Accepting Nominations through January 31, 2026
Brighton Area Women’s History Roll of Honor
Our History Is Our Strength
Women’s History Month and Roll of Honor Advisory Council
Mission: To honor and celebrate the diverse accomplishments of women of the greater Brighton area.
Purpose: To create an awareness in the general public of women’s contributions and steadfastness as a group inside and outside the home; in the work force; in social movements; in the professions and business; in charitable and cultural institutions; in the arts; in government service; in health care and human services; in education; in athletics and sports; in science, the environment and technology; and in all areas of volunteer work. Women as a group are working for the greater good through their personal strengths, and are inspired and energized by the stories of other women.
To recognize individual women of the greater Brighton area who have made a remarkable or unique contribution or have achieved an accomplishment in the greater Brighton community, the state of Michigan, the nation, or the world.
Affirmed October 2004
Title IX of the Higher Education Act
Passed by Congress on June 23, 1972, this Act offered new opportunities for women in academics, sports, and the workforce. These past and present Brighton High School athletes represent the excellence and opportunities granted by the phrase:
“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”
The Celebration of
Women’s History Month in Brighton
The first Brighton area celebration of women’s accomplishments took place in March 2002. Books, pictures, and posters of notable women were displayed in the Board of Education Room of the Brighton Area Schools. This collection, assembled by School Board Secretary Joyce Powers and Assistant to the Superintendent Sheri Lohmiller, informed, enlightened, and inspired the general public.
In March 2003, the Brighton Chamber of Commerce and downtown merchants joined the celebration by displaying pictures and details about various women of achievement in their business establishments. The Women’s History Advisory council was formed, and seven local women were named to the first Brighton Area Women’s Roll of Honor at Womenfest in the Brighton Center for the Performing Arts. Pictures and biographies of these women were displayed at the Brighton District Library.
Posters for Women’s History Month were supplied to the media centers of all Brighton Area Schools. Teachers in the district have had the opportunity to integrate women’s history into their curriculum.
Brighton Area Women’s History Roll of Honor 2025 Honorees
The Roll of Honor Advisory Council is pleased to announce the 2025
Brighton Area Women’s History Roll of Honor Honorees
Sally Burton-Hoyle, Ed.D, moved to Brighton in May, 1994, to become the Executive Director of the Autism Society of Michigan (ASM), based in Lansing. At ASM (1994-2006), she provided expert guidance to the Livingston County Community Mental Health, the State of Michigan, and nationally through Person-Centered Planning–honoring needs/opportunities of people with autism and intellectual disabilities while planning/implementing community support. Sally led the grassroots efforts to make Person-Centered Planning a statute of the Michigan Mental Health Code and worked with the Michigan Department of Education to create the Policy for the Emergency Use of Seclusion and Restraint approved in 2017. Sally developed KIDPOWER, a program for siblings of people with autism, that served children in SE Michigan from 1995-2016 and trained professionals in four other states about its guiding principles. After beginning her career as a faculty member at the University of Idaho’s College of Education, Sally left ASM and joined Eastern Michigan University faculty in the Department of Special Education. In 2007, Sally joined with lead EMU faculty to create the Autism Collaborative Center providing full services to persons with autism and their families. In 2008 she developed and introduced the Masters of Arts degree in Autism, one of the first national graduate degrees focused on autism. Hundreds have completed this degree, and several graduates have been employed in Brighton. In conjunction with her colleague Dr. Pamela Lemerand, the College Supports Program was established in 2010 for EMU-admitted students diagnosed with autism. Inspired by her brother, who is on the autism spectrum, Dr. Burton-Hoyle has propelled EMU to be nationally ranked as one of the top universities supporting students with autism. Sally served on the US Department of Health and Human Services Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) from 2012-2017 and has been a panelist on the National Quality Forum for Person Centered Planning (PCP) and Practices since 2020. Sally was recognized as the 2024 EMU Brickley Endowment award recipient.
