I.L.A. categories:
Education
Debbie Fuller, Texas City ISD/Guajardo Elementary
Lisa Watson, College of the Mainland
Gina Welsh, Santa Fe ISD Education Foundation
Large Business
Monica Eaton, Texas First Bank
Stacey Malbrough, AMOCO Federal Credit Union
Charis Pollard, Associated Credit Union of Texas
Small Business
Stephanie Bailey, WellNow Health
Bonnie Baty, Karat Creations Jewelry
Nicole Baxley, Sphaerus Inspections, Envirogyn, Dike Dogs
Woman-Owned Business
Doreen Hughes, Open for Business Consulting
April Jones, Queen’s Attic Boutique
Courtni Tello D.D.S, Tello Smiles
Non-Profit/Volunteer
Ami Cotharn, Galveston County Health District
Judy Garcia, CASA of Galveston County
Hillary Gramm, Higher Up Texas
Young Professional
Eleanor Kwik, Valero
Colleen Martin, City of La Marque
Jennifer Price, City of Texas City
“The goal for this program is to allow local businesses to honor key women in their organizations and
inspire others to strive for excellence in their professional and personal lives,” said Chamber Board
Chairwoman Georgia Meyer Barzilay of Karat Creations Jewelry.
Chamber President Page Michel explained that “the awards have been judged by a panel consisting of
founding members of the Chamber’s Women in Business networking group and representatives from La
Marque City Council and Texas City Commissioners.”
One winner in each category will ultimately be announced and celebrated at the Women in Leadership
Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, September 15, at the Doyle Convention Center in Texas City.
“We’re also proud to announce that a portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated in the
name of each award winner to a charitable organization of their choice,” said Women in Business
committee chair Caytlyn Stanley of Hospitality Health ER.
Tickets for the luncheon are $25 per person or $200 for a reserved table for six. Additional event details
are on the Chamber’s website at www.TCLMchamber.com. Reservations can be made online, by sending
an email to reservations@texascitychamber.com, or by calling the Chamber office at 409-935-1408.

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About the Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce
The mission of the Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce is to serve members and enhance
economic and community development. The Chamber’s vision is to be recognized as a vital resource,
providing relevant, innovative and impactful programming that produces a healthy business climate and
an enhanced quality of life.
The United States Chamber of Commerce has awarded the Texas City-La Marque Chamber with 4-Star
Accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the
community. The Accreditation designation tells chamber members as well as the greater business
community, this is an organization that has effective programs, sound finances, and is a strong advocate
for their interests. Less than 3 percent of all chambers in the United States are accredited. More
information is online at www.TCLMchamber.com.