WILL’s Molly Delaney Honored as ‘Woman of Distinction’

Illinois Public Media's educational outreach director, Molly Delaney, will be honored by the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois (GSCI), along with four other women, as "Women of Distinction." Molly will be recognized in the STEM education category.

The awards will be presented at an annual celebration April 11 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Champaign. The event recognizes community women for their outstanding commitment to their profession, to the community and to inspire and mentor young girls. 

“We teach girls every day that they have what it takes to become leaders in any field they choose,” GSCI CEO Pam Kovacevich said. “The women we are honoring with these awards are not only successful in their fields, they are role models to girls and provide inspiration and motivation that has a tremendous impact on young women in their communities. These awards are just a small way of thanking them for their efforts.” Nominees came from Champaign, Vermillion, Ford and Iroquois Counties.

Molly has concentrated much of her work at Illinois Public Media in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathmatics) education. She created a hands-on STEM education program for preschoolers and was instrumental in launching new PBS digital media tools for PreK-12 educators. She worked with colleagues at Parkland College’s William M. Staerkel Planetarium on a project that was awarded a $90,000 Grow Up Great grant from PNC Foundation. The grant has helped to serve hundreds of children in Champaign County with a highly impactful STEM initiative.

The Girl Scouts noted that Molly has been leader in the field of education for more than 25 years. She began and completed her master’s degree while working full-time and raising three children.

Other 2013 Women of Distinction Honorees include:

Business or Professional: Laura Weis (Savoy), president and CEO of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce; Public Service: Dr. Annette Lansford (Champaign), a pediatrician and founder of the Carle Child Disability Clinic; Education: Cynthia Feeney (Champaign), a kindergarten teacher at St. Matthew School in Champaign; Creative Arts and Entertainment: Christina McClelland (Urbana), an interdisciplinary artist and public arts coordinator for the City of Urbana. Ranija Turner (Champaign), a junior at Central High School, will be honored as a Young Woman of Distinction

Tickets for the event will be $50 or $25 for children under 12. For more information, contact Samantha Greenburg at 309-336-0221. Proceeds from the event help fund leadership development programs for girls.