Jane Horal is a 1978 Brighton High School graduate who co-founded the GoLivCo-Horal family foundation (GLC-HFF) in 2019 after the tragic death of her husband, Dan, as he cycled in Island Lake State Park and was fatally struck by a distracted driver. Motivated to protect other cyclists from avoidable tragedies, Jane and her family established the Daniel J. Horal Family Foundation as a 501(c)3 and then with support from our community rebranded under the name GoLivCo-Horal Family Foundation. The “Do It For Dan Ride” through Island Lake State Park has annually honored the route of Dan’s last cycle ride since 2019. The Foundation is dedicated to developing and advocating for protected, active mobility solutions in Livingston County—focusing on creating safer streets, roads, and trails for walking, running, biking, and horseback riding. Jane’s advocacy and structuring of the Foundation has enabled local and state governments to become more invested and collaborative in preventing distracted driving while involving greater community participation. Jane has spoken
on behalf of GLC-HFF to the US Congress, the Michigan State Legislature, the Livingston County
Commissioner, and various Livingston County municipalities in addition to presenting opening remarks at the First National Distracted Driver Coalition held in Washington, DC, in on April 26, 2023 (the four year anniversary of Dan’s passing). Jane earned a BA in Business Administration and a minor in History from Western Michigan University in 1982. Her 40-year career in the chemical and plastics industry leading sales, marketing and applications development launched innovations in interior and exterior automotive plastic polymer applications around the world.
Sara Patrick has served since 2018 as the first female President and CEO of Midwest Reliability Organization (MRO), with the mission of providing highly reliable and secure North American bulk power systems. Prior to becoming President and CEO, Sara was Vice President of Compliance Monitoring and Regulatory Affairs (2016-2018), and Vice President of Enforcement and Regulator Affairs (2011-2016). Sara strategically oversees corporate activities across regulated industries focusing on reducing reliability/security risks to the North American power grid and promotes effective collaboration with diverse groups to optimize performance. Sara holds a Cybersecurity certification from Private Directors Association, a Cybersecurity and Privacy Law Certificate from Minnesota’s Mitchell Hamline School of Law, and a 2022 Executive Education completion certificate in Strategic Leadership from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. A 2024 member of the Think Bank Board of Directors, Sara has also served since 2022 as Commissioner on the
Sustainable Eagan (Minnesota) Advisory Commission. She serves on the 2023-formed Leadership Team of the Minneapolis St. Paul Professional Women for Good, a philanthropic giving circle that collected and granted over $20,000 in their first year to nonprofits focused on economic development. Sara earned a BA in political science from Western Michigan University and a J.D. from Indiana University Mauer School of Law.
Stephanie K. Young, MD, has been a Clinical Assistant Professor in the OB/GYN department for the
University of Michigan (UM) Health since 2001. Stephanie estimates that she has delivered over a thousand babies, (many of them “Brighton babies,” received multiple patient-recognition awards, and is consistently rated Excellent for Bedside Manner, Time with Patients, and Caring Attitude. In her over 25 years as a full-time staff physician for University of Michigan Health System/Michigan Medicine, Stephanie has helped develop and publish a Guide to Perinatal Oral Health for dentists and other healthcare professionals, and given lectures to UM dental students. Active in the Brighton community, Stephanie has volunteered with LACASA, served as a Girl Scout Leader, Science Olympiad coach, and parent volunteer with the Brighton Musical Theater and Brighton Marching Band. Stephanie was a dedicated “Dance Mom” for over ten years, supporting the competitive dance team at Academy of Dance and attending multiple national competitions. A resident of Livingston County since 1969, Stephanie graduated from Wayne State University’s Medical School in 1996 and completed her residency at William Beaumont Hospital in Detroit.
Outstanding Historical Accomplishments by Young Women
2024 Brighton Varsity Girls Lacrosse Team
Won the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division I State Championships for their third title, defeating Rockford 7-4 after four consecutive state championship appearances. In 2023 and 2024, the Team faced Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern/Eastern and won back-to-back titles.
Brighton Area Women’s History Roll of Honor 2026 Nominees
The Roll of Honor Advisory Council is pleased to announce the 2026
Brighton Area Women’s History Roll of Honor Nominees
Kathy Aksten is a 1977 Brighton High School graduate and began her career in the financial services industry in 1981, earning the Accredited Investment Fiduciary Designation. As the Owner/Founder of Premier Financial Planning through LPL Financial since 2010, Kathy was recognized as a Top Distinguished Financial Advisor for 2023, 2024, 2025 and a recipient of the Prestigious LPL Masters Award, reserved for the top 5% of advisors among 35,000 nationwide. In 2024, Kathy was named by Forbes as a Top Women Advisor in America. Kathy is also co-owner of the Triple Diamonds Alpaca Ranch, established in 2007, and home to one of the largest seed stock breeding farms with 100-150 alpacas and an on-site alpaca boutique. In 2026, the Triple Diamonds Animal Adventures opens with a variety of animals for visitors to enjoy and experience.
