Latest news with #RemarkableWoman2025
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Remarkable Women 2025 winner: Kathy Burns
COLUMBUS, Ga. () — During the month of March, we celebrate Women's history month by recognizing remarkable women in the Chattahoochee Valley Community. The years Remarkable Woman 2025 Winner is Kathy Burns. As the spouse of a soldier, Burns was deeply involved in Family Readiness Groups (FRG), ensuring military spouses had the resources and support they needed during deployments and transitions. She served in various leadership roles, organizing meetings, social events, and assistance programs. Her commitment extended beyond her husband's active-duty service, as she continued volunteering in senior spouse roles, mentoring young military families, and strengthening the connection between Fort Benning and the Columbus community. 'I was always drawn to volunteer those volunteer positions, and I was always drawn to that,' Burns said. 'And because of that, that's really where you make those friendships for a lifetime.' Beyond FRGs, Burns served on multiple volunteer boards. She was recognized as Santa's Castle Volunteer of the Year for her work providing holiday gifts to military children. Burns was instrumental in establishing and naming the Battle Buddy Resource Center, a food and dry goods pantry for military spouses. She has dedicated countless hours to serving military families and the community. 'For me, having gone through as a newlywed bride living so far away from home, as the years went on in particular, I saw a way to give back and support young spouses, and that's been a pleasure.' Burns said. While volunteering extensively, Burns also built an impressive career across multiple industries. She has worked as a court reporter, real estate agent, flight attendant, airline ticket agent, and even owned her own company. 'I've had probably about 18 different jobs, and this is part of what I share with spouses on these spouse panels that I always looked at that as an opportunity,' Burns added. 'And a lot of my girlfriends, it got to be a joke.' Burns says her most impactful role was serving as a Regional Representative for a U.S. Senator. According to a statement from Senator David Purdue, Burns was the ideal representative for the West Central Region of Georgia because she understands the needs of Georgia's Military families, this unique experience and her compassion for helping Georgians made her a valued member of the team. In this position, she worked to help veterans, farmers, and educators. 'I was really honored that he knew that and selected me for that job based on that, because that's really where my passion is,' Burns said. Kathy's impact has been widely recognized. She has received accolades from Fort Benning leadership, the Chief of Staff of the Army, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and state and local officials. In honor of her contributions, the Mayor of Columbus declared July 21st as 'Kathy Burns Day.' Despite the countless awards she has earned throughout her life, Burns' greatest honor comes from the relationships she has built and the lives she has touched. Even after facing a personal battle with breast cancer, Burns found a new way to give back—volunteering to support newly diagnosed patients through her Breast Care Navigator program, offering guidance and encouragement to those undergoing treatment. 'While I've always loved to volunteer, I. I just don't really want the recognition. I appreciate it. And it's incredible. It really is. And again, I'm humbled by all of it. But if you knew the military spouses and how accomplished they are and just incredible. It's humbling. It's it really is. But if I can do anything to highlight that, I'm happy to do that in whatever way I can.' From military spouse to mentor, advocate, and leader, Kathy Burns exemplifies what it means to be a remarkable woman. Each year, the winner receives a check for a charity of their choice. Burns decided to donate the $1,000 check to the Bill and Olivia Amos Children's Hospital Piedmont Columbus Regional Foundation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Lindsey Peters – Remarkable Woman with a soul for giving
CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – A Shreveport woman has a heart for animals and athletes with special needs. 'I was watching the local news and an ad came on that said, do you know a woman who is a leader in their field and makes a difference in the Shreveport-Bossier area, and I said oh I actually do know somebody,' said Awbrea Moss, Chimp Haven Special Projects Coordinator. Moss said she knew the perfect woman to nominate, her supervisor and friend, who has a selfless spirit. 'It's very unique to have a manager like that. Who cares that much about you and the animals you take care of,' Moss said. Read about Remarkable Woman 2025 nominees, and past winners from your community Moss is referring to the 'girl boss power' found at Chimp Haven in Keithville, Louisiana, where her manager, Lindsey Peters, has worked for 15 years. Peters started as a volunteer before rising through the ranks to a leadership role. 'I looked up volunteer opportunities in Shreveport, and Chimp Haven popped up, and thought, wow, that's something I've never done before. My first day, I just fell in love with it,' Peters said. Peters is the facility's Animal Care Manager. She is also a Shreveport-native, which is rare at Chimp Haven, which recruits and hires personnel nationwide. During her career, she has seen the facility grow from 120 chimps to more than 300, living out their best chimp retirement years from biomedical research, as the center has completed major expansions and renovations. 'Each chimp has their own name and their own personality. Some like to be in your face, wanting your attention. Some just want to be with their friends. That's one of my favorite things about the chimps is that they will let you know how that want their day to go,' Peters said. Their love for animals is shared amongst the staff. Each day is filled with tasks, cleaning, enrichment, medical care, and friendship. 'She's very passionate about the chimps. Very passionate about her team. She wants to make sure that everything is top-notch. Whether that's the chimp care and care of the staff and the team,' Moss said. Peters' kind personality extends to animals and people. She coaches the Shreveport Special Olympics Softball Team. 'You've never received so many hugs when you walk out there and start practice. The athletes are amazing. They're out there just having fun playing softball. It really puts life in perspective,' Peters said. She has a successful background in softball. During college, Peters was on UT Tyler's first softball team, launching her freshman year, which she continued through her senior year. 'I was a hitter, I liked hitting the ball and lots of home runs,' she said. Peters was recently inducted into the UT Tyler Sports Hall of Fame for her foundational legacy. 'I was fortunate to be on a team where I could thrive and be a leader while developing things they still do today,' Peters said. Moss describes Peters as humble and as someone who always has your back. 'You just go about your life doing things and don't necessarily think it's remarkable. Whenever you hear you've made an impact on someone's life it's really cool,' Peters said. She thanks her parents, coaches, and Chimp Haven mentors who helped guide her into a leadership mentality. 'They are the parents who never missed a softball game. They're supportive in everything I did. Lots of people have poured into my life to help me see the importance of being a good person, good communication, and a good teammate. I just want to make those people proud.' Chimp Haven invites the public to visit during their upcoming Discovery Day in April. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
