Let’s hear it for Women of the Year

Several women from Kootenai County are among a select group honored this year by Idaho Business Review.

The Boise-based publication’s 2019 Women of the Year include: Christi Garcia, district manager and vice president of Wells Fargo in Coeur d’Alene; Eve Knudtsen, owner of Knudtsen Chevrolet in Post Falls; Jessica Letus, retail banking branch manager of Wells Fargo in Coeur d’Alene; and Monica Rozier, general manager of Hayden Beverage Company in Post Falls.

“Idaho is home to many amazing women, and we were proud to recognize four outstanding leaders from the Kootenai County area among our 2019 Women of the Year,” said Rebecca Palmer, Idaho Business Review special sections editor.

The program, in its 14th year, recognizes 50 women annually. The women are from across Idaho and represent business, the nonprofit sector, government and public life.

The theme of this year’s program was “What unites us?”

Palmer said, in the event program, that this year’s honorees have, through their careers, built unity in their communities.

“Each honoree has centered her life around a cause she believes in, and she has raised her voice to uplift, to inspire and to engage,” Palmer said March 6 during a recognition event at Boise Center West. “We see the influence of these women in our highway system, our museums, our state laws, the feel of our neighborhoods and even the food we eat. They are the heart and soul of Idaho, and we are honored to call them our own.”

Idaho Business Review received a record 110 applications for the 2019 honor. The honorees, who were asked to submit applications and letters of recommendation, were selected for excellence in leadership, professional accomplishments, mentorship and community service. They were judged by a panel of past winners.