Amanda Del Signore

Amanda Del Signore

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How Two Women Are Advancing Healthcare Safety Through Innovation and Service

Posted by Amanda Del Signore on Tue, Sep 09, 2025 @ 02:51 PM

2025 Winner Spotlight - RESIZED IG-4Rpharmy, an Austin-based healthcare technology company, was founded with a clear mission: to prevent medication errors and protect healthcare workers from hazardous drug exposure. Its cloud-based solutions—Formweb, a formulary management system, and Rhazdrugs, a hazardous drug safety platform—are used by healthcare organizations nationwide to improve safety and compliance.

At the 2025 Stevie® Awards for Sales & Customer Service, two of Rpharmy’s team members were recognized for their outstanding contributions to this mission. Caroline McBreen, Director of Business Development, earned a Bronze Stevie Award for Business Development Professional of the Year, and Sherlene Christen, Customer Experience Specialist, received a Silver Stevie Award for Front-Line Customer Service Professional of the Year – Other Service Industries.

A Mission-Driven Approach to Growth
Rpharmy was founded following a personal tragedy caused by a medication error, and that mission continues to guide the company today. Caroline McBreen shares a deep personal connection to this cause. After starting her career in finance and accounting, Caroline transitioned to healthcare technology to help prevent the types of errors her family had worked for years to address.

Since joining Rpharmy full-time in 2023, Caroline has driven a 34% increase in revenue and expanded the company’s reach through a personalized, relationship-based approach. Rather than relying on automated sales funnels, she focused on creating meaningful engagement with healthcare leaders. Caroline organized Rpharmy’s participation in 13 regional and national healthcare meetings, where she hosted hospitality suites, delivered presentations, and facilitated over 450 live product demonstrations for more than 1,200 prospects.

Her efforts also secured major visibility for Rpharmy when Premier, a leading healthcare improvement company, recognized Rhazdrugs as one of the top 10 innovative healthcare technologies of 2024. This achievement gave Rpharmy access to Premier’s alliance of 4,100 hospitals and health systems, a significant milestone for a family-run business in a competitive industry dominated by large corporations.

Caroline also introduced initiatives that strengthened Rpharmy’s market presence, including the Rpharmy Rounds blog series, educational webinars, and customized demonstrations for nursing teams—an audience often overlooked in pharmacy-centric solutions. Her work in obtaining Texas HUB woman-owned business certification positioned Rpharmy as a leader in promoting diversity in the healthcare technology space.

Delivering Hands-On Customer Service
While Caroline focuses on expanding Rpharmy’s reach, Sherlene Christen ensures customers receive the expert support needed to successfully implement the company’s solutions. With more than 30 years of pharmacy experience at Duke Raleigh Hospital, Sherlene brings an exceptional depth of knowledge to her role as Customer Experience Specialist. For the past four years, she has guided healthcare organizations through the complex processes of formulary consolidation and hazardous drug safety compliance.

Sherlene leads implementation projects for both Formweb and Rhazdrugs, ensuring that systems meet regulatory standards. Her expertise was particularly critical when the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released an updated list of hazardous drugs in December 2024. Sherlene proactively analyzed and documented necessary changes for each client, saving them significant time and resources.

Her approach combines technical proficiency with a deep understanding of customer needs, resulting in a level of service rarely seen in the healthcare software industry. Clients benefit from her direct communication, tailored support, and practical solutions, which have earned consistent praise from healthcare organizations nationwide.

A Shared Commitment to Innovation and Safety
Both Caroline and Sherlene’s accomplishments reflect Rpharmy’s commitment to innovation, safety, and exceptional service. Their work demonstrates how a company built on personal experience and driven by mission can compete successfully with larger corporations while setting new standards for customer engagement and industry leadership.

Sherlene Christen won a Silver Stevie Award for Front-Line Customer Service Professional of the Year - Other Service Industries, and Caroline McBreen won a Bronze Stevie for Business Development Professional of the Year in the 2025 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.

