ZCJA has awarded its Woman of Distinction to local women who are not club members, who have been pioneers in their field, community leaders, and/or women who have mentored others in the community. Nominees are sought through club members, via recommendation. Awardees have been chosen from the business world, social services, medical services, and many other professions.

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At its inaugural Women Empower Women event on April 23, 2026, this year's award was presented to CEO of Guardian Angel Community Services, Ines Klutesa, MA, LCPC, LPHA, CCTP. 

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Guardian Angel was started by the Joliet Franciscans, a pioneering religious order which came to Joliet in the late 1800s. Guardian Angel has been a part of our community since 1897, first as an orphanage, and then evolving to meet the needs of the community over the decades with programs which include foster care, the Sexual Assault Services Center, and Suzy’s Caring Place among
others.

Ines was chosen by our club members for her work in the organization and how it has been transformed -- as well as how GACS has been instrumental in helping women and children through the years. Ines was, herself, a Zontian. She said,"...to stand here on the receiving end of (the Club's) recognition is
incredible." She thanked her family and her staff.

For more information on GACS, go to https://www.gacsprograms.org/ and if you or someone you know are in immediate need of their services, the 24-hour domestic violence hotline number is 815-729-1228 and the sexual assault hotline number is 815-730-8984.

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The ZCJA applauds Ines's commitment to bettering the lives of women and children.