Leslie Shalabi, who received the award for Woman of the Year, speaks at the event. PHOTO CREDIT: Jessica Reilly

Leslie Shalabi speaks during the Salute to Women Awards at Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque. Leslie received the award for Woman of the Year. PHOTO CREDIT: Jessica Reilly

Megan Gloss, features editor at Telegraph Herald, speaks during the Salute to Women Awards at Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque. PHOTO CREDIT: Jessica Reilly

Megan Gloss, features editor at Telegraph Herald, speaks during the Salute to Women Awards at Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque. PHOTO CREDIT: Jessica Reilly

Leslie Shalabi speaks during the Salute to Women Awards at Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque. Leslie received the award for Woman of the Year. PHOTO CREDIT: Jessica Reilly

Callie Mescher-FitzGerald, who received the award for Woman to Watch, speaks at the event. PHOTO CREDIT: Jessica Reilly

Callie Mescher-FitzGerald speaks during the Salute to Women Awards at Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque. Callie received the award for Woman to Watch. PHOTO CREDIT: Jessica Reilly

A. Alanda Gregory, who received the award for Woman of Innovation, speaks at the event. PHOTO CREDIT: Jessica Reilly

A. Alanda Gregory speaks during the Salute to Women Awards at Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque. Gregory received the award for Woman of Innovation. PHOTO CREDIT: Jessica Reilly

Mae Hingtgen, who received the award for Woman Who Makes a Difference, speaks at the event. PHOTO CREDIT: Jessica Reilly

Mae Hingtgen speaks during the Salute to Women Awards at Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque. Mae received the award for Woman Who Makes a Difference. PHOTO CREDIT: Jessica Reilly

Leslie Shalabi (from left), Mae Hingtgen, A. Alanda Gregory and Callie Mescher-FitzGerald were recognized during the Salute to Women Awards on Oct. 4. PHOTO CREDIT: Jessica Reilly

Megan Gloss, features editor at Telegraph Herald, speaks during the Salute to Women Awards at Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque. PHOTO CREDIT: Jessica Reilly

Keynote speaker Yindra Dixon speaks during the Salute to Women Awards at Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque. PHOTO CREDIT: Jessica Reilly

Keynote speaker Yindra Dixon speaks during the Salute to Women Awards at Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque. PHOTO CREDIT: Jessica Reilly

Keynote speaker Yindra Dixon speaks during the Salute to Women Awards at Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque. PHOTO CREDIT: Jessica Reilly

Keynote speaker Yindra Dixon speaks during the Salute to Women Awards at Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque. PHOTO CREDIT: Jessica Reilly