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Topics: stevie awards for sales and customer service

Procore Technologies Redefines Sales Enablement With Experiential Learning

Posted by Amanda Del Signore on Wed, Sep 03, 2025 @ 11:40 AM

2025 Winner Spotlight - RESIZED IG-3-Sep-03-2025-03-39-14-2419-PMStevie-winner Procore Technologies, a leading construction management software platform headquartered in the United States, is publicly traded under the ticker PCOR and serves construction companies globally.

The platform provides a central collaboration space for project stakeholders, including owners, general contractors, and specialty contractors, streamlining project management and improving communication across complex construction projects. Known for its innovative approach to construction technology, Procore has consistently delivered tools that connect people, processes, and data on a single platform, enabling more efficient work and measurable ROI for its clients.

In 2024, Procore’s sales and customer success teams took a bold step forward in professional development by launching the company’s first-ever Step Into Success Enablement Summit, an immersive, mid-year sales enablement conference. This event earned Procore two Silver Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, in the categories of Sales Enablement Program of the Year and Sales Training or Coaching Program of the Year, recognizing the company’s unique approach to motivating, educating, and engaging its teams.

Sales Enablement Conference
Unlike traditional sales conferences focused on presentations and lectures, Procore designed the summit as a three-day “Enablement Experience”. Each day focused on experiential learning, using gamification and hands-on simulations to reinforce critical sales and account planning skills. The goal was to deepen employees’ understanding of customers, competitors, and account strategy in an engaging and memorable way, ensuring that team members could apply new insights immediately in real-world sales scenarios.

Day one of the summit, called Walk in Your Customer’s Boots,” emphasized customer-centric learning. Teams participated in a stadium-building simulation, navigating real-world challenges such as weather delays and software issues while assuming roles such as Owner or Contractor. Procore customers attended the simulation, answering questions and providing real-world context. This immersive exercise helped sales teams gain a richer understanding of the construction environment and the practical impact of Procore’s products on clients’ daily work.

Day two, the “Procore Escape Experience,” shifted the focus to competition. Fifty teams entered custom-designed, two-room escape challenges, uncovering pain points faced by prospective clients using non-Procore software. Teams then participated in a Whiteboard Challenge, developing solutions tailored to these frustrations. This highly interactive approach helped employees understand competitive pressures and how Procore’s platform effectively addresses industry pain points.

Day three, the “Straightline Account Challenge,” centered on account planning. Over six hours, teams collaborated to develop strategic account plans for a fictitious client, combining lessons learned from the first two days. This gamified workshop emphasized application of knowledge, critical thinking, and collaboration, ensuring that sales teams not only understood Procore’s value proposition but could also communicate it effectively to clients.

The results of the summit exceeded expectations. Employees demonstrated clear mastery of account planning, customer engagement, and competitive positioning, as evidenced by enhanced performance in sales conversations and documentation. Feedback from participants highlighted the summit as one of the most innovative and impactful training experiences they had encountered.

Following the success of the summit, Procore plans to continue this experiential approach in with additional reinforcement sessions, further integrating active learning into the company’s sales culture. The program exemplifies how forward-thinking organizations can transform sales training from a passive exercise into an engaging, results-driven experience.

Procore Technologies won two Silver Stevie Awards for Sales Enablement Program of the Year and Sales Training or Coaching Program of the Year in the 2025 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. 

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Topics: stevie awards for sales and customer service

Driving Growth and Building Strong Teams at Spring Bio Solution

Posted by Amanda Del Signore on Tue, Aug 26, 2025 @ 11:07 AM

Spring Bio Solution-Logo Final-c2c-01When Spring Bio Solution (SBS) launched in 2020 in the US, it was a small company in a competitive and highly regulated industry. Four years later, the company has achieved significant growth, and one of the key people behind that success is Nikhila Shashikanth.

