Recognizing Achievements: Eller Women’s Tea Honors Leaders and Rising Stars

On December 12, the Eller College of Management hosted the annual Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things Networking Tea. This event brings together remarkable women from the Tucson community and top-performing Eller undergraduate students. Held in celebration of women’s achievements in business and beyond, the event highlights the power of perseverance, leadership and community impact.

This year’s tea honored 11 outstanding community members, 25 Rising Stars and 50 Top Collegiate Women. The awardees represent the exceptional talent and determination found within the Eller community and the broader Tucson area.

The 11 community award winners were nominated by students, professors and community members for their contributions to their fields. Among this year’s honorees were:

• Childhood Development Award: Elizabeth Sparks, 4-H Youth Development Assistant Agent, Pima County Cooperative Extension, University of Arizona
• Entrepreneurship Award: Ashley La Russa,  Creator/Founder of Blax Friday/Roux Events
• Legacy Award: Pamela Perry, Retired Associate Dean, Eller College of Management
• Arts Award: Beverly Elliott, Executive Director, African American Museum of Southern Arizona
• Organizational Leadership Award: Desha Bymers-Davis, Leadership Development Associate at Altria and Founder of 100+ Women Who Care
• Accounting Award: Melissa Tomlinson, Founder/CEO, Tomlinson Financial Group
• Insurance Award: Dylia Hernandez, Independent Insurance Agent and Owner, Express Insurance Center
• Energy Award: Amy Welander, Vice President, General Counsel & Assistant Corporate Secretary, Tucson Electric Power (TEP)
• University Leadership Award: Leticia Soto-Delgadillo, Executive Director, A Center, University of Arizona
• Commercial Real Estate Award: Lani Baker, Principal Partner and CFO, Holualoa Companies
• Marketing Award: Gabriela Cervantes, Marketing Manager, Snell & Wilmer Law Firm

These women have shown extraordinary dedication to their industries, embodying the qualities of leadership, innovation and community service.

The Rising Star Award recognizes 25 first- and second-year undergraduate students who have demonstrated exceptional promise and leadership potential. These students, selected from an application pool of over 185, are early in their academic journeys but have already begun making significant strides in their studies, extracurriculars and career aspirations.

The Top Collegiate Women Award celebrates 50 juniors and seniors who have shown outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. These students represent the very best of Eller’s undergraduate program, serving as role models for their peers and future business leaders in their fields.
The Women’s Tea is an opportunity for honorees and students to connect, share experiences, and inspire one another. 

The Eller College is proud to recognize these women for their hard work. Whether through their professional accomplishments or their contributions to the community, these women exemplify what it means to be an ordinary woman doing extraordinary things.