2025 ZCJA Woman of the Year Announced

Each year, the Zonta Club of the Joliet Area recognizes one of their members for making a significant contribution in the advancement and operation of the Club. Sometimes the efforts are very visible and other times the good work takes place behind the scenes. Joliet Area Zontians thoughtfully nominate one of their own who has utilized creativity, time and effort to help make a positive difference. This can be through active participation in support of meetings, service projects, publications/websites, fundraising, communications, recruitment; or other significant activities such as representing our Club at district and national meetings.

This year’s awardee is Terri Taylor, who is the owner of Persona Grata, in Shorewood. Terri

was named ZCJA's Woman of the Year on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Terri was sponsored by Cheryl McCarthy and has been a member since 2016. Persona Grata is a cozy boutique salon, and Terri’s personal stamp is evident not only in the décor, but in the ambience of the shop. 

According to one of the nominations she received, “She is an inspiration to women and girls as a successful female entrepreneur. She enthusiastically shares Zonta news, events, and projects with her many female customers, who in turn enthusiastically support our Zonta projects and fundraisers.” 

Terri was instrumental in organizing a project close to her heart: collecting costume jewelry and setting up displays with gift bags in local schools and other organizations to provide an opportunity for students and clients to give a unique gift to honor the mothers, aunts, and grandmothers in their lives. While club members donate the jewelry, Terri makes it special for the kids with her own artistic touches. She has co-chaired the club’s successful fundraising committee in the past and continues to be a creative part of club fundraisers. Her work with Zonta isn’t limited to fundraising; when she served on the Service & Advocacy Committee, she was instrumental in gathering numerous blankets for the club’s participation in a Project Linus event.

Outgoing Club President Bonnie Winfrey said, “The Zonta Club of Joliet’s Woman of the Year award is one we take great pride in awarding. Our first Woman of the Year was inducted in 1986, and we welcome Terri Taylor to the list of 39 other honorees.”

The Zonta Club of the Joliet Area is a part of Zonta International, a UN NGO (non-governmental organization). The Club is dedicated to making a better world for women and girls. We achieve this through community service and fundraising for scholarships.