The Zilla Way Award honors a LWV ABC member who has shown outstanding leadership in guiding our League. This award, created in 1996, was named in honor of LWV ABC member Zilla Way, in recognition of her more than seventy years of participation in LWV ABC as a mentor and an advisor. The award is presented each year at the Annual Membership Meeting. Members can submit nominations to the Nominating Committee.
2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019-2015 | 2014-2010 | 2009-2005 | 2004-2000 | 1999-1996
2025
Julie Trude
Julie has elevated the mission of our LWV ABC with her extraordinary leadership. Her depth of knowledge and commitment to advocacy is invaluable. Julie secures key speakers and leads consensus discussions for our monthly meetings. With her tireless dedication and collaborative spirit she organizes complex annual meetings. Her informed decision making continues to inspire and energize us all.
2023
Cindy Wetzell
for leading and invigorating the outreach of LWV ABC voter registration and voter education activities.
2022
Dee Ann Christensen and Wes Volkenant
Dee Ann Christensen is a fierce champion of democracy who serves our community by leading LWV ABC efforts in civic education by chairing our Program Committee and furthering government transparency by observing Anoka County Board and Committee Meetings and contributing to the CMAL County Governance Study, while also actively participating in voter services activities and serving on our board of directors.
Wes Volkenant makes LWV ABC more effective and relevant in our community by leading our efforts to develop redistricting maps for Anoka county, observing Anoka County Board and Committee Meetings, contributing to the CMAL County Governance Study, moderating non-partisan candidate forums, helping organize program meetings and serving on our board of directors.
2021
Linda Rodgers
for outstanding leadership in providing over 40 virtual candidate forums in the midst of the pandemic. Linda is a mighty force for civic engagement - and for inspiring pollinator protection with her native plant gardens
2020
Patricia Kennedy
for taking on the task of Membership Chair and using her energy, technical skills, resourcefulness and community connections to help LWV ABC more effectively serve our members.
2019
Sandra Connor
for leading our LWV 100th Anniversary exhibit at Anoka County History Center, filling the Membership Chair vacancy, and many other activities ... all in her first year of membership.
2018
Bruce Pomerantz
for increasing our visibility and accessibility with technology, enhancing communications with new and prospective members, and challenging our problem solving skills.
2017
Arlene Gillette
an accomplished forum moderator, high school voter registrar, and gracious leader in our organization.
2016
Jeorgette Knoll
for her outstanding long-term leadership to our organization and connecting us to successful community involvement.
2015
Susan Anderson
for stepping in to fill president vacancy and using her experience in community involvement and League to lead us well.
2014
Kathy Aanerud
2013
Gretchen Sabel
2012
Kathie Whelchel
2011
Zilla Way
2010
2009
Kay McCulley
2008
Doris Gordon
2007
Josephine Nunn
2006
Millie Giddings
2005
Sandra Shanley
2004
Marj Perry
2003
Lois Ballinger
2002
Geri Nelson
2001
Betsy O'Berry
2000
Dorothy Bridges
1999
Joan Molenaar
1998
Carol Bradley
1997
Sandra Shanley
1996
