City Commission on the Status of Women to Honor Local Women at Women’s Achievement Celebration

The City of Bloomington’s Commission on the Status of Women proudly celebrates the outstanding women shaping the community. The 2025 Women’s Achievement Awards recognize leaders making a difference in healthcare, youth empowerment, and advocacy. These honorees will be recognized at the Women’s History Month Luncheon on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the Monroe Convention Center.

Woman of the Year: Danielle Benedek

Danielle Benedek is a highly dedicated and accomplished Nurse Practitioner with a deep commitment to nursing and healthcare leadership. Early in her career, she identified the need for local access to child abuse medical exams while working as a pediatric registered nurse at IU Health. Danielle collaborated with healthcare and community leaders to establish a child abuse clinic in Bloomington—the first of its kind. In 2016, her vision came to fruition with the opening of the Riley Physicians Child Abuse Clinic at Susie’s Place, through a partnership between Riley Physicians and Susie’s Place, a local child advocacy center focused on the prevention, justice, and healing of child victims of abuse and violence.

Under her visionary leadership, the clinic has conducted over 1,000 child abuse exams and has received national recognition, inspiring similar programs across the country. Danielle also pioneered the first advanced practice provider leadership structure for the south region of IU Health, advocating for the role and impact of advanced practice providers within the healthcare industry. Additionally, she has been instrumental in expanding reproductive healthcare services and establishing the certified nurse-midwifery program.

In January 2025, Danielle was promoted to Regional Director of Advanced Practice Providers for IU Health, recognizing her exceptional leadership and commitment to patient care. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Indiana University (2010) and a master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Cincinnati (2015). Danielle resides in Bloomington with her supportive husband, Jonathan, and their four children: Jude, Kate, Alex, and Chloe.

Emerging Leader Award: Amy Oelsner

Amy Oelsner is the founding Director of Girls Rock Bloomington, a nonprofit music education program for girls, trans, and non-binary youth. Girls Rock Bloomington’s mission is to foster positive self-esteem and self-expression through music education and mentoring. The organization serves youth ages 8-14 through an annual summer camp, workshops, after-school programs, and more.

Since its first camp in 2019, Girls Rock Bloomington has served over 150 youth in the Bloomington area. In 2021, Amy launched the BIPOC Community Fund, which provides free or reduced-cost programming for BIPOC girls, trans, and non-binary youth.

Young Woman of the Year: Jael Davis

Jael Davis, a junior at Bloomington High School South. Jael serves as President of the Black Culture Club and Co-Lead of the Diversity Club, where she has led initiatives to foster understanding and appreciation for diverse perspectives. She is also a two-year Equity Ambassador, using her platform to advocate for marginalized voices and challenge systemic barriers.

In addition to her advocacy work, Jael is a skilled public speaker and varsity congressional debater. This year, she placed as a semi-finalist, ranking in the top 28 in the state of Indiana, using her voice to address social issues and inspire change. Jael is also a member of the Junior Advisory Board and the MCCSC Students Organization, where she continues to advocate for student rights and well-being.

Tickets for the Women’s History Month Luncheon are available at bton.in/whm40. Individual tickets are $45 or reserve a table of 8 for $425 with preferred seating.

For more information, please contact Marissa Parr-Scott at marissa.parrscott@bloomington.in.gov or 812-349-3468.