Women’s and Children’s Alliance honors ISU-Meridian’s Bessie Katsilometes

Idaho State University-Meridian’s Dr. Bessie Katsilometes was one of 50 women honored by the Women’s and Children’s Alliance at its 22nd Annual Tribute to Women and Industry Luncheon on April 2 in Boise.

“I am humbled to be among the 2015 Tribute to Women and Industry honorees and to join hundreds of TWIN’s and business leaders in support of a vital community partner,” said Katsilometes, associate vice president of university programs.

In the last 22 years, 845 women have been named TWINs, and more than 120 businesses and organizations have participated, contributing more than $2.3 million to the WCA’s mission of providing safety, healing and freedom from domestic abuse and sexual assault, according to a WCA news release.

“These are women who have made outstanding contributions to the Treasure Valley business community,” WCA Executive Director Bea Black said. “It is a great honor to be called a TWIN, and we’re so grateful to be able to recognize 50 new TWINs in this special year.”

The WCA originally started as the YMCA over 100 years ago offering safe housing for women drawn from rural areas to Boise for work.