On Tuesday, April 12, 2022, the Zonta Club of the Joliet Area announced their Woman of the Year. Dr. Karen Pastell, retired audiologist and former owner of Prairieland Audiology, was chosen by her peers for this once-in-a-lifetime honor.
The Woman of the Year is chosen annually by the members, who vote by submitting their choice to the Woman of the Year Committee, and while every member has the chance to achieve the award, a member may be chosen for it only once. The award is given at the April monthly meeting, and the name of the awardee is a closely guarded matter until the moment of announcement.
In giving the award at the monthly membership meeting, Committee Chair Peggy Field noted some of the comments made by other members about Pastell. “She is very dependable, and has cheerfully served on many committees. She chaired two fundraisers and was chair of the Festival of Culture.” Pastell has been a member of the club for 14 years and has held various executive board positions. She recently stepped up to volunteer to be Treasurer for the club. She has been involved in many of the club’s service projects, and has been one of the club’s most reliable members.
Pastell was also recently honored by the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce as she’s been one of their most active members.
When urged to speak after being awarded Zonta’s Woman of the Year award, she thanked the members of the club for the nomination, saying “This was a total surprise” as she held the crystal award and a dozen yellow roses.
The Zonta Club of the Joliet Area is an organization dedicated to the advancement of women and girls. Local and international service projects are aimed at the improvement of life and education for women and girls, and the club awards several significant scholarships to both young women who are entering college, and to women returning to school to complete or attain their degree.