Inspiring Spirits

When the Neapolitan Chapter of American Business Women's Association chose the honorees for their annual Women in History event, they looked for females who have demonstrated leadership and integrity in making the community a better place. The three they chose come from different fields but share some attributes: They're working moms who have passionately invested themselves in Southwest Florida. Debi Horvath, Tammie Nemecek and Lois Thome will be honored on March 11 at a luncheon at Hilton Naples and Towers. Proceeds from the event, which is in its third year, will benefit scholarships for local high school students.

"Each one of these women has achieved a monumental level in her individual field," says Sandy Waite, chapter president and co-owner of Platinum Dry Cleaners.

Women's History Month in March is a fitting time to salute women who, through their wisdom and courage, have broken through barriers that once seemed insurmountable, Waite says. It's also time to applaud present-day efforts.

The honorees were nominated by chapter members and selected by a committee of six, according to the theme chosen for the year. This year's theme: Inspiring the American Spirit.