In recognition of her contributions, Nikhila received two honors at the 2024 Stevie Awards for Women in Business: a Silver Stevie Award for Female Employee of the Year in Business, and a Bronze Stevie for Female Executive of the Year in Business Services with 10 or Less Employees.

Spring Bio Solution
SBS is a licensed wholesale distributor in the pharmaceutical space. The company specializes in sourcing and supplying Reference Listed Drugs (RLDs), comparator drugs, and various medical devices to pharmaceutical companies, clinical research organizations (CROs), and research institutions. Spring Bio Solution supports the clinical trial and research processes by ensuring reliable access to these key pharmaceutical products.

In addition to its core distribution activities, SBS also supports logistical and regulatory needs within the pharmaceutical supply chain including serialization services. The company handles sourcing, compliance, and distribution in accordance with industry standards, positioning itself as a trusted partner for organizations needing consistent, compliant access to critical drugs and devices.

Business Growth and Operational Successheadshot
Nikhila serves as the Director of Business Development and Operations at SBS. Her role involves overseeing the company's business strategy, operations, and regulatory compliance. She joined SBS as a Manager when the company was founded and quickly advanced through senior roles before assuming her current position.

Under Nikhila’s leadership, SBS has seen strong revenue growth, with revenues increasing by more than 125% between 2022 and 2024. This reflects a period of significant expansion for a company of its size.

She has also focused on improving efficiency and maintaining compliance in a heavily regulated sector. This includes managing customer and regulatory audits, as well as anticipating changes in industry requirements.

In addition, Nikhila’s approach to leadership emphasizes both performance and employee development. Managing such a dynamic environment presents daily challenges, and Nikhila approaches each challenge with a deep passion for her work and a solution-oriented mindset. Her management style is deeply empathetic, dedicating considerable time and effort to understanding and addressing her team's needs.This empathetic leadership has not only driven successful project outcomes but has also cultivated a supportive and motivated workplace. She has created an environment where team members can advance into leadership roles, and the company has maintained an employee retention rate significantly higher than the industry average.

Alongside her work at SBS, Nikhila has been pursuing a dual degree at Cornell University: An Executive MBA and an MS in Healthcare Leadership. Since winning her Stevie Awards, she has graduated with distinction. She attended classes on weekends while continuing her responsibilities at SBS during the week.

Nikhila’s story reflects how strategic thinking, continuous learning, and a people-first approach can drive success in a competitive industry. Her ability to balance operational responsibilities with academic advancement demonstrates a commitment to both personal and organizational growth.

Nikhila Shashikanth won Silver and Bronze Stevie Awards for Female Employee of the Year – Business and for Female Executive of the Year – Business Services (10 or Less Employees), respectively, in the 2024 Stevie Awards for Women in Business.

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Topics: stevie awards for women in business

How One Mother Turned Her Breastfeeding Struggles Into a Game-Changing Product

Posted by Amanda Del Signore on Tue, Aug 12, 2025 @ 03:43 PM

Simple_Breastfeeding_SocialsAngela Dion, founder of Simple Breastfeeding, has been recognized with two Stevie Awards in the 2024 Stevie Awards for Women in Business for her development of the Blissful Bond Boobie Pillow — an innovative breastfeeding support device designed to assist mothers, particularly those with larger breasts, in nursing more comfortably and effectively.

Dion’s idea for the product emerged from her own struggles as a new mother. Like many women, she experienced neck, shoulder, and back pain from holding her breast in place while nursing, as well as difficulty helping her baby latch. The makeshift solution often used (a rolled-up towel) failed to provide adequate support, creating additional frustration and discomfort. Over time, this strain required weekly physiotherapy and significantly impacted her breastfeeding experience.

