10 SMBA Members to Receive Women’s Justice Awards

The Springfield Metropolitan Bar is well represented in the 2017 Women’s Justice Award honorees. The Women’s Justice Awards highlight the accomplishments and contributions of women across the state for their dedication to advancing justice and improving communities. The awards will be presented by Missouri Lawyer’s Weekly in an event April 27 at the Four Seasons Hotel in St. Louis. The fifty-three winners will be profiled in a special section of Missouri Lawyers Weekly on April 24. Congratulations to the following SMBA members:

Woman of the Year:

• The Honorable Patricia Breckenridge, Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court

Public Official Award:

• The Honorable Carol Aiken, 31st Circuit Court

Business Practitioner Award:

• Emily Kembell, Kirkland, Woods & Martinsen
• Ashley Norgard, Husch Blackwell

Litigation Practitioner Award:

• Erica Mynarich, Carver, Cantin & Mynarich
• Laurel Stevenson, Haden, Cowherd & Bullock

Enterprise Award:

• Debbie Shantz-Hart, Housing Plus, LLC

Rising Star Award:

• Ami Miller, U.S. Attorney’s Office
• Lori Rook, Ozarks Elder Law
• Ashley Twibell, Greene County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office

In addition to the SMBA members who will be honored, Joyce Blades will be recognized in the Citizenship category for her civic and charitable work in the Springfield community and through her service as a member and former chair of the Missouri Public Defender Commission.