WOVI, Leading the Wave of Global Change, recognized Linda Valdez Thompson (DFW International Airport) as 2015 Mentor of the Year on Friday, October 16.

Linda Valdez Thompson – DFW International Airport – 2015 Mentor of the Year, with her nominator, Debra Sanford

The Mentor Recognition Luncheon was an exciting program filled with a slate of powerfully accomplished women. Their acceptance speeches made you go, “Ah!” They were very appreciative yet humbled that their nominators would take the time to honor them in such a special way.

Additional honorees and their areas of recognition:

• Dina Sosa – University Enrollment Management
• Jana C. Perez – University Visual Arts
• Judy Hoberman – Corporate Training
• Kathy Seei – Community Visionary
• Linda Flippin – Individual Outreach
• Lisa Patterson – Corporate Staffing
• Michelle Lemming – Health Foundation

These are powerful women with great influence in their respective business sectors. They pursue their passion while naturally mentoring others. They spoke of the strong role models in their lives, and how they wouldn’t have been able to achieve at the level they have without someone else believing in them. They feel mentoring is something they don’t even think about because it is who they are – because of their mentors.

Our Keynote Speaker, Nina Vaca, Chairman and CEO of The Pinnacle Group, spoke passionately about the many mentors she has had during her career. It is because of mentors and advisors who believed in her and gave her opportunities, that she has been able to propel her career into a multi-million-dollar business.

WOVI had a very successful Mentor Recognition Luncheon for 2015, and we ask you to save the date for October 2016, when we’ll have the chance to honor women as they Catch! That! Dream!