Motivated by these challenges, Dion embarked on a four-year journey to create a more effective, ergonomic support device. Drawing on feedback from healthcare professionals, extensive testing, and input from mothers, she developed the Blissful Bond Boobie Pillow. The product is made from medical-grade materials that are hygienic, durable, and easy to clean. Its design supports proper positioning of the breast to improve latching, reduce pain, and enhance bonding between mother and baby.Simple_Breastfeeding_Logo

The product officially launched at the Melbourne Parent & Baby Expo in July 2024, where it sold 50 units and drew praise from both mothers and midwives. Since then, demand has grown through online and retail channels, with healthcare professionals endorsing the product for its ability to address common breastfeeding problems. Physiotherapists specializing in women’s health have described it as a “game changer” for preventing and alleviating breastfeeding-related musculoskeletal pain.

The Blissful Bond Boobie Pillow is designed with versatility in mind. It accommodates mothers of different body types, provides stability for the breast to free up the mother’s hands, and helps improve milk flow, which reduces the risk of mastitis. For mothers who may feel overwhelmed by the physical demands of breastfeeding, the pillow offers a practical solution that improves comfort and allows them to focus more fully on their baby.

The potential market for the product is significant. While breastfeeding initiation rates in Australia are high, many mothers stop breastfeeding within a few months due to physical pain, difficulty latching, or frustration. The Blissful Bond Boobie Pillow addresses these barriers directly, providing an option for mothers who otherwise may have given up breastfeeding prematurely.

Simple Breastfeeding is currently expanding its reach with additional expos planned nationwide, a developing influencer campaign, and discussions underway with national retail and online chains. The company is also exploring opportunities to introduce the product into hospital maternity wards to support mothers immediately after birth.

Winning two Stevie Awards has been a game-changer for Angela and her business. The recognition has attracted the attention of international buyers and helped secure placements in pharmacies and baby shops online, with talks progressing for distribution in markets like the Philippines and the United States. Beyond offering credibility, the awards have given Angela a strong platform to expand globally, paving the way for new partnerships, distributors, and resellers around the world.

Simple Breastfeeding Founder Angela Dion won Bronze Stevie Awards for Achievement in Product Innovation and for Best New Product or Service of the Year - Consumer Products in the 2024 Stevie Awards for Women in Business.

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Topics: stevie awards for women in business

Katrina Wurm: Helping Mothers Navigate Parenthood Through Coaching and Advocacy

Posted by Amanda Del Signore on Tue, Aug 05, 2025 @ 04:45 PM

Stevie winner Katrina Wurm, founder of Stress Free Super Mum, is a coach, author, and advocate who supports women in managing the challenges of motherhood, particularly when raising children with disabilities or neurodivergence. Drawing on her personal and professional experience, Wurm has developed programs and resources to help mothers improve their confidence, advocate for their children, and maintain a balanced home life.

2025 Winner Spotlight - Twitter Post-5-Aug-05-2025-08-33-54-4983-PM

Her own journey as a mother shaped her mission. After experiencing the loss of multiple pregnancies and giving birth to a son with significant medical needs and neurodiversity, Wurm applied her background in psychology, business, and human resources to create practical systems that helped her manage her family’s complex needs. This experience motivated her to assist other mothers facing similar struggles.

At the request of her son’s school principal, she began coaching mothers of neurodiverse children in 2017. During the pandemic, she formalized her approach by launching Stress Free Super Mum, a program designed to help mothers working from home balance their responsibilities while caring for their families.

Wurm’s programs, workshops, and speaking engagements now reach mothers from diverse backgrounds, not just those raising children with disabilities. Her services emphasize organization, delegation, and advocacy—skills she teaches to help women improve their well-being and reduce stress. She also coaches women to set boundaries, teach their children age-appropriate responsibilities, and avoid overextending themselves.

Her business has grown steadily, with coaching clients increasing by at least 15% annually and sales of her book Wear Your Warrior rising by 25%. She has expanded her reach into rural and remote communities in Australia and regularly speaks at libraries, workshops, and corporate events.