Renée Pettengill has lived in Brighton since 2010 and has served on Brighton’s City Council since 2016. She currently is a member of the Arts & Cultural Commission, Traffic Safety Advisory Board, and Recession Recovery Committee, served on the Zoning Board, and was Vice-Chair of the Brighton 150th Committee and the Environmental Council. In 2011, Renée initiated efforts to restore the Imagination Station in downtown Brighton and has led annual cleanup, repair, and beautification, in addition to devoting countless hours to maintaining the site. Recognized in 2016 by the Brighton Optimist Club for her Impact On The Community, Renée gives generously of her time and talents volunteering with Bountiful Harvest, the Chamber of Commerce, and city events. She holds two leadership positions with Boy Scout Troop 350 and coaches the Scranton Middle School tennis team. In 2012, Renée began working in Community Engagement for Cornerstone Schools in Detroit and is currently Chief of Staff for the President of Cornerstone Schools. Renée earned the Gold Award from the Girl Scouts of America in 1989 and served six years as a Governor’s Honor Guard at Mackinac Island.
Catherine Riesterer has lived in Brighton since 1997 and founded the law firm Cooper & Riesterer, PLC, in 2000 while serving as Managing Partner through 2025. Throughout her legal career, Cathy has given dozens of legal seminars to community members, businesses and attorneys on various business and real estate topics and served on numerous boards and committees for the State Bar of Michigan. As a trained legal mediator, she advocates for compromise over litigation whenever possible. From 1991–2000, Cathy was the Assistant General Counsel for Domino’s Pizza International, Inc. where she supported their expansion from 20 to 50 international markets. Cathy is a Past President of the Brighton Rotary Club, where she also served as Chair of the Scholarship Committee, the Youth Exchange Committee, and hosted three foreign exchange students. At Brighton’s First United Methodist Church, she served as a Board Member and youth leader, teaching Sunday school for 10+ years, and becoming legal guardian of a 17-year-old youth met through the church mission program. Cathy is a past board member and legal advisor of VINA Community Dental Center (2010-2021) and has served as an Adjunct Professor (2003-2005) and Board of Directors Member for Cleary University (2020-2024). Cathy earned her B. A in Communications with high honors from Michigan State University in 1984 and earned her J.D. cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School in 1987.
Kari Seitz graduated from Brighton High School in 1988 and began officiating soccer in 1984 through Community Education. Kari served as a match official through 2013, officiating in every United States professional league and at the most prestigious international tournaments, including 5 FIFA World Cups, 3 Olympic Games, and numerous FIFA and CONCACAF, international competitions. Earning more top-level international appointments than any referee in history, Kari was known as the “most experienced soccer referee in the world” until the FIFA mandatory retirement age for referees was attained. Kari was appointed Head of Refereeing for FIFA from 2016-2024. Her tenure was defined by sustained efforts to break long-standing gender barriers in international refereeing that resulted in women officiating at the FIFA World Cup after a 92-year history, and Kari appointed the first women referee to officiate at a men’s FIFA World Cup in 2022. A member of the US Soccer Youth Hall of Fame, the College Soccer Hall of Fame, and newly inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame as only the second referee and first woman referee. Kari has served as Vice President of Refereeing, U.S. Soccer Federation since 2024, a position created to develop strategic leadership and oversight for all aspects of refereeing, including talent identification, development, education, and evaluation.
Ashley Watterson is a 2002 graduate from Brighton High School and founded Tocca Massage Therapy in 2011. Ashley worked with the Brighton High School Cross Country/Track team in 2015-2016 teaching yoga and securing a donation of 50 yoga mats to support student-athletes. In 2017, she founded the nonprofit Yoga Strong Foundation, creating an accessible environment encouraging movement, connection, and community support while raising college scholarship funds for graduating high school seniors. Since its inception, the Bend & Brew program has awarded $46,000 in scholarships and collected food donations that helped establish a food pantry at FlexTech High School. Ashley believes in running with purpose and as a member of the Comfort Zone Camp charity team for the New York City Marathon, she raised $20,000 to support grief programming. Of that total, $12,000 was allocated to Ele’s Place in Ann Arbor, directly benefiting children and families across SE Michigan. Since 2018, Ashley has led Operation Christmas Wishes in partnership with leadership classes at Brighton and Pinckney High Schools. In 2025, this program supported 922 children ages 3-7 by providing hats, gloves, and holiday gifts. Ashley was honored with the 2025 Shining Woman Award from Habitat for Humanity. She is an active member of the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce through Hemlock Insurance Group, a member of 100 Women Who Care, and a participant in Holistic Networking at Brighton Lighthouse.
