Since 2018, Her magazine and BizTimes.biz have selected four women from a pool of nominations who represent the best of the past, present and future in local leadership, community involvement and volunteer efforts, and making a difference in the tri-states and beyond.

It is never an easy task, as the number of deserving nominees always exceeds the number of awards. And this year was no exception.

Joining the roster of Salute to Women award recipients are Woman of the Year Leslie Shalabi, of Convivium Urban Farmstead in Dubuque; Woman of Innovation A. Alanda Gregory, of Tri-Phoenix Group in Dubuque; Woman Who Makes a Difference Mae Hingtgen, of Mental Health and Disability Service of the East Central Region; and Woman to Watch Callie Mescher-Fitzgerald, of Centrally Rooted in Dubuque.

The women were honored during an awards ceremony at the Diamond Jo Casino Harbor Room on Oct. 4.