Wurm also works within the corporate sector, particularly with Australia’s national airline Qantas, where she trains staff on disability inclusion and has advocated for the adoption of initiatives such as the Sunflower Lanyard program for hidden disabilities. In 2024 she joined Qantas’s Diversity and Inclusion Board, contributing to policies that support staff and customers with diverse needs.

Through her coaching, writing, and advocacy, Wurm addresses issues such as burnout, depleted mother syndrome, and the lack of support available for parents of children with special needs. Her work provides practical tools for mothers navigating the often-overwhelming demands of parenting and helps families achieve healthier, more balanced lives.

Katrina Wurm won three Gold and two Silver Stevie Awards in the 2024 Stevie Awards for Women in Business for Female Thought Leader of the Year – Consumer Services, Mentor of Coach of the Year - Consumer; Women Helping Women - Social Change; Social Change Maker of the Year - Disability; and Best Female Entrepreneur - Consumer Services, respectively.

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Topics: stevie awards for women in business

Empowerment Through Education and Action: Dr. Sonia Selwin’s Impact Across Communities

Posted by Amanda Del Signore on Fri, Jul 11, 2025 @ 11:53 AM

Stevie-winner Dr. Sonia Selwin brings a holistic approach to empowerment, working across India, the U.S., and Bahrain to support marginalized women, immigrant communities, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Her impact is rooted not just in vision, but in action—whether that’s supporting a single woman struggling with language barriers and mental health, or developing scalable education and business programs that reach hundreds.

Sonia SelwinA Dual Role: Academic Leader and Community Organizer
Dr. Selwin’s academic background spans 16 years as a lecturer, professor, and program manager in business education. With a PhD in Management and current postdoctoral research in Leadership at Andrews University, she brings scholarly rigor to her work. But she doesn’t stop at theory.

Her nonprofit work—especially through HopeSide Ministries and as founder of the People Empowerment Alliance for Creativity and Education (PEACE)—takes that expertise directly to the communities that need it most. She mentors immigrant women in employability skills, guides entrepreneurs in launching small businesses, and leads weekly Bible study and support sessions focused on healing and empowerment.

At HopeSide, she’s helped dozens of women start businesses, complete degrees, and navigate personal hardships. Her leadership spans from organizing church retreats and fundraising events to developing grant proposals and securing financial support for community programs.

Focus on Women’s Empowerment and Entrepreneurship
Through PEACE, Dr. Selwin is actively supporting more than 350 women in India—many of them first-time entrepreneurs—with training, funding, and mentorship. She led the effort to award seed funds to women facing growth constraints in businesses like tailoring, jewelry-making, and jute product manufacturing. Her focus is not just on financial aid, but sustainable business growth through marketing, digital skills, and community collaboration.

In one case, she helped an immigrant woman in the U.S. launch a sewing business by offering English language instruction, digital literacy, and equipment—all while juggling childcare and integration challenges. In another, she guided a woman from depression and isolation to confidence and purpose through mentoring and prayer. Her ability to meet people where they are, while also building broader systems for advancement, defines her leadership style.

A Global Voice for Practical Solutions
In 2023, Dr. Selwin was recognized at the British Parliament with the Award for Excellence in Global Education, Business, and Advancement, standing out among applicants from across India. Her work blends academic innovation with hands-on implementation; she’s equally at home writing research papers as she is leading food coordination for a community retreat or coaching a young nonprofit founder on mission statements and grant writing.

She is also passionate about forming partnerships between universities and grassroots entrepreneurs. Her work with students and rural women in India has inspired a mutual exchange of knowledge, connecting theory with lived experience, and inspiring a new generation of leaders.

Dr. Sonia Selwin’s work demonstrates that educational leadership can extend far beyond the classroom. It’s about mentorship, practical support, community development, and meeting real needs with compassion and structure.

Dr. Selwin won a Bronze Stevie® Award for Woman of the Year in the Government or Non-Profit sector in the 2024 Stevie Awards for Women in Business. 

