Congrats to the 2019 Women of Influence Award Winners

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Now, more than ever, it’s important to celebrate the accomplishments of females who have made a notable impact on the field in which they work. Pet Age is proud to present its fifth-annual Women of Influence Awards to honor 30 ambitious, hardworking females who are influential in the pet industry.

These women hold leadership positions at companies throughout the sector, including pet product manufacturers and retailers as well as businesses that provide marketing and grooming services. This year’s honorees include women who have followed in the footsteps of family members who already worked in the industry, while others who have realized their dreams to establish their own companies. No matter the paths to their current destinations or their roles—with titles ranging from general manager to president, executive director, CEO and more—these women all share a deep love for animals.

The winners of this year’s Women of Influence Awards explain to Pet Age what inspired them to get into the industry and what they feel is their biggest contribution to the pet business and/or pet owners. They are offer the issues they believe need more attention in the sector, with responses including sustainability, regulatory compliance, education about safety and best practices, improved cooperation between vets and retailers/e-commerce businesses, community outreach programs, pet obesity, dental issues and transparency in nutrition.

In addition, these women reveal to Pet Age who they consider to be their most influential role model(s), whether it’s a helpful colleague who taught them how to navigate the pet industry, or supportive parents who encouraged them to lead successful, meaningful lives while pursuing their career passions.

Congratulations to the well-deserving recipients of the 2019 Women of Influence Awards. Full profiles of the winners will appear in the March issue of Pet Age.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Laura “Peach” Reid, PIJAC/Fish Mart

Jennifer Adolphe, Petcurean
Lexie Berglund, 2 Dogs Way
Khris Berry, See Spot Grooming & Daycare
Pamela Bosco, Pet King Brands, Inc.
Dana Brooks, Pet Food Institute
Julianna Carella, Treatibles
Anne Carlson, Jiminy’s LLC
Jennifer DeNick, Coyne Public Relations
Caitlyn Dudas, Pet Sustainability Coalition
Cindy Dunston Quirk, Scout & Zoe’s
Kamie Eckert, Royal Canin
Aimee Gilbreath, Michelson Found Animals Foundation
Melissa Gulbranson, Oxyfresh
Barb Hoover, The Groomers Lounge/The Difficult Dog
Tracie Hotchner, Radio Pet Lady
Liz Illg, Puff & Fluff Spa
Elena Kalogeropoulos, Chasing Our Tails, Inc.
Dawn Leoso Duncan, Glo-Marr Pet Products
Susan Michals, CatCon
Marie Moody, Stella & Chewy’s
Judy Morgan, Naturally Healthy Pets
Linda Parks, Lixit
Kerry Rod, PuppySpot
Rebecca Rose, InClover
Lucia Smigel, Petsmile
Patti Strand, National Animal Interest Alliance
Mona Straub, Just Fur Fun
Melissa Verplank, Melissa Verplank Enterprises
Julie Washington, Champion Petfoods
Eileen Wilmarth, Pet Food Experts