Two Fortuna women were honored at the 25th Annual Fortuna Kiwanis Business Women’s luncheon held Oct. 20 at the Fortuna River Lodge and Conference Center.
Tina Taylor was honored as the 2022 Woman of Distinction and Kim Brown was honored as the 2022 Business Woman of the Year.
“We would like to thank those who sent in nominations this year,” said John Simmons, past president of the Fortuna Kiwanis Club and master of ceremonies at the luncheon. “We received many wonderful nominations, and there are so many wonderful deserving women out there who have had an amazing impact on our community.”
Because of the pandemic, this luncheon has not taken place for the past two years.
“The last few years took a toll on many of us. After being shut-in, restricted, and isolated, we have survived and come out stronger,” Fortuna Kiwanis President Jeff Wilkins said. “It’s now time to come out and thrive. It’s time to bring back the sparkle and start living again.”
Simmons said Taylor received two nominations for the Woman of Distinction honor.
“Tina Taylor works tirelessly behind the scenes to make the community a better place,” Simmons said. “She started Hops in Humboldt with the idea that (the) profits could be give back to the community to help in the areas of youth activities, senior programs, drug and alcohol prevention, schools, and municipalities.”
Taylor works with the California Conservation Corps, a position she has held for five years. Before joining the CCC, she was the food service manager of the Humboldt Senior Resource Center, where she was responsible for serving over 500 meals per day and that number increasing to approximately 800 meals daily during the holidays.
“She is an excellent role model and motivator for young people,” Simmons said. “She is patient, non-judgmental, and supportive as well as energetic, encouraging and fun.”
Taylor has served on the Fortuna Union Elementary School District Board and is a member of the Measure E Advisory Board. She also helped establish a program at Fortuna Union High School called Youth Engaged in Philanthropy.
Kim Brown is a broker and owner of Cornerstone Realty in Fortuna. She purchased the business from Sally Conley in May 2021. Conley was selected at the Fortuna Kiwanis Business Woman of the Year in 2014.
Simmons said, “Kim is a young female business owner who is constantly giving back to our community. She is young, she’s involved, and she’s the perfect example of a local Humboldt born and raised successfully involved community member.”
Brown is a youth cheer coach for Rio Dell Elementary School, and for Fortuna’s Triple Crown Dynasty Competition cheer team. She also serves as one of the coordinators for the Santa’s Sleigh program.
Brown expressed her appreciation to her husband and family, and to Conley, calling her “my biggest supporter,” as well as her coworkers.
“I couldn’t have done this by myself,” Brown said.
Taylor and Brown also received proclamations recognizing their honors from Senator Mike McGuire, Assemblyman Jim Wood and the Fortuna City Council.
“On behalf of the Fortuna City Council, I want to thank these ladies for all that they do,” Fortuna Mayor Sue Long said. “They are just amazing, both of them.”
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