The Daily Record Names Maryland's 'Top 100 Women'

By Susan Kim, STAFF WRITER

Twelve local businesswomen are among those honored by The Daily Record as "Maryland's Top 100 Women" for 2008. Those cited were recognized for their professional achievement, leadership in their community and demonstrated commitment to mentoring. They will be honored at a May 12 ceremony at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore. The list includes:

Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, communications director, Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers. The association is a membership organization serving the needs of grantmakers in the Greater Baltimore region. "I am honored to be among so many inspiring women recognized through the years as a Maryland Top 100 Woman, and am particularly pleased to demonstrate to my three daughters and son that women can balance - to the best of our abilities - family, work, fun and civic responsibilities," said Beaudoin-Schwartz.

Diane Lillibridge Caslow, vice president of strategic and business planning, MedStar Health. "Being considered one of Maryland's Top 100 Women is a truly wonderful achievement and to receive this honor twice is pretty remarkable," said Caslow. "I am proud to be among such a distinguished group of individuals and to have the privilege to share the experiences that have made us who we are today."

Jodi Finkelstein, executive director, Domestic Violence Center of Howard County. The center strives to eliminate domestic violence in Howard County by providing shelter, counseling and advocacy; by increasing community awareness; and by changing societal attitudes. Among other services, the center offers a 24-hour helpline operated by volunteers and trained staff. "I am extremely honored and humbled," said Finkelstein, who jokingly added that "I'm still wondering if they counted the votes correctly."

Eileen Levitt, president, The HR Team. Founded in 1996,The HR Team specializes in outsourcing human resources services. "I have been nominated before and, while being nominated is an honor as well, actually being named to list feels fabulous, especially when you look at others on the list," said Levitt. "You say to yourself, 'Wow, those are some pretty amazing women I am on the list with.' "

Liz Pettengill, vice president, Greater Baltimore Committee. The committee is a regional membership organization of more than 500 businesses, nonprofit organizations, and educational and civic institutions. Members are located in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties. The committee's mission is to improve the business climate of the Baltimore region by organizing its corporate and civic leadership to develop solutions to the problems that affect the region's competitiveness and viability.

Lynne Schaefer, vice president for administration and finance, University of Maryland, Baltimore County. "I am honored to be included on this prestigious list," said Schaefer. "It is a reflection of the important role UMBC plays in this state and beyond, and the support I receive from my UMBC colleagues. I feel honored to be in the company of such a special group of women."

Rosa Scharf, senior vice president, Howard Bank. Founded in August 2004, Howard Bank is Howard County's only locally owned and locally managed community bank. This year the bank was named a "Future 50" winner for the second year in a row by SmartCEO magazine. "I'm incredibly honored and flattered," said Scharf. "To be recognized for doing something you love is really special and significant. I feel very fortunate."

Patricia Wilson Smoot, deputy state's attorney, Prince George's County Office of the State's Attorney. Smoot serves as an adviser to the state's attorney, and provides director supervision for the child abuse, sex offense and domestic violence units, as well as the district court and juvenile divisions. "It is a huge honor to be acknowledged in such a way," said Smoot.

Felicita Sola-Carter, assistant deputy commissioner for human resources, Social Security Administration. Sola-Carter and her staff direct the administration of comprehensive human resources programs, including human capital and planning initiatives, personnel management, labor management relations, employee relations, civil rights and equal opportunity, and training. Sola-Carter is also a recipient of a Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Executive issued by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

Yolanda Sonnier, founder, Randall & Sonnier. Sonnier's law firm specializes in family law, child advocacy, entertainment and general civil litigation. Sonnier said she focuses on protecting the vulnerability of those in need and advocating for what is right. In particular, she is concerned about protecting children and promoting their development, success and happiness. "I think being named a Top 100 Woman is a great honor. It's amazing," she said.

Terry Slade Young, vice president of external relations, Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. "It is an honor to be chosen as one of Maryland's Top 100 Women and to be acknowledged for my professional achievements, as well as serving my community," she said. "As a volunteer mentoring individuals or helping organizations, I am the one who benefits and who is rewarded. I'm really rather selfish because I receive so much more than I give as a result of my civic engagement. I suppose that's why I have found the time to give back, balancing family and work."

Gina Monath Zawitoski, partner, DLA Piper U.S. Zawitoski was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1985 and to the D.C. Bar in 1986. She received a B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of Maryland in 1982, and a J.D., with honors, in 1985. She was an Order of The Coif and Chancellor's Merit Scholar. Her practice areas include environmental, natural resources, administrative law, environmental land use, endangered species and appellate practice.