Lisa Nisenfeld, President of the Columbia River Economic Development Council will be honored at an event on March 8 with one of three Iris Awards. Described by one of her nominators as an “inspirational leader who possesses that rare ability to provide both vision and passion to those she leads,” Nisenfeld will receive this recognition as part of an effort by the college to welcome the event back to Clark College with a new name and a new look. The Iris Award is a continuation of the Clark College legacy of honoring women in southwest Washington for nearly three decades. Having started in 1985 with a photo exhibit at the college it grew into the annual Women of Achievement Luncheon. Wanting to continue that original vision of recognizing women in southwest Washington Clark College President Bob Knight announced at the State of the College address Thursday, in partnership with the Clark College Foundation and the Vancouver Business Journal that the regional celebration of women, to now be called the Iris Awards will be held on International Women’s Day. Joining Nisenfeld in the first class of Iris honorees are Sally Schaefer a former Clark College Board Trustee and Vancouver resident for more than 50 years along with Mary Strehlow the developmental disabilities manager for the Clark County Department of Community Services. Those interested in attending the event can purchase tickets at Iris Awards via the VBJ website.