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Topics: stevie awards for women in business

Innovating Literacy for Teens Who’ve Been Left Behind

Posted by Amanda Del Signore on Tue, Jul 08, 2025 @ 12:50 PM

Too often, older struggling readers are left with few resources that meet their unique needs—books that are either too simple for their age or too complex for their reading level. Storyshares is tackling that challenge head-on.

Storyshares logo
Founded by former educator Louise Baigelman, Storyshares is a nonprofit literacy organization focused on adolescents who have slipped through the cracks of reading instruction. Baigelman, who began her career in classrooms through Teach For America, saw firsthand how a lack of engaging, accessible reading materials held students back. Her solution: build a new kind of library.

That library now includes more than 500 original, age-appropriate titles written at a wide range of reading levels. These books have reached readers in 180 countries and have been read for over 1 million hours, helping teens and adults build confidence and fluency. Educators report that more than 90% of students using Storyshares titles show improved reading attitudes and behaviors.

Over the past year, Storyshares has continued to break new ground. In response to feedback from educators and families, Baigelman’s team created “Remix Decodables”—the first-ever decodable chapter books for teens. These books, released between late 2023 and early 2024, offer structured support for older readers who are still mastering foundational literacy skills, providing content that respects both their age and their learning needs. Each eight-book set in the series is tailored for students beyond third grade and comes with companion guides for educators to support instruction.

This bold innovation aligns with the growing movement around the Science of Reading and fills a long-overlooked gap in literacy education. It also complements Storyshares’ growing library by offering even more tools for teachers working with readers who have historically lacked effective resources.

Beyond publishing, Storyshares is scaling its impact through strategic collaborations. In 2024, the organization partnered with the 95 Percent Group to co-create 95 Readables™, a collection of decodable chapter books designed for students in grades 2–8. This partnership extends the reach of high-quality, structured literacy tools and highlights Baigelman’s commitment to evidence-based solutions. At the same time, the organization continues to fuel its library through its annual Story of the Year writing contest, which has become a cornerstone for sourcing diverse and engaging content.

Louise Baigelman’s leadership reflects a rare combination of educational insight, entrepreneurial vision, and measurable impact. Through Storyshares, she is redefining what’s possible for struggling readers around the world—empowering students, supporting teachers, and shaping the future of literacy.

Storyshares Founder and CEO Louise Baigelman won a Bronze Stevie® Award for Best Female Entrepreneur – Business Products –10 or Less Employees in the 2024 Stevie Awards for Women in Business.

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Topics: stevie awards for women in business

Strategic Storytelling for Social Impact: Cathy Yang’s Communications Leadership at PLDT Group

Posted by Amanda Del Signore on Thu, Jul 03, 2025 @ 11:55 AM

When Cathy Yang joined the PLDT Group—the Philippines’ largest integrated telecommunications firm—in July 2020, it was at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Connectivity was no longer a luxury but a lifeline. Yang was brought on to modernize PLDT’s communications strategy and lead a shift toward more purpose-driven, digitally focused storytelling.

Over the past four years, Yang has guided PLDT Group’s Corporate Communications team in aligning business goals with meaningful social impact, particularly in the areas of child protection, online safety, education, and digital inclusion. Under her leadership, the company’s communication strategies have elevated both internal engagement and public perception, while helping the company earn sustained recognition across multiple industries and platforms.

Using Communications to Drive Measurable Change
One of Yang’s most impactful contributions has been integrating child rights into PLDT’s corporate communications and business practices. Working with international organizations such as UNICEF, the Internet Watch Foundation, and International Justice Mission, PLDT Group developed strategies to address the growing issue of online child exploitation.

In 2023, PLDT was named a Leader in the Global Child Forum’s Business Benchmark on Children’s Rights—the only company in the Philippines to earn that distinction. The recognition came after Yang was invited in 2022 to represent both PLDT and the Philippines at the Global Child Forum in Stockholm, hosted by the King and Queen of Sweden. She remains the sole Southeast Asian representative included in the forum’s testimonial campaign.

