Awards
Every year, the Idaho Democratic Women’s Caucus presents three awards at our winter meeting in Boise during the Frank and Bethine Church Gala weekend in Boise.
The Dottie Stimpson Award
The Dottie Stimpson Award honors an IDWC member who has demonstrated perseverance, persistence, patience, passion, commitment, and leadership. This award is designed to showcase the hard work and effort that it takes to get Democrats elected in Idaho.
The award is named for IDWC co-founder Dottie Stimpson. Dottie’s work on behalf of the Democratic Party and the Women’s Caucus has been significant, and in this way, we honor her loyalty, energy, and support. She was a long-time Democratic activist in Washington, D.C., before moving to Idaho in 1990. She was also a former Idaho Democratic National Committee member. In January 2001, the IDWC announced the first annual award in her name.
DOTTIE STIMPSON AWARD WINNERS
- 2023 – Betty Richardson
- 2022 – Sam Sandmire
- 2021 – Kathy Dawes
- 2020 – Elaine Smith
- 2019 – Janie Davidson
- 2018 – Kristi Milan
- 2017 – Donna Pence
- 2016 – Rita Haggardt
- 2015 – Shelley Landry
- 2014 – Jeanne Buell (Lifetime Achievement)
- 2014 – Michelle Stennett
- 2013 – Barbara Barber
- 2012 – Tamara Poelstra
- 2011 – Betty Murphy
- 2010 – Carolyn Boyce
- 2009 – Deborah Silver
- 2008 – Barbara Harris
- 2007 – Salle Gasser
- 2006 – Marilyn Howard
- 2005 – Sharon Van Slyke
- 2004 – Angie Neitzel
- 2003 – Lucille Randolph
- 2002 – Molly Lazechko
- 2001 – Virginia Cole
The Young Distinguished Woman Award
The Young Distinguished Woman Award honors a hard-working and committed Young Democratic Woman in Idaho who has shown through volunteer and/or professional activities outstanding leadership that elevated her above her peers over the past year.
She must be between the ages of eighteen and thirty-five years of age. Young people are the future of our country and their achievements must be recognized and rewarded.
YOUNG DISTINGUISHED WOMAN AWARD WINNERS
- 2023 – Kaylee Peterson
- 2022 – Kati Durkin
- 2021 – Mariel Wilson
- 2020 – Courtney Hamilton
- 2019 – Jessie Boyer
- 2018 – Colette Raptosh
- 2017 – Not Awarded
- 2016 – Rachel M. Anderson
The Marguerite McLaughlin Award
The Marguerite McLaughlin Award honors an elected Democratic woman serving in public office in Idaho. This award is designed to promote a woman who demonstrates a commitment to the success of other Democratic women in the Party organization and for elective office.
Marguerite McLaughlin served nine years in the Idaho Legislature and ten years on the Orofino City Council. During her time in public office, she was an advocate for education, public health, and encouraging economic growth for working people in Idaho. In January of 2021, the IDWC announced the first award in her name to honor those Democratic women who serve our state in public office at all levels of government.
MARGUERITE McLAUGHLIN AWARD WINNERS
- 2023 – Janie Ward-Engelking
- 2022 – Melissa Wintrow
- 2021 – Sally Toone
To Nominate Someone:
To nominate someone who you think would be perfect for one of the above-mentioned awards, please use the form below. The deadline for the 2023 awards is February 24, 2023.