Outstanding Historical Accomplishments by a Women’s Organization
2025-2026 LWC Board of Directors: Kathy Lynn, President; Pat O’Connell, Vice President; Kathy Schram, Treasurer; Cindy Hilger, Secretary; Mary Lynn Thomson, Membership; Beverly Conatser, Past President
Members: Theresa Abbott; Jeanne Banks; Joanne Bellmard; Nancy Bloomquist; Kathy Brownlee; Mary Hones Burr; Beverly Conatser; Marilynn Dawson; Laura Elder; Judy Fekete; Diane Follis; Jo Franz; Nancy Fritch; Judy Gamary; Linda Harrison; Cindy Hilger; Christine Hobmeier; Judy Jagdfeld; Kathy Lynn; Elaine McIntryre; Denise Miller; Lorraine Miron; Patricia Mularoni; Sandra Noto; Patricia O’Connell; Deanna Rataj; Janet Rogers; Pam Rychlick; Nancy Samples; Kathleen Schram; Nancy Schwarz; Susan Sepesi; Sharon Sleboda; Marilynn Smyth;
Mary Lynn Thomson; Sally Tierney; Brigid Towe; Janet Willis; Jane Wilson; Alice Wyland; Justy Yavello
The Livingston Women’s Club (LWC) was founded in 1987 as a non-profit volunteer organization (501c3) to help disadvantaged individuals and families in Livingston County through fundraising and their Giving Tree Project, which provided 1,145 gifts in 2024. Fundraising opportunities include a Spring Wine Tasting Event, and an Autumn Card Party. The LWC offers college scholarships, supports The Connection Youth Center with monthly donations, and offers a crisis fund to aid individuals and families with emergencies and time-critical issues that cannot wait for agency approval. LWC supports LACASA, the “Brighton Blessings in a Backpack” program, Pregnancy Help Clinic, The Ivy Table, VINA Dental, Meals on Wheels, and many other endeavors through volunteer hours and funding.
Outstanding Historical Accomplishments by Young Women
Ari Hickman revived the Brighton High School newspaper as an after-school club and worked to combine the newspaper and yearbook publications in 2023 into the Media Publications Program while serving as editor-in-chief. Ari has been a freelance writer for The Livingston Daily Press & Argus since 2023, publishing over 40 articles, with several being republished with The Detroit Free Press and The Lansing State Journal. Ari was selected as the 2025 Michigan representative to the “Al Neuharth (founder of USA Today) Free Spirit and Journalism Conference” in Washington, DC, receiving a $1000 college scholarship and an all-expenses-paid trip to the conference.
Hannah Palmer a 2018 Brighton High School graduate was crowned Miss Michigan 2026 during the 86th annual scholarship competition. A third-grade teacher in Ann Arbor, she is inspired to “be that leader, be that shining light and that role model for so many.” Her talent involved HerStory, including students to talk about a teacher who believed and inspired us. Hannah is the founder of The Sunflower Project, a nonprofit dedicated to providing social-emotional learning (SEL) resources to students and families. Since its inception, The Sunflower Project has impacted 25,000 people and provided over $5,000 in resources.
Jillian Weaver joined the Brighton High School Girls Flag Football team in its second year of existence and honed her running back skills to be chosen as the Detroit Lions representative in the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Flag Football Showcase with 31 other girls, each representing a NFL team across the country. Jillian’s BHS team competed in the 2025 inaugural state championship game at Ford Field.
