“A woman of distinction strives for excellence, goes the extra mile, and is an inspiration to others.”

Karen Kay

Women of Distinction Vice Chair

Each year, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation recognizes exceptional individuals representing the diverse industries of fashion, media, healthcare, finance, and others who are dedicated to improving and enriching the lives of women, the IBD community, and the world.

We are so proud to have honored these women over our 31-year history – female pioneers, leaders, and everyday sheroes who exhibit incredible fortitude in their fight against IBD. It has been a privilege to celebrate the achievements and the lives of these Women of Distinction who inspire us.

Thank you to all our past honorees who have been so integral to the evolution of the
Women of Distinction campaign.

Past Honorees

2024:
June Jacobs & Rochelle Jacobs
Edrice Simmons
Rising Star, Bella Pass

2023:
Deborah Martin
Marcy Nanus
Rising Star, Ryan Miller

2022:
Pandemic Hiatus 

2021:
Pandemic Hiatus

2020:
Pandemic Hiatus

2019:
Nicole R. Pozzi, ESQ
Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD
Dr. Barry Salky
Rising Star, Brooke Stimmel

2018:
Jane Stone
Rising Star, Meaghan Johnson

2017:
Marilyn Chinitz
Rising Star, Skylar Adams

2016:
Judith Hannan
Nancy Brown
Dr. Peter Rubin
Rising Star, Steven DeCrescenzo

2015:
Eliza Bolen
Cyma Zarghami
Lara Englebardt Metz
Rising Star, Chloe Hubbe

2014:
Dr. Robbyn E. Sockolow
Rising Stars, Casey Mintz & Taylor Sinett

2013:
Michelle Swarzman
Rising Star, Molly Roberts

2012:
Diane Goldman
Dr. Ellen J. Scherl
Rising Star, Addie Nelson

2011:
Michele Sweetwood
Lorraine Schwartz
Rising Star, Lizzy Noble

2010:
Ellen Crown
Karen Peetz
Rising Star, Alexa Maizes

2009:
Nora Zorich
Jim Gold
Rising Star, Julia Heller

2008:
Lesley Stahl
Nancy Lynn
Rising Star, Lea Orbach

2007:
Natalie Morales
Christine Poon
Judith Ripka Berk
Rising Star, Samantha Miller

2006:
Vera Wang
Madeline Boyd
Susan Lyne

2005:
Soledad O’Brien
Rising Star, Brianna Yellen

2004:
Deborah Norville
Kathryn Wylde
Rising Stars, Lauren Strickler & Marcy Strickler

2003:
Lorraine Bracco
Rising Star, Sydney Tretter

2002:
Diane Sawyer
Judy Saphir

2001:
Katie Couric
Rising Star, Erica Penn

2000:
Carolina Herrera
Gael Greene

1999:
Trish McEvoy
Dr. Ruth Westheimer

1998:
Barbara Barrie
Dr. Georgia Witkin

1997:
Lillian Vernon
Cynthia McFadden

1996:
Sally Jessy Raphael
Dr. Ellen J. Scherl

1994:
Beverly Sills
Muriel Siebert
Judith Leiber

1993:
Diana Brooks
Geraldine Ferraro
Carroll Petrie
Wendy Wasserstein

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