NIC honors local women making a difference

North Idaho College celebrated the eighth annual Day of Dialogue to highlight the contributions of prominent women of the area.

Recognizing and celebrating four women — a community member, a NIC student, a NIC alumna, and a NIC employee — the Day of Dialogue Women's History Month event encourages studying notable American women. 

This year the college honored:

• Community member Jeanette Laster
• NIC alumna Laura Tenneson
• NIC student Marian Soderberg
• NIC employee Dodi Stilkey

NIC picked the award winners based on their accomplishments, public admiration and respect, and personal vision, among other achievements. 

"It is important to acknowledge the efforts of people that are making a change," NIC Communication Instructor Tracy Struble said. "The goal is to learn how to engage with our community, take on a leadership role leading in front or even supporting behind the scenes, and to be inspired by how women are making a change in their own way within our surrounding community." 

Struble said the event is designed to encourage conversations about issues critical to women and how to develop a pathway moving forward. This year NIC hosted Connie Krupp, a life and health coach and owner of Wellness4Life, as the virtual keynote speaker.