Connecting Social Purpose with Brand and Business Value
PLDT’s corporate communications under Yang’s leadership has supported a wide range of business-aligned social initiatives. These include the expansion of the School-in-a-Bag digital classroom program, support for disaster resilience and livelihood initiatives, and digital literacy campaigns such as TNT SIM Registration.

The group also led #FarmSmart, a public relations program that used partnerships to help modernize agriculture and support farmers through tech solutions. These campaigns reflect a broader strategy that links PLDT’s business strengths (connectivity, technology) with its broader social commitments.

Yang and her team have maintained this focus even during periods of corporate challenge, including financial constraints and regulatory obligations. Notably, her team played a key role in coordinating public disclosures to the Philippine Stock Exchange while continuing to promote the company’s social impact initiatives.

A Winning Communications Strategy
Since 2021, PLDT Group has consistently earned top industry honors for communications and public relations, including four consecutive “Company of the Year” awards at both the Anvil and Quill Awards—prestigious recognitions in the Philippines' PR and communications sectors. Under Yang’s leadership, award submissions have expanded beyond her own team to include other divisions, demonstrating how strategic communications has become embedded throughout the company.

Yang’s communications work has also gained international recognition. During the pandemic, her team launched Realizations, a storytelling campaign that highlighted how PLDT’s connectivity solutions helped people navigate lockdowns and life changes. The campaign earned a Gold Stevie® Award for Innovation in Public Relations Videos at the 2021 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards.

Cathy Yang was honored with a Bronze Stevie Award for Communications, Investor Relations or PR Executive of the Year in the 2024 Stevie® Awards for Technology Excellence.

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Topics: Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence

How AAA Mountain West Group Is Strengthening Its Member Experience Through the Via Podcast

Posted by Amanda Del Signore on Tue, Jul 01, 2025 @ 01:10 PM

Stevie-winner AAA Mountain West Group (AAA MWG) is one of the largest regional branches in the AAA federation, serving more than 6.7 million Members across Northern California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska. With over 5,000 employees, the organization provides a wide array of services—roadside assistance, insurance, financial tools, auto repair, EV resources, and leisure travel planning.

As consumer habits shift toward digital and mobile experiences, AAA MWG has expanded its outreach through various content channels. One of the most visible is Via, the group’s travel and lifestyle publication. With a print and digital audience spanning 22 major media markets and a readership of over 7 million, Via has become a valuable engagement tool. Reader behavior data has shown that audiences not only read Via, but take action—such as visiting AAA offices or exploring products—after engaging with its content.

In late 2023, AAA MWG began exploring how to extend the Via experience beyond the page. The result was the "Via Podcast," a new content initiative designed to meet audiences where they already are: in their earbuds during commutes, workouts, or weekend travel planning.

Creating a New Kind of Member Connection
Launched in March 2024, the Via Podcast was developed by a team of women already deeply involved in Via’s editorial success. The podcast is hosted by Michelle Donati, a long-time AAA spokesperson and Arizona native, alongside travel journalist Mitti Hicks. Behind the scenes are Editor-in-Chief Whitney Phaneuf, Managing Editor Katie Henry, and editorial consultant April Kilcrease.
Via Podcast body image
The team’s goal was to create a series that captures the same tone and values of the magazine, while taking advantage of the intimacy and flexibility of audio. New episodes drop twice a month and are available on major podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The podcast focuses on travel across the American West—sharing personal stories, expert recommendations, and unexpected destinations. Themes range from hidden road trip gems to interviews with AAA Members and travel experts who offer firsthand insights.

Part of a Broader Strategy
The "Via Podcast" was not a standalone project but part of a larger content strategy aimed at increasing Member engagement and brand affinity. Internally, the team viewed it as an opportunity to humanize the AAA brand and strengthen relationships with Members through storytelling.