Previous Roll of Honor Honorees
Sally Burton-Hoyle, Ed.D
Jane Horal
Sara Patrick
Stephanie K. Young, MD
Outstanding Historical Accomplishments by Young Women
2024 Brighton Varsity Girls Lacrosse Team
Kate Lowry
Tara (Patrick) McCrackin
Darlene Mcmanus
Toni Reese
Lynn A. Strong
Sara E. Walker
Outstanding Historical Accomplishments by Young Women
2022 and 2023 Brighton Varsity Girls Lacrosse Teams
2024 Brighton Varsity Pom Team
Colleen Gleason
Thelma Lett
LuAnn Loy
Anne Richardson
Jane Jarvis Tomlinson
Sandra Leith Bates
Dolores S. Johnson
Anne King-Hudson
Ruth E. Munzel
Susan G. Rosebrough
Kathleen M. Barden
Therese K. Cremonte, P.E.M.
Ellen Lafferty
Colleen Tokai Monroe
Rhonda R. Trask
Carolina Louise DeLuca
Josephine DeLuca DelVero
Melinda Rodabaugh Kinsey
Marie Sedmak
Susanne Roys Seitters
Karen Storey
Athletic Championship Honoree:
Evelyn Money
Haidee F. Judson Brady
Charlotte L. Haight Mellus
Reneé R. Nix
Sarah Richardson-Burns, PhD
Nina Jones Cord Stowe
Mary Zizka St. Pierre, RN
Athletic Championship Honorees:
Natalie Klein
Ann M. Bollin
Julie Fielek
Nancy J. Fritch
Mandana “Mondi” Miller
Gloria Klepser Downing, EdSpec
Priscilla Luce Durante
Lucy Newman Lyon
Claudia Ann Roblee
Pat Schuch, PE,
Athletic Championship Honoree:
Abby Krzywiecki
Amy Lou Arnold
Carole Bullion-Mincy
Kathleen Carney
Shirley Jean Shekell Danforth
Colonel Karin Flood, M.D.,
Mary E. Griffith
Nancy B. Johnson, Ph.D.
Edith Amanda Leith
Athletic Championship Honoree:
Julia Dean
Nancy J. Fredenburg
Laura Kelley
Donna Susan Oswalt Kelly
Pamela McConeghy
Jane Marie McManus
Jane K. Petrie
Nancy Jane Roberts
Sara Thomas
Shirley J. Barton
Jean K. Becker, PhD
Michele Bouhana
Heidi G. Clausnitzer
Karen J. Goss
Sheryl Lohmiller
Cheryl Ann Mayday
Barbara Ann Binkley
Patricia Sue Cherry
Jeannine M. Dufault
Carol S. Griffith
Dorothy Musch
Colonel Kriste Kibbey Etue
Sharon L. Kisak
Nancy A. Rosso
Brighton Area Women’s Roll of Honor Advisory Council
Acknowledgments The Advisory Council appreciates the Collaboration and Support of:
Jean K. Becker
Nancy Fredenburg
Karen Goss
Carol Griffith
Nancy B. Johnson
Joyce Powers, Chair
Margaret Siford
Elizabeth Walker
Brighton Area Historical Society
Brighton Area Schools
Brighton District Library
Brighton Rotary Club
City of Brighton
Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce
Livingston County Daily Press & Argus
Livingston Sunrise Rotary
The Marketeer
Michigan Women’s Historical Center and Hall of Fame
National Women’s History Project
WHMI 93.5FM
Athletic Championship Honorees
Brighton High School Girls Cross Country Teams won state titles in 1979, 1980, and 1983 following the early years of Title IX. The 1979 team was the first girls athletic team to win a state title for Brighton.
2003 Brighton Varsity Girls Softball Team won the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division I State Championship with a season record of 43-1. They were also named an All State Academic Team with a 3.25 grade point average.
2011 Brighton Varsity Girls Lacrosse Team won the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division I State Championship with a season record of 15-5-1.
2014 Brighton Varsity Girls Ski Team won the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division I State Championship with 92 points and a season record of 12-0.
2016 Julia Dean won the 2015 Division I Individual State MHSAA Golf Championship and then was chosen as Miss Golf by the Michigan Interscholastic Golf Coaches Association. Julia is the first Brighton female athlete honored by the Michigan Interscholastic Coaches Association.
2017 Abby Krzywiecki was honored as the 2016 Miss Softball winner by the Michigan Interscholastic Softball Coaches Association, the STATE CHAMOS! Softball Player of the Year, MLive Detroit’s Softball Player of the Year, and a Flosoftball First Team All-American. Abby holds the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s record for hitting 20 home runs in the 2016 season.