Schulte wins Woman of Influence award

CEDAR RAPIDS — YMCA of Washington County CEO Amy Schulte has been named one of 10 recipients of the Corridor Business Journal’s 2023 “Women of Influence Awards.”

The recognition honors “an inspiring group of community leaders who have each overcome adversity, taken chances and challenged themselves to make a positive impact in their community, despite demanding schedules in their personal and professional lives,” according to the CBJ website.

Schulte said she was humbled, after an awards dinner Thursday night.

“I was actually kind of taken aback when Isabella (Santoro) nominated me, because I feel like there’s so many great people here in our community doing great things,” she said. “I don’t think I would have had the opportunity to be nominated for this award if I didn’t have the opportunity to work with the Y and different people in the community. A lot of the credit goes to the overall impact the Y has on the community, that’s given me a platform.”

Community Member Isabella Santoro, who nominated Schulte for the award, said she aimed to nominate someone in Washington for awards every year. In this case, she said Schulte was the obvious pick.

“She’s just a formidable leader, she’s accomplished so much with a beautiful new building, and now the pool and securing all the funds for it,” Santoro said. “Amy’s name popped into my head because of all the unbelievable amounts of fundraising and getting things done.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com