The rise of branded podcasts across industries helped validate the format as a business tool. Audio has become one of the fastest-growing forms of media consumption, with US adults spending nearly two hours a day listening. AAA MWG saw this shift not as a trend to chase, but as a channel that could support long-term communication goals.

Each episode of the Via Podcast is designed with AAA’s values in mind—trust, exploration, and Member-first service. The editorial team also uses performance data from *Via*’s digital content, email campaigns, and social platforms to inform guest selection and episode topics. By including AAA Member voices and stories in each episode, the team has created a sense of community among listeners. The podcast has also given the organization a way to stay relevant in a crowded media landscape—without abandoning the brand’s legacy of reliability and service.

For AAA MWG, the podcast serves both as a communication tool and as a reflection of how the organization continues to evolve. As the Via Podcast grows its listenership, AAA Mountain West Group is continuing to find new ways to deliver value—whether it’s through a map, a membership card, or a story told through headphones.

AAA Mountain West Group won a Bronze Stevie Award for Marketing Campaign of the Year - Entertainment & Sports in the 2024 Stevie Awards for Women in Business.

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Topics: stevie awards for women in business

Supporting Chronic Health Solutions Through Education and E-Commerce

Posted by Amanda Del Signore on Wed, Jun 04, 2025 @ 09:55 AM

Dr. Amy Myers has spent her career on a mission: helping people get to the root of their chronic health issues so they can take control of their well-being. What began with years of work as a functional medicine physician and founder of her own clinic has grown into Amy Myers MD® (AMMD)—an e-commerce wellness platform and global health resource that’s empowering millions.

In recognition of her impact, Dr. Myers earned a Bronze Stevie® Award for Female Thought Leader of the Year – Consumer Services in the 2024 Stevie Awards for Women in Business.

Building a Trusted Wellness Brand2025 Winner Spotlight - RESIZED IG-2-Jun-04-2025-01-54-04-0155-PM
Founded by Dr. Myers after two decades in clinical practice, Amy Myers MD® is a digital health and wellness brand that provides science-backed supplements, educational programs, and expert content. With more than 75 products personally formulated by Dr. Myers, the AMMD platform serves customers in over 140 countries.

The company’s focus areas include autoimmune disease, thyroid dysfunction, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), Candida overgrowth, and gut health. The goal is simple but ambitious: to make chronic illness a thing of the past.

From Clinic to Global Reach
Dr. Myers is no stranger to chronic illness. Her personal experience with autoimmunity led her to explore functional medicine—a patient-centered approach that addresses the root causes of disease rather than just symptoms. This perspective fueled her bestselling books, The Autoimmune Solution, The Thyroid Connection, and The Autoimmune Solution Cookbook, which have helped thousands better understand and manage their conditions.

With AMMD, Dr. Myers scaled her knowledge and resources beyond the clinic walls, offering digital tools, guides, and formulations designed to give users the confidence and support to take charge of their health from home.

Expanding the Conversation with the "Take Back Your Health" Podcast
In 2024, Dr. Myers launched the "Take Back Your Health" podcast—an extension of her commitment to practical, accessible wellness education. The podcast features conversations with experts across functional medicine, nutrition, and gut health, covering emerging research and actionable steps for improving health and longevity.

Designed to empower listeners through credible, easy-to-understand insights, the podcast is a platform for connecting with both long-time followers and new audiences who are seeking personalized, holistic solutions to chronic health challenges.

Today, Dr. Myers continues to guide AMMD’s growing global audience, not just as a founder and physician, but as a thought leader shaping the future of functional medicine. Her work has been featured in outlets like Forbes, Women’s World, and Glamour, sharing her message that everyone deserves the knowledge and tools to take back their health.

Amy Myers, MD, won a Bronze Stevie Award for Female Thought Leader of the Year - Consumer Services in the 2024 Stevie Awards for Women in Business.

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Topics: stevie awards for women in business