Learn More About Honorees During Oct. 13 Distinguished Women Virtual Panel; 2025 Awards Gala Set for Nov. 8 at The H Hotel in Midland, Michigan
Northwood University is proud to announce the 2025 Class of Distinguished Women Awards recipients — a group of exceptional women whose vision and leadership are shaping economic and social progress across a wide range of industries.
“From journalism and branding to entertainment, energy, and philanthropy, this year’s honorees embody the spirit of innovation, resilience, and impact that defines America’s Free Enterprise University,” said Northwood University President Kent MacDonald. “Each one leads with purpose by building organizations, shaping truth through storytelling, creating opportunity, and strengthening communities. Their achievements reflect the very principles we champion at Northwood: freedom, personal responsibility, earned success, and ethical leadership. We are proud to celebrate them and the inspiration they are to our students.”
The 2025 Class of Distinguished Women Awards Recipients includes:
• Anne Doyle, Michigan Hall of Fame journalist, author, and change agent
• Rhonda Swan ‘97, Northwood alumna and CEO/founder of Unstoppable Branding Company, an award-winning firm that transforms visionary business leaders into recognized authorities in their industries
• Eileen Sieff Stroup, a twice Emmy-nominated costume supervisor with more than 60 film and television credits
• E’Lois Thomas, Ph.D., president of SEEL, LLC (Solutions for Energy Efficient Logistics), a nationally recognized leader in energy solutions, training, innovation, and community impact
• Jennifer (Griffin) Williams ‘83, community leader, philanthropist, and dedicated Northwood alumna who has served as past co-chair of the NU Auto Show Gala Committee
“Each of these remarkable women exemplifies the highest standards of excellence in her field,” stated Northwood First Lady Dr. Mary-Ellen MacPhee, who co-chairs the Distinguished Women Awards Gala Executive Committee. “Their creativity, courage, and commitment to impact are precisely what we champion at Northwood. Honoring them is also a way to show our students what principled, values-based leadership looks like in action.”
Mary Ellen Hess, an experienced travel industry executive who co-chairs the Distinguished Women Awards Gala Executive Committee, underscored how this celebration directly fuels student opportunity: “Proceeds from the Distinguished Women Awards support scholarships that open doors for talented students. Scholarships are a vital pillar of Northwood’s When We Are Free comprehensive campaign — they empower learners to pursue a values-based business education and graduate ready to build prosperity in their communities. Supporting this gala is an investment in tomorrow’s free-enterprise leaders.”
The Distinguished Women Gala will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at The H Hotel, 111 W. Main St., Midland, Michigan. To review sponsorship opportunities and reserve tickets, visit northwood.edu/dw.
Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the public are invited to a Distinguished Women Virtual Panel from noon to 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13. Use this link to hear insights from this year’s honorees about their careers and leadership journeys across diverse industries. The event will be moderated by Dr. Lisa Fairbairn, Dean of the DeVos Graduate School of Management at Northwood University.
“The Distinguished Women Virtual Panel is a powerful learning experience,” Fairbairn noted. “It’s an hour of candid guidance from contemporary visionaries who are opening pathways for future leaders — and a front-row seat to the kind of principled leadership Northwood celebrates.”
