(St. Joseph, MO) — Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe has announced the 2024 Women of Achievement Award winners and Natalie Hawn, President and CEO of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, was one of 10 women selected from more than 500 nominated.
The award was established in 2022 by Lt. Governor Kehoe to recognize the diverse accomplishments of Missouri women in conjunction with Women’s History Month.
“My life was greatly impacted by being raised by a single mother of six, and we created this award to honor the incredible accomplishments of women across Missouri,” said Lieutenant Governor Kehoe. “These recipients are diverse in talent and background, from agriculture to entrepreneurship, and community service to leaders in veterans advocacy. We are proud to share the achievements of these award recipients and celebrate successful Missouri women, past and present.”
As president and CEO of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, Hawn oversees all of the Chamber’s activities, including economic development, membership and administration. In partnership with the business community, the Chamber identifies and facilitates the accomplishment of goals that lead to a strong, vibrant business environment.
Besides her official job duties, Hawn is also very involved in the community. She is a United Way volunteer, graduate of Leadership St. Joseph, past president or chairman of the board for the Junior League of St. Joseph, YWCA, Allied Arts Association, Mosaic Auxiliary, Missouri Western State University Alumni and Chamber Executives of Missouri. She also serves on the following local boards: St. Joseph School District Foundation, Specialty Industries, Bode PTA, Innovation Stockyard and the St. Joseph Sports Commission.
At the state level, she is on the Executive Committee and serves as treasurer for the Hawthorn Foundation.
Nationally, she serves in the Air Mobility Command (AMC) Leadership Academy representing the 139th Airlift Wing.
“I am so proud of Natalie for receiving recognition as a Woman of Achievement,” said Ashley Albers, Vice President of Human Resources at Nor-Am Cold Storage and Chamber Chairman of the Board. “Those of us who are lucky enough to know her already understand that she is a tireless advocate for the St. Joseph business community. It is fabulous to see her hard work and dedication recognized at the state level. We are fortunate to have such a dynamic, strong and committed woman fighting for the success of St. Joseph and everyone who lives and works here.”
Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph nominated her for the award.
“It was my honor to nominate Natalie,” she said. “From CEO of the St. Joseph Chamber, to her work with the United Way, and her service as President of the MWSU Alumni Association, Junior League and the YWCA, she works every day to make St. Joseph a better place.”
Other recipients include:
• Rachel Anderson – Springfield • Deidre Anderson-Barbee – Raymore • Trish Erzfeld – Perryville • Lowry Finley-Jackson – St. Louis • Jan Haviland – Linn • Laura Collins – Bell City • Winter Kinne – Springfield • First Lady Teresa Parson – Bolivar • CiCi Rojas – Kansas City • Megan Sievers – Hallsville
The 2024 Women of Achievement Award recipients will be honored at a ceremony at the Missouri State Capitol on Thursday, March 14. For more information and bios on each recipient, please see ltgov.mo.gov.