#GirlsClub Emerging Manager Certification Program Awards

Nominated by Peers. Recognized by Leaders. Empowering the Future.

Nominees for 2025 Protégé of the Year

Each year, #GirlsClub honors a standout Protégé who has shown exceptional growth, confidence, and leadership. And this year… our Top 5 Finalists are nothing short of inspiring.

They’ve stepped outside their comfort zones.
They’ve leaned into mentorship and community.
They’ve grown into leaders before our eyes.

Now, it’s time for you—their peers, mentors, colleagues, and cheerleaders—to help us select our 2025 Protégé of the Year!

Select the Protégé you're supporting and share a few words about why she deserves this recognition. Your words matter and will be shared with the nominee!

You do not need to be part of #GirlsClub to vote. This is about celebrating visible growth and rising leadership—something we can all admire.

Nominations close September 5th.

LEARN ABOUT OUR DESERVING NOMINEES
LinkedIn Post - Alexandra Blythe-1
ALEXANDRA BLYTHE - ASSOCIATE SALES EXECUTIVE - THOMSON REUTERS

“She embraced feedback with grace and humility, turning every insight into immediate action… The change in her confidence, clarity, and leadership presence over the past few months has been undeniable.”

“She's the type of woman and professional that has a ‘spark’ you want to pour gas on and I believe this should be recognized.”

LinkedIn Post - Nominee Promo for Orgs
JAX GILL - LEARNING ENABLEMENT LEADER - INSPIRA FINANCIAL

“The version of Jax who graduates this cohort is not the same woman who started – She’s still a stellar human and mom but now post-#GirlsClub, she’s more courageous, more visible, bitch-badge wearing and undeniably ready for what’s next.”

“She goes out of her way to connect—friending on LinkedIn, reaching out on Slack—and is always one of the first to contribute. She absolutely deserves to be recognized for her impact and leadership.”

LinkedIn -Jessica Fryback-2
JESSICA FRYBACK - SALES DEVELOPMENT MANAGER - DUN & BRADSTREET

“She has been vulnerable in these sessions and sharing experiences from the heart—whether personal or professional.”

“She was tasked with demonstrating empathy while delivering feedback on a sensitive personal, yet professionally impactful, issue… were this real life, I would've been so grateful to have Jessica as my manager and leader as she genuinely cares about the wellbeing of others.”

LinkedIn Post - Kesekokiw Grignon-2
KESEKOKIW GRIGNON - SENIOR SALES MANAGER - SALELYTICS

“She has truly come alive and stepped into her confidence over the course of the program… Now she is literally GLOWING every time we talk.”

“What sets her apart is her calm presence and magnetic energy. She brings a grounded, positive vibe to every conversation and truly leads by example.”

LinkedIn Post - Nida Ateeq-2
NIDA ATEEQ - GROWTH MARKETING MANAGER - ANAGAR MEDIA

“Nida shows up with energy, curiosity, and commitment in every session — not just to grow herself, but to uplift others around her.”

“She has been able to apply these learnings to both her professional career and her personal life… leading to client success, larger bonuses, and even two prestigious Canadian Marketing Award nominations.”

2025 Recognition Opportunity

THIS IS THE ROOM YOU WANT TO BE IN

Legacy Executive Club

The Top 5 nominees in each category will receive a special invitation to the Legacy Executive Club Retreat in Denver, Colorado September 19th & 20th.

Legacy is a by-invitation-only community of senior leaders — including CXOs, corporate executives, founders, board members, and high-impact entrepreneurs — united by a shared commitment to meaningful leadership and mentorship.

Leaders are invited to apply to join as a member and attend the full Legacy Retreat.

PAST WINNERS

Kayla Nessman
Adam Walsh
Mandy Sullivan
Porchia Jenkins
Mark Baird
Laura Colon
Brittany Scott
Those chosen for one of our awards will be in good company. Check out some of our past winners:

PROTEGES OF THE YEAR

Katie Grant,
VP Account Management at SafelyYou

Kayla Nessman,
Enterprise Account Manager at Side Trade

Porchia Jenkins,
Sr. GTM Sales Dev. Manager at Brex

Ashleigh Bakos,
Sr. Business Dev. Manager at Fooda

Paige Adams,
Sr. Account Executive at McKee Foods

MENTORS OF THE YEAR

Laura Colon,
VP Alliances at Vonage

Brittany Scott,
Previous VP of Sales at Zenwork

Jen Halpern,
Soft Sell Coaching

Paula White,
President at Side B Consulting

Amyra de Carion,
VP of Sales at Growth 99

THOUGHT LEADERS OF THE YEAR

Lori Oberbroecking,
Secrets of Supermom

Meshell R Baker,
Founder of Meshell Baker Enterprises

Alicia Berruti,
Director of Agent Engagement at Fidelity

Heather Monahan,
CEO of Boss In Heels. LLC

Elena Hess,
VP Operations at Thomson Reuters

Nominees for 2025 Mentor of the Year

Alyssa Estes - Nominee Mentor of the Year
Cari Reed - Nominee Mentor of the Year
Kayla M. Nessman - Nominee Mentor of the Year
Laura Colon - Nominee Mentor of the Year
Rick  Gray - Nominee Mentor of the Year

Nominees for 2025 Thought Leader of the Year

De'Edra Williams
Katie McDonald
Yamini Rangan

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