Last week’s EmBe Awards celebrated women making a difference in our community—including our very own Shelter and Bright Start Program Director, Kate Feilmeier, who was nominated in the Community and Public Service category.

Volunteer and Development Coordinator Maddie Mortimore shared a heartfelt reflection on Kate’s leadership and the impact she has on those around her. Maddie’s note is a powerful reminder of the guidance, support and inspiration Kate bring to CHS and her team at Shelter. Click here to read Maddie’s tribute.

Hello,

The Embe Awards are an amazing award that I was thankful to attend to show support for the two amazing nominees who attended. The nominees were Kate Feilemier and Amy Carter.

What an amazing blessing that I have had the opportunity to be mentored by both of these influential women. I will start with our amazing Former Director of the Shelter for Family Safety and Bright Start Program, Amy Carter. Although I only worked with Amy for a brief time, she was super influential in my life. She believed in me, guided me and supported me. She offered feedback and new perspectives so I could continue to grow into the person I am today.

I think I can safely speak for all at the shelter when I say our lives, mission and hope are stronger because we had the guidance of this amazing servant leader. While she may have moved to another position in the community, her impact is still very much alive today in the lives of those she impacted.

As for Kate Feilemier, personally, I am so thankful to have her as a leader. She supports, advocates and guides everyone she encounters. If there is something that needs to be addressed, she will address it, guide you through the needed changes and offer support to help you improve. She does this because she sees our value, and when we can’t see it, she helps us see it.

Kate is an amazing leader, advocate and person. She encourages and allows growth and is there in every way we need. The impact that Kate has had in my life will forever be a part of me. I know others would say the same. I could go on and on about the amazing person our leader is—but that would result in a book series.

The biggest, most powerful thing at the Embe’s was watching Kate, Amy, Kobi, and shelter staff cheer for each nominee and winner. Lifting each other up, seeing the value in everyone—and connecting before and after the event—this was so life giving and inspiring.

What an amazing event, night, and Community we have here. The Embes could not go wrong picking a “winner” because everyone who was nominated was amazing.

The impactful and meaningful work all of the nominees and recipients of this award there was surreal. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve with Kate and Amy. They are a light in the community, company and world. We are thankful for them.

Congratulations to Kate and Amy for the nomination, but more importantly, their devotion and impact.

-Madeline Mortimore