The eighth-annual Rosie Awards were held to honor women who act as silent advocates, volunteers, leaders, trailblazers and mentors in the Northland.
By Teri Cadeau
DULUTH — The Woman Today’s eighth annual Rosie Awards recognized six women who serve their communities as advocates, leaders, mentors, volunteers and ‘people who get stuff done,’ during a ceremony at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center Wednesday, March 5.
The Woman Today is a monthly magazine published by Duluth Media Group. Organizer Ali Carlson, Duluth Media Group’s retail advertising manager, said the event came from the desire to feature and honor the stories of women in the local community.
“Let’s have the community come to us and tell us why their neighbors, friends, aunts, or sisters are so deserving to be acknowledged,” Carlson said. “As we prepare for this, I get so excited because I get a glimpse into every one of your lives, your stories.”
Here are the six award winners and glimpses of their stories:
The Rosie Award
The Rosie Award is named after the cultural icon Rosie the Riveter and presented to a woman who “gets stuff done” and encompasses all the qualities of the other awards presented.
Unfortunately, due to a flight delay caused by weather conditions, this year’s Rosie Award winner, Kelly Peterson, could not make it to the ceremony. Her son, Jeremiah Johnson, accepted the award on her behalf. Peterson is the executive director of the Superior Business Improvement District, a member of the Superior Rotary Club, and the Douglas County 10th District supervisor. She founded the Women in Business Group and serves as co-chair of the Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival.
Nominators wrote that she is a tireless advocate for local business and the community. Her vision for the SBID is that “When the SBID businesses do well, our whole community thrives,” according to her nominators.
“With her bubbly, go-getter spirit and dedication to countless city committees, she’s always connecting, supporting, and inspiring those around her,” read one of her nomination letters. “She is the catalyst for events and activities within the SBID that encourage people to become involved and show support for local businesses as loyal customers.”
Most Engaged Volunteer
Kala Pedersen received the Most Engaged Volunteer Award, given to a woman who goes above and beyond and works tirelessly in the region for the good of all. Pedersen is involved in many programs, including serving on the Grandma’s Marathon board, the Duluth Parks Commission and the Twin Ports Thanksgiving Day buffet steering committee. She also volunteers with her therapy dog Cruz at the Solvay Hospice House and with the Duluth Public Library’s Read to a Dog program.
“Kala’s dedication is rooted in her deep love for her community and she continuously seeks out opportunities to uplift, support and inspire those around her,” read her nomination letter.
Mentor Award
Kate Tesch received the Mentor Award, which goes to a woman who has acted as an experienced and trusted adviser to those around her. Tesch serves as the director of continuous improvement and assessment for the School District of Superior. As a former school principal, Tesch mentors new administrators in their roles and developed and leads the Aspiring Leaders Academy within Superior Schools, to help inspire current staff to become principals, deans of students and instructional coaches.
“Becoming a high school assistant principal has been the hardest work I have ever done,” read Tesch’s nomination letter. “Over the past two and half years that I have been in this role, there have been days where I questioned myself and what I was doing and Kate has been the guiding compass that reminds me I am in exactly the right place. She encourages and supports me, while giving clear and focused feedback to help me grow. I am a better educator and leader because of her mentorship.”
Leadership Award
Deb DeLuca received the Leadership Award, presented to a woman who demonstrates outstanding leadership by challenging, motivating and inspiring others in their field of endeavor. DeLuca was not present to accept the award Wednesday as she was representing the region in Washington D.C. for American Great Lakes Ports Association and Great Lakes Commission meetings in conjunction with Great Lakes Day on Capitol Hill.
DeLuca has served as the eighth executive director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority and is set to retire in May after being the first woman to hold that title. Nominators noted DeLuca’s expansion of the Duluth Cargo Connect, successful leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic, and serving as the catalyst for $35 million in port-related capital projects over the years.
DeLuca is also a former member of the U.S. National Cycling team who still competes and leads various cycling, skiing and running groups in the area.
She served as chairperson of the Minnesota Freight Advisory, president of the Minnesota Ports Association and vice president of the American Great Lakes Ports Association. In addition, she served on the board of directors for the American Association of Port Authorities, the Chamber of Marine Commerce and Green Marine International.
“She will leave a legacy of kind, inspiring, strategic leadership that drove success for the Port Authority and the region as a whole,” read her nomination letter.
Trailblazer Award
Laura Mullen received the Trailblazer Award, which goes to a woman who is willing to blaze a new, positive path for others to follow. Mullen is known for being a co-founder of Bent Paddle, which has been instrumental in building the craft district in Lincoln Park. Before that, she ran her own event management company, Laura Mullen Event Design. Now, Mullen is starting a retail start-up called Aura Eye which helps artists succeed and create channels to reach customers.
She serves as board chair/president of Marshall School, the DECC and the 1200 Fund. She also supports Braver Angels, an organization which encourages people with different political perspectives to listen to each other and foster civility.
“She models what it means to be a trailblazer and she does so with style and compassion,” read her nomination letter. “I am inspired by her, her bravery, her creativity, and her drive to push and try new things.”
Silent Advocate Award
Jodi Carlson received the Silent Advocate Award, which goes to a woman who silently helps her community and her neighbors. Carlson runs the Missing Pets in the Northland Facebook group and has been rescuing lost and stray animals for many years. She works at the Duluth Veterinary Hospital, but her nominators note she always makes time to step in and help with missing or lost pets or found strays if they are injured, sick or at-risk.
“She loves animals so much and is always going above and beyond to help save them, get them out of the elements, make sure they have proper vet care/food/love, and bring them back to their home whenever possible,” read one of her nomination letters. “She’s helped thousands of animals and their owners.”
“I was one of those families,” said Carlson.